The PGA TOUR's 2026 FedExCup Playoffs continue with the BMW Championship at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri. This marks the penultimate event of the playoffs, with the top 30 players in the FedExCup standings advancing to the TOUR Championship at East Lake. Bellerive, a par-70 course stretching 7,448 yards, features bentgrass greens and has previously hosted major championships, including the 2018 PGA Championship. With rain in the forecast, conditions are expected to favor a high number of birdies, making strong driving and precise iron play crucial for contenders.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler arrives at Bellerive as the player to beat. He secured his second victory of the 2026 season at last week's FedEx St. Jude Championship, winning by a commanding eight strokes. Scheffler was the only golfer to finish double-digit under par at the event. Despite his strong performance, some bettors are considering "Winner without Scottie Scheffler" markets due to his overwhelming favoritism.
Notable Contenders and Betting Selections
Chris Gotterup is highlighted as a strong contender, with betting selections focusing on his outright win and top-10 placement. Gotterup recently won the John Deere Classic at a Midwest course with bentgrass greens, showcasing his ability to perform on similar terrain. His game has proven effective across different conditions, including wins at the Sony Open in Hawaii and the WM Phoenix Open. Gotterup ranks highly in Strokes Gained (SG): Off-the-Tee and ball-striking within the field, attributes well-suited for Bellerive's layout.
Hideki Matsuyama is also noted for his current form and favorable odds. Matsuyama has achieved six consecutive top-14 finishes, including four straight top-7 results. He leads the field in birdie-or-better rate over the last 24 rounds, a key metric given the expected scoring conditions at Bellerive. His ball-striking ranks are strong, and his putting, while not his strongest suit, is considered among the best globally.
Collin Morikawa's performance and odds are considered by some to be underestimated. He leads the TOUR in Strokes Gained: Approach this season and ranks highly in driving accuracy. Morikawa secured a win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and made the cut in all four majors, with a T7 at The Masters. Bentgrass greens are his best putting surface, and his accuracy could be a significant advantage at Bellerive.
Michael Thorbjornsen is also a selection, with some bettors favoring him at higher odds. Thorbjornsen recently achieved his first TOUR win at the driver-heavy Rocket Classic, which also featured bent greens. His other strong finishes have come at courses with similarities to Bellerive. He has shown consistent improvement across all aspects of his game, suggesting he is living up to his collegiate accolades and that Bellerive's layout suits his style of play.