The most likely winner is Matt Fitzpatrick , with Xander Schauffele and Viktor Hovland the other strongest picks in the pre-tournament field analysis. Fitzpatrick was listed as an early best-bet at +1600 after a strong Players Championship finish, while Schauffele and Hovland were also among the top names on the odds board and prediction lists.

Quick Scoop

  • Top pick: Matt Fitzpatrick.
  • Main challengers: Xander Schauffele, Viktor Hovland, and Brooks Koepka showed up repeatedly in the previews as players who can contend.
  • Value surprise: Akshay Bhatia was also highlighted as a winner candidate in one preview, suggesting he has upside if the favorites slip.

Why Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick stood out because preview coverage said his game fits Copperhead Course well and he just finished second at the Players, which is a strong recent form signal. The broader odds board also placed him near the top of the contenders, behind only a few big names.

Other contenders

Schauffele was mentioned as one of the top betting favorites and had strong recent form at the Players. Hovland arrived as the defending champion after winning the 2025 Valspar Championship, which makes him a very live threat again. Koepka was also singled out in a PGA Tour feature as someone who can win this week.

My read

If you want the safest pre-tournament answer, it’s Fitzpatrick. If you want the defending-champion angle, Hovland is the strongest alternative.