British Players to Watch on the 2025 PGA Tour

David Banks
Authored by David Banks
Posted: Monday, June 9, 2025 - 21:24

As the 2025 PGA Tour heads into one of its most critical stretches, British players are quietly positioning themselves for a major summer run. With the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club looming and The Open Championship set for Royal Portrush in July, several UK contenders are showing the form and mental sharpness to compete at the highest level.

These next few weeks will offer a clear indication of who’s ready to challenge on both sides of the Atlantic. For fans watching from Britain and beyond, this month could shape narratives heading into one of the most anticipated Open Championships in years.

Below is a detailed look at the British professionals making headlines this June, including the major-tested favorites and rising challengers looking to peak at the right time.

Rory McIlroy’s Dual Focus: Oakmont and Royal Portrush

Fresh off a triumphant return to major-winning form, Rory McIlroy enters June with renewed confidence and strategic clarity. His win at the 2025 Masters has reestablished him as one of the game’s dominant figures. With Oakmont’s brutal layout ahead, his control off the tee and mid-iron accuracy will become vital assets.

Oakmont: A Course That Demands Composure

Oakmont suits players who can stay patient, resist aggression, and scramble under pressure. Rory’s experience with high-pressure majors positions him well, particularly given his improvements in putting this season. He has frequently mentioned that Oakmont tests discipline above all—a quality he is consciously refining.

His past showings in the U.S. Open suggest he's capable of adapting to firm greens and narrow corridors. What separates him now is momentum. His win at Augusta has given him more than a green jacket—it’s added a sense of completeness to his career, which may translate into freer, more confident play this June.

Portrush: A Return Home Awaits in July

With The Open Championship taking place in Northern Ireland, McIlroy will carry not just form but national pride into Royal Portrush. His preparation throughout June centers on peaking without burnout. Expect calculated performances designed to build rhythm, not just results.

Matt Fitzpatrick’s Quiet Consistency

Matt Fitzpatrick is a name that rarely dominates headlines, yet his performances remain among the most reliable on tour. A past U.S. Open champion and frequent top-20 finisher in majors, he thrives on precision over power. This makes him perfect for the demands of Oakmont.

Navigating the Demands of June

While many players focus on explosive play, Fitzpatrick brings course management and strategic patience. His short game remains one of the most efficient on tour. In events where par is a premium, his scrambling and calm demeanor become more valuable than driving distance.

His preparation includes extensive work on lag putting and trajectory control, both of which matter on Oakmont’s sloped, fast greens. If conditions remain firm and scoring averages stay high, Fitzpatrick’s approach may quietly push him near the top of the leaderboard.

Building Toward Portrush

Fitzpatrick views The Open as a major personal goal. Though not a traditional links specialist, his evolving game suits the unpredictability of British summer golf. He’s added subtle aggression to his fairway play, allowing him to shape shots under varied wind conditions. June’s rhythm will inform his confidence heading into Royal Portrush.

For fans monitoring PGA Tour odds to analyze form or gather betting insights, Fitzpatrick offers a data-driven case. His consistency in tough setups and avoidance of big numbers could make him a sharp option in placement markets and matchups throughout June.

Tommy Fleetwood’s Shot-Shaping Advantage

Tommy Fleetwood is often labeled as a links-style golfer, but his skillset offers more than that. His ability to shape shots in both directions and control spin has made him a frequent contender in challenging conditions. June presents an opportunity for him to finally translate flashes of brilliance into a full four-round performance.

Shotmaking Meets Strategy

Fleetwood’s creative approach to course management is especially valuable at Oakmont. While others struggle with rollout and false fronts, he excels in reading slopes and picking smarter targets. His ability to recover quickly from mistakes makes him a dangerous contender in majors where par often wins the day.

Though he has not yet claimed a major, Fleetwood’s track record in difficult events—especially on U.S. soil—suggests he’s close. For fans tracking player momentum and seeking PGA news updates, his consistent performances and strategic play make him a compelling figure to follow. June’s events may offer the spark required for a breakthrough moment.

Open Season Potential

Royal Portrush suits Fleetwood’s comfort with wind, awkward lies, and low trajectory iron play. His second-place win at The Open in 2019 proved that his maturity and experience put him in a strong position. A solid finish in June could make him one of the most quietly backed players come July.

Tyrrell Hatton and the Tempered Gameplan

For Tyrrell Hatton, volatility has often been his calling card. That being said, 2025 has seen a more composed version of his game. While his fiery temperament remains, there’s evidence of improved emotional control, especially under major championship pressure.

Results Without Noise

Hatton has steadily climbed the world rankings with quiet finishes: T60 at the PGA Championship, T14 at the Masters Tournament. He’s trimmed unnecessary risk out of his play, focusing instead on smarter lines and higher green-in-regulation rates.

His putting, always streaky, is trending upward. At Oakmont, where most players will face six-foot par savers regularly, that improvement could become a key differentiator. Hatton may not headline odds markets, but his underlying numbers suggest he’s a name to watch.

Making a Statement in July

With Royal Portrush just weeks away, Hatton knows that consistency, not flair, will define his summer. He’s expressed a desire to make a major leap in 2025—not through explosive rounds, but by stringing together 72 holes of solid execution. If he can maintain that focus through Oakmont, he’ll enter The Open with genuine outside potential.

Where Form Meets Familiarity

As June unfolds, British players find themselves at a unique crossroads between two iconic events. The U.S. Open tests patience, discipline, and focus on American turf. The Open Championship, meanwhile, demands creativity, nerve, and local knowledge.

For players like McIlroy, Fitzpatrick, Fleetwood, and others, the ability to transition between those extremes will define not just their summer but potentially their legacy.

This month, watch for small shifts in strategy, subtle changes in demeanor, and steady progression. Oakmont may only be the beginning of what could become a career-defining stretch for Britain’s finest.