RBC Canadian Open 2025: Full Betting Preview, Picks & Expert Predictions

By: Will Doctor (PGA Tour Preview Podcast)

The 2025 RBC Canadian Open returns with historic significance and exciting changes. Hosted for the first time at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, this year’s event promises a dynamic birdie-fest with wide fairways, oversized greens, and minimal trouble—offering aggressive scoring conditions not seen since Scottie Scheffler’s 31-under performance at the Byron Nelson.

As the final tournament before the U.S. Open, this week’s event is pivotal for both seasoned contenders and rising stars. Below is a full preview based on betting expert Will Doctor’s comprehensive podcast breakdown.

 Tournament Overview

• Venue: TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley

• Length: 7,300+ yards

• Conditions: Wide fairways, large greens (19th largest on Tour), minimal hazards

• Format Expectation: Potential for very low scores

 Review of Recent Action: The Memorial Tournament

Before diving into RBC picks, Doctor reflects on last week’s Memorial Tournament:

• Scottie Scheffler dominated with his 16th PGA Tour win.

• The victory continued his impressive run, winning 3 of his last 4 starts.

• He overcame Ben Griffin with machine-like consistency, recording only one bogey across the weekend.

Doctor’s betting card produced a slim profit (+0.6 units) but remains down 62.9 units YTD. Notable bets included Shane Lowry, Andrew Novak, Taylor Pendrith, and Bud Cauley—all of whom struggled on the greens despite strong ball-striking.

 Top Contenders Breakdown

Rory McIlroy

• Opening Odds: +450

• Recent Results:

  • PGA Championship: 47th

  • Zurich: 12th

  • Truist: 7th

• Canadian Open Record: 2 wins, 2 additional top-10s (4 starts)

• Doctor’s Take: Skipped Memorial likely to avoid overplaying before U.S. Open. TPC Toronto’s forgiving layout suits his game, though the short odds deter Doctor from placing a wager.

Ludvig Åberg

• Opening Odds: 16-1

• Recent Form:

  • Memorial: 16th (closed with 66)

  • Masters: 7th

  • Early-season inconsistency (multiple finishes outside top 50)

• Canadian Open History: 25th in lone appearance at Oakdale

• Doctor’s Take: Trending positively after struggles; betting odds slightly overpriced, but well-suited for the course’s setup.

Corey Conners

• Opening Odds: 20-1

• FedExCup Rank: 9th

• Key Stats:

  • Approach shots 150-175 yds: 14th

  • Approach shots 175-200 yds: 69th (slight recent decline)

  • Improved putting: 63rd in strokes-gained putting (up from 128th last season)

• Doctor’s Take: Improved putting complements elite ball-striking, but distance disadvantage and recent approach struggles prompt a pass.

Shane Lowry

• Opening Odds: 22-1

• Putting Issues:

  • 124th in 10-15 ft one-putts

  • 96th in strokes-gained putting

• Canadian Open History: Several top-15s but never contended closely

• Doctor’s Take: Outstanding ball-striker but lacks putting consistency needed to win a birdie contest. Fully fades Lowry this week.

Robert MacIntyre

• Opening Odds: 30-1

• Defending Champion: Won 2023 RBC Canadian Open

• Recent Struggles:

  • Chipping issues

  • Loss of driving distance

• Doctor’s Take: Consistency drop-off compared to 2023; opts against all betting positions on MacIntyre.

Taylor Pendrith

• Opening Odds: 30-1

• Recent Form:

  • Best Canadian Open result: 21st (2024)

  • Recent surge in approach game (+2.5 strokes at Memorial)

• Doctor’s Take: Long off the tee but plagued by putting volatility. No bets on Pendrith this week.

Sam Burns

• Opening Odds: 30-1

• Strengths:

  • #1 in strokes-gained putting

  • First positive week with irons since February at Phoenix Open

• Canadian Open Record: 2 top-10s in 3 starts

• Doctor’s Pick: Top-20 finish at +125 (MGM).

 Value Picks & Deep Plays

Johnny Keefer

• Top-20 Odds: +250

• Background: 24-year-old from Baylor, rapid rise through PGA Tour Americas and Korn Ferry.

• Recent Achievements:

  • 2nd at Knoxville Open

  • 12th at UNCL Championship

  • Qualified for U.S. Open via playoff

• Doctor’s Take: Emerging star with immense upside; confident Top-20 selection.

Luke Clanton

• Outright Odds: 40-1

• Background: Florida State standout; 4 college wins this spring.

• Historical Feat: First amateur since Jack Nicklaus to post 3 top-10s in PGA Tour season.

• Recent PGA Tour Results:

  • John Deere: 2nd

  • Wyndham: 5th

  • RSM: 2nd

• Doctor’s Take: Despite minor inconsistency, believes Clanton has elite upside to win this week.

Gary Woodland

• Outright Odds: 80-1

• Recent Form: 11th at Colonial (+1.5 strokes gained putting)

• Key Strengths:

  • Elite big-grass putter

  • Strong driver and ball-striker

• Doctor’s Take: Distance, putting, and course-fit combine for massive upside. Woodland primed for contention.

Eric Van Rooyen

• Outright Odds: 100-1

• Recent Form:

  • Won U.S. Open Qualifier by 6 shots (against elite field).

  • Runner-up at Nelson (-27 under par)

• Strengths:

  • Elite shootout scorer

  • Above-average bentgrass putter

• Doctor’s Take: Course-fit and recent dominance in qualifying make him a fantastic high-value pick.

Sleeper Pick: Cougar Collins

• Top-40 Odds: 8-1

• Background: 25-year-old local; longtime TPC Toronto member.

• Notable Performance: Won regional qualifier (-6 through 15, eagle finish).

• Doctor’s Take: Home-course advantage and recent strong play in Canadian Mini Tours point toward cut-making potential.

First-Round Specialist: Harry Hall

• Top-10 Odds After Round 1: 4-1

• Recent Form:

  • 20th, 19th, 6th in last 3 starts

  • Ranked 6th in first-round scoring average

• Strengths: Elite bentgrass putter; recent improvements in driving and approach.

• Doctor’s Take: Perfect setup for a strong first round at TPC Toronto.

 Fantasy Lineup Suggestions

DraftKings Lineup ($50K budget)

Total: $50K.

PGA Tour Fantasy Lineup

• Starters: Ludvig Åberg, Harry Hall, Luke Clanton, Eric Van Rooyen (Captain)

• Bench: Johnny Keefer, Sam Burns.

 Final Predictions & Best Bets

• Projected Winning Score: -27 under par

• Weather Note: Dry conditions early; 60% chance of rain over weekend could influence scoring.

• Best Bet: Ludvig Åberg Top-10 at +150.

? Closing Remarks

Will Doctor signs off by promoting Pregame.com’s RBC20 promo code for discounted picks while promising more expert insights ahead of the upcoming U.S. Open at Oakmont.