PGA TOUR’s 2026 FedExCup Playoffs: A Look at the BMW Championship

The field has been narrowed to 50 golfers as the PGA TOUR’s 2026 FedExCup Playoffs continue. The second round takes place at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri, for the BMW Championship. After this event, the top 30 players will advance to East Lake for the TOUR Championship next week.

Upcoming Challenges at Bellerive

Bellerive presents a par-70 course stretching 7,448 yards with bentgrass greens. The club has hosted several major tournaments, including the 2018 PGA Championship, won by Brooks Koepka. Rain is expected to soften the course, possibly leading to numerous birdies. Strong driving and precise iron play will be crucial for success.

Top Performers and Betting Insights

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler secured his second victory of the year at the recent FedEx St. Jude Championship. Scheffler won by an impressive eight strokes, the only player to achieve a double-digit under par score. His performance suggests betting on him might offer limited returns, given the odds.

Highlighted Golfers

• Chris Gotterup: With three wins this season, including the John Deere Classic, Gotterup’s consistency makes him a strong contender. His ability on driver-heavy courses could be advantageous at Bellerive. He ranks second in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee in recent rounds.
• Hideki Matsuyama: Matsuyama’s current form includes six straight finishes in the top 14. Leading in birdie-or-better rate, he is expected to thrive, especially with forecasted rain softening the course.
• Collin Morikawa: Known for his sharp ball-striking, Morikawa has proven his skills on challenging courses, placing well at major events this year. His strengths align well with Bellerive’s conditions.
• Michael Thorbjornsen: This player has gained traction for his recent success, including a win at a similar Midwest course. His comprehensive skills across various aspects of the game position him as a promising player at Bellerive.

Picks and Bets

The betting strategy has focused on odds for players like Gotterup, Matsuyama, Morikawa, and Thorbjornsen. These players have shown recent form and the skills needed for a potential upset.

Conclusion

The BMW Championship at Bellerive offers an intriguing competition with many top players in form. As the field narrows, each player’s strengths and adaptability to course conditions will be pivotal.

For more insights and analysis, follow Geoffery Clark on his ‘OutKick Bets Podcast’ or on X @Geoffery-Clark.