The anticipation for the 2025 Tour Championship is palpable as the final pairing features two players determined to secure a victory at the prestigious East Lake Golf Club. Both Patrick Cantlay and Tommy Fleetwood are on the brink of something monumental; should either emerge victorious by the end of the tournament, it will mark Cantlay's first win of the season and Fleetwood's first-ever win on the PGA Tour.
Tommy Fleetwood entered the weekend in a strong position, sharing the lead in his quest for a first PGA Tour title. During Moving Day, he showcased his skills, leading by as many as three strokes at one point. However, a double bogey on the challenging 15th hole—where his 6 iron fell short into the water—brought him back to the pack. Despite this setback, Fleetwood displayed remarkable resilience, finishing his round with a score of 67 and reclaiming a share of the lead with a total of 16 under par.
Patrick Cantlay, on the other hand, made a significant move with a stunning round of 64, his best since January. This performance propelled him into a tie with Fleetwood atop the leaderboard. Cantlay’s success at East Lake Golf Club, where he previously won the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup in 2021, adds to his confidence as he aims to break his winless streak since 2022.
Interestingly, had the former starting strokes format remained in place for the FedEx Cup Playoffs, neither Cantlay nor Fleetwood would be in this position. Instead, Scottie Scheffler would have started with a significant 10-stroke advantage. Now, with only four shots separating them, the tournament has successfully created a level playing field for the final round.
As both players prepare for Sunday, they carry the weight of expectation. For Fleetwood, this will be his third attempt at converting a 54-hole lead this season, having faced disappointment in previous tournaments. Meanwhile, Cantlay is not only striving for the FedEx Cup title but is also looking to secure his place on the United States Ryder Cup team, which adds another layer of pressure. Competing alongside him for the championship is Keegan Bradley, who is just three shots back.
Beyond the co-leaders, several contenders are still in the mix for the title. Russell Henley sits at 14 under par, just two shots off the lead. Although he struggled to find his rhythm on Saturday, a late birdie on the 18th hole has kept him in contention. Additionally, Keegan Bradley is showing strong form after an impressive round of 63, highlighting his potential to challenge for the FedEx Cup title.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, sitting at 12 under, is also a threat. Despite a frustrating day with the putter, missing several close birdie opportunities, his ability to create chances could propel him back into contention if he finds his rhythm on Sunday.
As the final round approaches, the betting odds reflect the competitive nature of the tournament. Tommy Fleetwood is favored at 8/5, followed closely by Patrick Cantlay at 2-1. Other contenders include Scottie Scheffler at 11/2, Russell Henley at 6-1, and Keegan Bradley at 16-1.
For those considering bets, Henley offers significant value given his ability to perform well under pressure. His steady play and potential to go low may allow him to surpass both Fleetwood and Cantlay in the final stretch.
As the 2025 Tour Championship reaches its climax, fans can expect a thrilling showdown that will determine not only the champion but also the final standings in the PGA Tour for the year. With a $10 million prize and the coveted FedEx Cup title on the line, the stakes have never been higher.
