(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
BMW Championship 2025: Robert MacIntyre Surges to Lead with Stunning Back-Nine 29
CAVES VALLEY, MARYLAND – Day one of the BMW Championship 2025 delivered high drama, as Robert MacIntyre stole the spotlight with a blistering back-nine performance that left fans and bettors buzzing.
It looked like another classic Scottie Scheffler day on the PGA TOUR — world No. 1 steady at the top — until MacIntyre’s incredible finish rewrote the script. The Scottish star rolled in six straight birdies on his final holes, firing an 8-under 62 to take a three-shot lead over Tommy Fleetwood.
A two-hour weather delay softened the recently renovated Caves Valley course, and MacIntyre took full advantage. While the redesigned layout was intended to prevent another low-scoring shootout like the 27-under event in 2021, MacIntyre’s scorecard told a different story.
Round 1 Leaderboard & Odds (FanDuel Sportsbook)
-
Robert MacIntyre (-8) – +400
-
Tommy Fleetwood (-5) – +600
-
Scottie Scheffler (-4) – +130
-
Ludvig Åberg (-2) – +2000
-
Rory McIlroy (E) – +2000
-
Ben Griffin (-3) – +2200
-
Viktor Hovland (-3) – +2200
-
Rickie Fowler (-3) – +3300
Scheffler Still the Favorite
Despite trailing by four shots, Scheffler remains the betting favorite at +130 — proof that the market trusts his consistency over four rounds. His opening 66 kept him within striking distance, and if the course tightens up, his precision game could prove decisive.
MacIntyre’s Momentum
For those betting on form, MacIntyre at +400 offers value. His iron play was sharp, and he attacked softer greens with fearless pace. However, conditions are expected to normalize, which will test his ability to hold the lead.
Players to Watch
Viktor Hovland (+2200)
Hovland’s opening 67 was one of the cleanest rounds of the day — even without a hot putter. The Norwegian lost more than a stroke on the greens but still shot 3-under, a strong indicator that big numbers are possible if his putting improves. Known for making adjustments mid-tournament, Hovland is a live threat heading into the weekend.
Tommy Fleetwood – Top 5 Finish (-155)
Fleetwood’s 65 was built on elite approach play (over 2.5 strokes gained) and a world-class short game. His precision was on display at the par-4 12th, where a laser from 208 yards out of a fairway bunker set up a birdie. If you want exposure without relying on him to win, the Top 5 market at -155 is a safe play.
With MacIntyre’s fireworks, Scheffler’s steady climb, and Fleetwood’s precision, the BMW Championship 2025 is shaping up to deliver an exciting weekend for golf fans and bettors alike.
