Sanderson Farms Championship 2025: Battle for the Legendary Rooster Trophy

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October 2, 2025

Following the excitement of the Ryder Cup, the golf circuit moves to Mississippi for the Sanderson Farms Championship 2025, taking place October 2-5. The PGA Tour continues its FedEx Fall series with the second tournament of the season at the Country Club of Jackson, where 132 players will compete not only for a share of the six-million-dollar purse but also for one of golf's most original trophies – the famous rooster.

Favorites and Their Chances

Akshay Bhatia (odds 20-1)

The tournament's main favorite according to most experts has ideal prerequisites for success in Jackson. Bhatia excels in accuracy with his approach shots and irons, which is crucial on this course. Analysts emphasize that he has "all the room to work the ball as he wishes" and can "heat up with approaches and irons."

Even more important is his form on the greens. Over the last 50 rounds, he ranks among the top putters with "the highest mathematical ceiling of anyone in the field." Combined with a suitable course, Bhatia represents a strong candidate for victory.

Min Woo Lee (odds 22-1)

The Australian talent is seeking a return to form after a challenging period in the United States. He regained his confidence during two starts in Europe, where he achieved finishes of T-11 and T-5. His aggressive playing style – "bomb it off the tee, don't care where it goes, and rely on a hot short game and putter" – suits the character of the course at the Country Club of Jackson.

Lee ranks among the longest hitters in the field, giving him an advantage on the par 72 course measuring 7,461 yards. If his short game is functioning, he could be a dangerous competitor.

Rico Hoey (odds 35-1)

The Filipino professional represents an interesting dichotomy – he's one of the best ball strikers in the field but simultaneously one of the worst putters. However, the switch to a long putter at the Procore brought immediate results with a T-9 finish.

Hoey's driving statistics are impressive. In 2025, he lost strokes off the tee only twice in 25 starts. On a course that tolerates inaccuracy from the tee box, his strength in the long game could be decisive – provided he maintains his improved form on the greens.

Max Homa (odds 45-1)

The PGA Tour veteran arrives motivated by his friends' success at the Ryder Cup. His irons were "at their peak at one of the year's final events," which is crucial for this tournament. The Country Club of Jackson forgives driving inaccuracy, which plays to Homa's strengths, as approach shots are his greatest asset.

At 45-1 odds, he represents an interesting value bet for those who believe in his experience and current form.

International Stars

The tournament has attracted strong representation from European talent. Rasmus Højgaard is the only recent Ryder Cup participant in the field, where he represented Europe with a 0-2-0 record. His twin brother Nicolai Højgaard is also seeking a breakthrough victory on the PGA Tour.

Another interesting name is Michael Thorbjornsen, a young American striving for his first professional triumph.

Defending Champions and Veterans

Six former Sanderson Farms Championship winners return to defend their place in tournament history:

• Kevin Yu (2024) - defending champion
• Luke List (2023)
• Mackenzie Hughes (2022)
• Cameron Champ (2018)
• Ryan Armour (2017)
• Peter Malnati (2015)

Yu will attempt to join the elite group of players who have won this tournament multiple times.

Keys to Success

The Country Club of Jackson is a par 72 course measuring 7,461 yards that rewards longer hitters. Tournament history shows that most winners excelled primarily on the greens – putting is often decisive here.

The course offers relatively generous forgiveness for inaccuracy off the tee, meaning aggressive players can take risks without excessive penalty. The combination of length, quality short game, and hot putter often leads to victory.

Amateur Representative

Among the interesting participants is Michael La Sasso, winner of the 2025 NCAA Division I Individual National Championship. The Ole Miss junior is making his sixth start of the year as an amateur, having made only one cut at the July 3M Open (T44).

La Sasso represents another chapter in the tradition of talented amateurs testing their skills against the world's best professionals.

Tournament Significance

The Sanderson Farms Championship 2025 isn't just another tournament – for many players, it's a chance to secure a PGA Tour card for 2026. After the euphoria of the Ryder Cup comes an event where the futures of dozens of professional golfers are decided.

The tournament offers an interesting mix of veterans seeking another victory, rising stars fighting for a breakthrough, and amateurs proving they belong among the elite. Watch to see who takes home the famous rooster trophy on Sunday and joins the prestigious group of champions.

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More information:24live.com