2025 PGA Travelers Championship: Most Bet 1st Round Leaders

First Round Leader Bets Heating Up at the Travelers

The Travelers Championship offers one of the more volatile betting boards for First Round Leader (FRL) markets—and bettors are pouncing. With TPC River Highlands often yielding red numbers early, sharp FRL picks are focused on players with recent fast starts, strong course familiarity, and elite ball-striking. These five names have emerged as the most bet FRL targets at BetMGM heading into Thursday, blending statistical pop with proven opening-round results.

Kevin Yu (+5000): Trending Low Out the Gate

Kevin Yu has become a Thursday darling, recording opening rounds of 68 or lower in four of his last six starts. The 26-year-old also opened with a 65 in his Travelers debut last year, showcasing comfort on this track. He ranks ninth in strokes gained off the tee (+0.571) and sits 14th in overall scoring average (69.75), both key indicators for early leaderboard climbs. At 50/1, Yu is a sharp value bet to come out firing once again.

Cameron Young (+4000): Speed and Scoring from the Start

Cameron Young has delivered five opening rounds under 70 this season, including a pair of 66s, and tied for ninth at the Travelers last year. Known for his explosive length—ranking 21st in driving distance (311.4 yards)—and a hot putter (10th in SG: Putting, 15th in one-putt percentage), Young brings the type of aggressive game that can overwhelm River Highlands early. With momentum and metrics lining up, he’s a live wire on Thursday.

Aaron Rai (+5000): Accuracy That Travels on Thursdays

Few are as consistent off the tee as Aaron Rai, who leads the PGA Tour in driving accuracy (73.55%) and ranks 18th in greens in regulation. He’s opened six events with rounds of 68 or better this year and shot 68 and 67 to begin his last two Travelers starts. For a player who thrives on precision, Rai’s game is tailor-made to thrive early at River Highlands, making him a value pick for FRL seekers.

Tom Hoge (+4000): Familiar Face, Fast Starter

Tom Hoge knows TPC River Highlands like the back of his hand, having played it 10 times and finishing T3 a year ago. He’s fired six sub-68 openers this season—including a 63 and two 64s. Hoge currently ranks 16th in SG: Approach, 10th in proximity, and 10th in putts per round. That combination of elite iron play and reliable putting makes Hoge a high-upside FRL play at 40/1 with significant course familiarity to back it.

Mackenzie Hughes (+6600): Cut-Making Machine with Opening Round Firepower

Mackenzie Hughes is 8-for-8 making the cut at the Travelers and has a history of explosive Thursdays on this course. He shot an opening 65 last year and memorably carded a 60 here in 2020. With five first rounds of 68 or better this season—including a 65—Hughes is no stranger to catching fire early. At 66/1, he offers longshot value with proven course results and the upside to lead out of the gate.

PGA Travelers Championship Most Bet First Round Leader (Tickets)

• Kevin Yu +5000
• Cameron Young +4000
• Aaron Rai +5000
• Tom Hoge +4000
• Mackenzie Hughes +6600

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