The WM Phoenix Open is heating up, and the final round promises to be nothing short of electrifying. But here’s where it gets controversial: with 10 golfers within three shots of the lead, predicting a winner feels like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. Hideki Matsuyama may be leading, but the real story is the fierce competition brewing behind him—especially from Maverick McNealy, who’s staking his claim for the winner’s circle. And this is the part most people miss: McNealy’s consistency since 2025 has been nothing short of remarkable, with eight top-10 finishes, yet he’s still chasing that elusive trophy. Could this be his moment?
The course itself has been a character in this drama, with holes 11 through 18 delivering pure cinematic tension. Half of these holes have played over par, while the other half have offered golden scoring opportunities—all under the roar of tens of thousands of fans. It’s a high-pressure environment that separates the contenders from the pretenders, and it’s also created a betting landscape ripe with value for the final round.
Let’s dive into the odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, where McNealy sits at +560 to win. His performance this week—ranking in the top 15 for both Strokes Gained: Approach and Strokes Gained: Putting—shows he’s got the tools to close the deal. But is he the safest bet? Bold prediction: While McNealy’s momentum is undeniable, Scottie Scheffler (+2100) could be the dark horse. After a shaky start, he’s climbed back up the leaderboard with rounds of 65 and 67. If he can avoid the mistakes that stalled his third-round momentum (like that missed 3-foot-7-inch putt on the 12th), he could surge into the top 10. But here’s the question: Can he overcome his struggles on the front nine, where he’s played exactly to field average—a rarity for a player of his caliber?
Another name to watch is Michael Brennan, who’s quietly improved each round and sits at -104 for a top 20 finish. His driving has been stellar, gaining nearly 1.5 strokes on the field, and his iron play has been even more impressive. Despite hitting only 64% of greens in regulation, he’s producing above-average approach shots that are turning into birdies. Controversial take: Could Brennan’s under-the-radar performance make him the smartest bet for a high finish?
As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: this tournament is far from over. Who do you think will take home the trophy? Is McNealy a lock, or will someone like Scheffler or Brennan steal the show? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
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