2025 Sanderson Farms Championship: Bold Predictions from a Model That Crushed 16 Majors

The 2025 Sanderson Farms Championship Begins with High Stakes and Close Competition

After a two-week break, the PGA Tour is back in action with the 2025 Sanderson Farms Championship set to kick off on Thursday. This event has a reputation for being one of the most competitive on the schedule, with the last six editions decided by either a single stroke or a playoff. In fact, the average winning score over that span has been nearly 20-under-par, suggesting that low scores are likely again this year.

The tournament will be held at the Country Club of Jackson, which is among the 10 longest courses on the 2025 PGA Tour schedule. The course’s length and challenging layout could play a significant role in determining the winner, especially with its smaller greens that demand precision from players.

Top Contenders and Surprising Predictions

Akshay Bhatia is currently the favorite at +2000 odds, as he is the highest-ranked player in the field. Defending champion Kevin Yu, who won the event last year at 23-under-par, is listed at +2500. Davis Thompson also shares the same odds. However, the latest predictions from a proven computer model suggest some surprises in store.

One of the most unexpected calls from the model is that Kevin Yu may not even make the top 10 this week. Despite his victory in 2024, Yu has struggled recently, missing the cut in three of his last four tournaments and failing to finish in the top 25 in his last five starts. His putting has been a major concern, as he ranks outside the top 100 in strokes gained: putting, which limits his ability to capitalize on birdie opportunities. Even though he won here last year, Yu’s inconsistency raises questions about his chances this time around.

Another intriguing pick from the model is Emiliano Grillo, a longshot at +4000 odds. The Argentinian has made a remarkable climb in the rankings, moving from 166th to inside the top 100 in just four months. He has shown strong form this season, including a fourth-place finish in his last start and a runner-up finish at the John Deere Classic. Grillo also had a top-5 finish at the U.S. Open and has performed well at the Country Club of Jackson in previous years, placing 11th last year and finishing in the top 5 in 2022. His driving accuracy and putting skills make him a valuable contender despite his long odds.

Additional Longshots to Consider

The model is also highlighting two other golfers with odds of 40-1 or longer who could make a strong run at the title. These longshots could offer substantial returns for those willing to take a risk. While the favorites like Akshay Bhatia and Kevin Yu remain strong contenders, the unpredictability of the course and the competition mean that underdogs could surprise everyone.

Key Players and Odds

Here are some of the top players and their current odds for the 2025 Sanderson Farms Championship:

• Akshay Bhatia – +2000
• Kevin Yu – +2500
• Davis Thompson – +2500
• Michael Thorbjornsen – +2700
• Rasmus Højgaard – +2700
• Min Woo Lee – +2700
• J.T. Poston – +3000
• Nicolai Højgaard – +3500
• Rico Hoey – +3500
• Alex Smalley – +3500
• Mackenzie Hughes – +3500
• Emiliano Grillo – +4000
• Keith Mitchell – +4000
• Matt Wallace – +4000
• Luke Clanton – +4000
• Jacob Bridgeman – +4000
• Max Homa – +4500
• Sam Stevens – +4500
• Thorbjørn Olesen – +4500
• Cameron Champ – +4500

These odds reflect the confidence of the model in certain players, but they also highlight the wide range of possibilities for the tournament.

Final Thoughts

With the 2025 Sanderson Farms Championship now underway, fans can expect an exciting mix of high-stakes competition and unpredictable outcomes. Whether you're backing the favorites or taking a chance on a longshot, there's something for every type of bettor. As always, it's wise to follow expert predictions and stay informed about the latest developments before placing any bets.