2023 Tour Championship: Expert Predictions and Favorites for the Ultimate Golf Showdown

2023 Tour Championship Picks: Expert Predictions and Favorites to Win

The 2023 Tour Championship, the final event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, is set to take place at East Lake Golf Club. With an $18 million winner’s share on the line, this tournament is crucial for determining the most accomplished golfer of the year. CBS Sports has gathered predictions from its experts to analyze the twists and turns that may unfold at this exciting event.

Scottie Scheffler vs. Rory McIlroy: A Battle for Greatness

Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are two players who have a lot at stake in this tournament. Although Scheffler has not won a major championship in 2023, his strokes-gained statistics and near-record winnings on Tour make him a formidable competitor. On the other hand, McIlroy is aiming to become the first golfer to win back-to-back FedEx Cups and extend his lead as the all-time leader with a fourth trophy.

So, which achievement would be more impressive: Scheffler’s outstanding season or McIlroy’s sustained excellence in the FedEx Cup era? CBS Sports experts have debated this question, and their opinions differ. Kyle Porter argues that while Scheffler’s season has been remarkable, McIlroy’s ability to win four FedEx Cups would be a more meaningful achievement. In contrast, Patrick McDonald believes that Scheffler’s season-long brilliance makes his potential victory more impressive in the short term. Dean Straka shares Porter’s sentiment, citing McIlroy’s sustained quality over a decade and the rarity of winning four FedEx Cups.

Expert Predictions

The CBS Sports experts have also made predictions for the 2023 Tour Championship. Here are some of their picks:

Kyle Porter’s Picks:

• Winner – Rory McIlroy
• Sleeper – Xander Schauffele
• Top 10, but will not win – Wyndham Clark
• Biggest jump up leaderboard – Russell Henley
• Biggest fall down leaderboard – Lucas Glover

Patrick McDonald’s Picks:

• Winner – Scottie Scheffler
• Sleeper – Russell Henley
• Top 10, but will not win – Matt Fitzpatrick
• Biggest jump up leaderboard – Tommy Fleetwood
• Biggest fall down leaderboard – Jon Rahm

Dean Straka’s Picks:

• Winner – Scottie Scheffler
• Sleeper – Xander Schauffele
• Top 10, but will not win – Brian Harman
• Biggest jump up leaderboard – Rory McIlroy
• Biggest fall down leaderboard – Nick Taylor

Adam Silverstein’s Picks:

• Winner – Rory McIlroy
• Sleeper – Rickie Fowler
• Top 10, but will not win – Wyndham Clark
• Biggest jump up leaderboard – Xander Schauffele
• Biggest fall down leaderboard – Lucas Glover

Final Thoughts

The Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club promises to be an exciting and fiercely competitive event. While the expert predictions differ, it is clear that both Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy have a lot to prove and gain in this tournament. Whether it is Scheffler’s exceptional season or McIlroy’s potential for creating a dynasty with a second consecutive FedEx Cup win, the outcome of this tournament will undoubtedly shape the legacies of these golfers. Fans and bettors alike will be eagerly watching to see who emerges as the champion.

Disclaimer: The predictions and picks mentioned above are opinions of the CBS Sports experts and should not be considered as guarantees.