Mark Schofield confidently chose Rory McIlroy to succeed this week due to his exceptional driving capabilities and outstanding recent form. Schofield emphasized that Memorial Park's length (7,475 yards, par-70) sets up superbly for McIlroy, who is fifth on the PGA Tour in driving distance (averaging 315 yards) and leads the field in strokes gained off the tee (0.905). Additionally, McIlroy's top-ranked total strokes gained (2.289), PGA-leading scoring average, and consistent results this season—including all top-25 finishes and two victories—make him an exceptionally strong candidate despite the low odds (+650).

Mark Schofield highlighted Sepp Straka as a strong pick at +1600 odds for the Valspar Championship due to his exceptional iron play, crucial on the challenging Copperhead Course at Innisbrook. Straka currently ranks sixth on the PGA Tour in strokes gained on approach (0.933), fifth in greens in regulation rate (73.69%), and third in proximity to the hole on approach shots. Mark's reasoning focuses on the course requirement for accurate second shots, and he argued that given Straka’s consistent approach metrics, he matches up ideally with the demands of the Copperhead layout. With his recent form, including a victory earlier this year at The American Express, Schofield believes Straka is set to contend strongly for the win.