2023 Tour Championship: Expert Picks and Favorites to Watch

Analyzing the 2023 Tour Championship Picks and Predictions

Introduction

The 2023 Tour Championship, the final event of the PGA Tour season, promises an exciting conclusion with an $18 million winner’s share on the line. The tournament at East Lake Golf Club will determine the golfer who stands atop the leaderboard and cements their status as one of the most accomplished players of the year. Two names stand out as potential favorites: Scottie Scheffler, who has had an impressive season, and Rory McIlroy, who aims to become the first golfer to win back-to-back FedEx Cup titles.

The Stakes: Scheffler vs. McIlroy

Scottie Scheffler enters the Tour Championship with a two-stroke lead and remarkable strokes-gained statistics. His consistent performances throughout the season make him a strong contender for the title. On the other hand, Rory McIlroy, starting three strokes behind Scheffler, has the opportunity to create history by becoming the first player to win consecutive FedEx Cups.

Expert Predictions: Scheffler or McIlroy?

The CBS Sports experts present differing opinions on which achievement would be more impressive—Scheffler winning the Tour Championship or McIlroy winning back-to-back FedEx Cups.

Kyle Porter’s Perspective

Porter, a senior golf writer, believes that McIlroy is the favorite to win the event. McIlroy has a strong record at East Lake, having been one of the top performers at the course. Porter highlights McIlroy’s starting position, just three strokes behind Scheffler, and his recent strong form from tee to green. Porter concludes that it would be challenging to pick anyone else as the winner.

Regarding a sleeper pick, Porter selects Xander Schauffele due to his exceptional performance at East Lake. Although Schauffele starts seven strokes behind Scheffler, his previous successes at the Tour Championship make him a contender worth watching.

Porter also predicts that Wyndham Clark, despite starting in a high position, will not finish in the top ten. Clark lacks the necessary momentum to compete against the more experienced and successful players in the field.

Russell Henley is Porter’s candidate for the biggest leap up the leaderboard. Henley’s recent impressive performances, combined with his determination to secure a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team, make him a notable player to watch.

Porter believes Lucas Glover, currently in fifth place, could experience a significant drop in the standings due to his inconsistent putting. Glover’s performance in the previous week indicated a return to his average level, potentially jeopardizing his position.

Regarding which achievement would be more significant, Porter acknowledges Scheffler’s exceptional season but argues that McIlroy’s potential back-to-back FedEx Cup victories would be a more meaningful overall achievement. He cites the difficulty of sustaining success under the FedEx Cup format, making McIlroy’s achievement more impressive in the long term.

Patrick McDonald’s Perspective

Patrick McDonald, another golf writer, favors Scottie Scheffler as the winner of the Tour Championship. McDonald emphasizes that Scheffler has been the best player throughout the year and suggests that he has learned from his previous runner-up finish at the event. He also mentions Scheffler’s improvement in putting, which could make a significant difference in his performance.

As a sleeper pick, McDonald chooses Russell Henley, noting Henley’s proficiency with accurate driving and pinpoint iron play. McDonald considers Henley the most underrated player on the PGA Tour and believes his comfortable familiarity with the grass types at East Lake will work to his advantage.

McDonald predicts that Matt Fitzpatrick, while currently in the top ten, will not finish as the winner due to his inconsistent form and the stronger competition he will face.

Tommy Fleetwood, according to McDonald, will be the player with the most significant jump up the leaderboard. Fleetwood’s consistent performances since his playoff loss at the Canadian Open make him a player to watch.

Jon Rahm, the current fourth-place holder, is McDonald’s candidate for the biggest fall down the leaderboard due to his recent struggles with accuracy off the tee.

Regarding the bigger achievement, McDonald leans towards McIlroy winning the FedEx Cup. Despite acknowledging Scheffler’s impressive season, McDonald believes that McIlroy’s potential second consecutive FedEx Cup title would be a testament to his status as one of the all-time greats in golf.

Dean Straka’s Perspective

Golf writer Dean Straka predicts Scottie Scheffler as the winner of the Tour Championship, highlighting Scheffler’s advantageous starting position and consistent top-five finishes in his recent performances. Straka also notes that Scheffler’s runner-up finish last year at East Lake adds to his motivation for redemption.

Xander Schauffele is Straka’s sleeper pick, given his strong track record at the Tour Championship. Although Schauffele starts seven strokes behind Scheffler, Straka believes he is a player to closely monitor.

Straka predicts that Brian Harman, currently in a good position, will not win the tournament due to the presence of more prominent players.

Regarding the biggest jump up the leaderboard, Straka names Rory McIlroy. With McIlroy’s past successes at East Lake, Straka anticipates a thrilling finish where McIlroy challenges Scheffler for the title.

Nick Taylor, making his Tour Championship debut, is Straka’s choice for the biggest fall down the leaderboard. Despite Taylor’s impressive qualification for the event, Straka believes his recent inconsistent form and lack of experience at East Lake will hinder his performance.

Considering the achievement with a win, Straka acknowledges Scheffler’s outstanding season but believes that McIlroy’s second consecutive FedEx Cup title would be a more significant individual accomplishment. He emphasizes McIlroy’s ability to overcome a challenging period earlier in the season, making his potential victory more impactful.

Adam Silverstein’s Perspective

Adam Silverstein, director of editorial, favors Rory McIlroy as the winner of the Tour Championship. Silverstein suggests that Scheffler’s consistent struggles with putting will ultimately cost him the tournament. McIlroy’s dominance at East Lake and his history of come-from-behind victories make him a compelling choice for Silverstein.

Silverstein’s sleeper pick is Rickie Fowler, despite starting in a similar position as Schauffele. Silverstein acknowledges that Schauffele has performed better overall this year, but he believes Fowler’s odds offer a more substantial payout. He refers to Fowler’s past performances and suggests that witnessing Fowler contend with Scheffler and McIlroy would create an exciting finale.

Silverstein predicts that Wyndham Clark, despite his previous successes, will not finish in the top ten due to his recent decline in form.

Regarding the biggest rise up the leaderboard, Silverstein selects Xander Schauffele, considering his strong performance history at East Lake.

The biggest fall down the leaderboard, according to Silverstein, will be Lucas Glover due to the talented field and the pressure of playing at such a high level.

In terms of which achievement would be more impressive, Silverstein agrees with the notion that McIlroy winning back-to-back FedEx Cups would carry more weight than Scheffler’s outstanding season. He highlights the difficulty of maintaining success over multiple seasons in the FedEx Cup era, making McIlroy’s potential accomplishment more exceptional.

Conclusion

The predictions and expert opinions for the 2023 Tour Championship are varied, with Scheffler and McIlroy emerging as the top contenders. Ultimately, the outcome of the tournament will depend on the players’ performance under pressure, their ability to navigate the challenging East Lake course, and their mental strength throughout the final rounds. Golf fans can expect an exciting conclusion to the PGA Tour season as the players battle for the prestigious title and a share of the massive $18 million prize.