YOU have to wonder what Rory McIlroy was thinking when he saw the first FedEx Cup play-off event go to a play-off – between two men he had beaten in play-offs early this year!

McIlroy triumphed over eventual St Jude Championship winner Justin Rose in sudden death in the Masters, a month after taking down last week’s runner-up JJ Spaun, in overtime at The Players.

Maybe McIlroy will think he kissed a trick by sitting it last week. But coming in fresh, at the BMW Championship, when you know you have already guaranteed a spot in next week’s Tour Championship, could work in his favour.

I certainly think the 7-1 generally on offer for McIlroy at Caves Valley in Maryland is far more attractive than the 5-2 or thereabouts on offer for world No 1 Scottie Scheffler.

The last time the BMW was held at Caves Valley, in 2021, McIlroy finished fourth on 22 under par – eight shots ahead of Scheffler, who could only manage a share of 22nd.

Scheffler is a much better player now, of course. He is undoubtedly the best golfer on the planet, but he is not usually at his best in birdie bonanzas. So Rory gets the nod in the battle for the Big Two.

Free bet offers from our betting partners

• Midnite: Get £25 bonus + 50 free spins – CLAIM HERE*
• William Hill: Claim your £40 in free bets – CLAIM HERE*
• Betfred: Get £50 in free bets – CLAIM HERE*
• BetMGM: Get £40 in free bets to spend – CLAIM HERE*
• talkSPORT BET: Get up to £40 in free bets – CLAIM HERE*
• Tote: Grab your £50 in free bets and bonuses – CLAIM HERE

BMW Championship 2025 betting tips

Patrick Cantlay won that 2021 BMW, but he was a lot more consistent back then. At the moment, whenever he looks like recapturing the form that took him to third in the world rankings, he throws in a missed cut.

That can’t happen this week, as all 49 starters – Sepp Straka is missing because of a family problem – are guaranteed four rounds.

At around 25-1, it could be worth taking a chance on Cantlay making course knowledge count, especially after he posted a top ten finish at the St Jude – his first since May.

Sungjae Im also played well here four years ago to finish a place in front of McIlroy. He needs a good week to hold onto a top 30 spot and make it through to the Tour Championship. At 66-1, he represents decent each way value.

Sam Burns, who was eighth here in 2021, is in the same boat as Im, at 24th in the current FedEx rankings, one place above the Korean. A best-priced 40-1 also appeals each way.

Rickie Fowler’s form has taken an upturn, and he is also 66-1 in places, while Si Woo Kim shot four rounds in the 60s at the St Jude. He deserves a second look at around 70-1.

**********************************************************

LIV Golf Indianapolis 2025 betting tips

The LIV circuit moves on to Indianapolis for the second leg of a three week run in the States.

Dean Burmester did the business for us in Chicago at 33-1. He has only been cut to 25-1 for that victory, and it could be worth re-investing some of last week’s returns.

Joaquin Niemann and Jon Rahm are the only players who can win the season-long LIV individual title, with defending champion Rahm the bookies favourite this week at around 4-1.

Too short for me, despite the Spaniard’s incredible consistency, which included a play-off defeat to Burmester in Chicago.

The third player involved in that shoot-out, Jose Luis Ballester, will be buzzing after doing something noteworthy other than taking a leak in Rae’s Creek – something the young Spaniard notoriously did at this year’s Masters.

Ballester was regarded as one of the most exciting amateur talents to emerge for years before joining LIV a few months ago. At 50-1, and higher, it is worth seeing if that performance last week was more than an early flash in the pan.

And the in-form Carlos Ortiz is another man worth having on your side, especially at the 25-1 available in a few places.

**********************************************************

DP World Tour betting tips

The DP World Tour is still stuck in second gear – at least as far as star power is concerned – after a brief spell in the limelight at the Renaissance Club and Portrush.

Local stars Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard dominate the market for the Danish Championship – along with compatriot Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.

But I have been impressed recently with Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan – a 20-1 shot – while Dutchman Daan Huizing looked good for three rounds at the Nexo Championship last week.

At 250-1, it is worth seeing whether he can keep it going for 72 holes this week.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk

*Midnite. 18+ New customers only. Place a £5+ bet at minimum odds of 1/1 (2.0) within 14 days of sign-up. Get £25 in Free Sports Bets + 50 Free Spins (valued at £0.10 each), valid for 7 days on selected bets and games. Free stake not returned with winnings. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org

*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.

*Betfred. New customers only. Register with SUMMER50 between 31/05/24 – 14/07/24. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply.

*BetMGM: New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.

*talkSPORT BET: 18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile device or app, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly

*Tote. New customers online only. Valid with code B10G50 on registration. Bet min £/€10 at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £/€10 Win + £/€10 Place) within 7 days of registration. Receive £/€20 Tote Credit, £/€10 Sports Bet, 2 x £/€5 Sports Acca and 50 Free Spins. 7-day expiry. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool or sports bet added to the bet-slip. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.Full T&Cs apply.