Three storylines for Truist Championship: PGA Tour returns to Philadelphia

Philadelphia Cricket Club is known for its challenging green complexes and heavy bunkering. The Wissahickon Course features 118 bunkers, the most we'll see at a PGA Tour venue all year. Players who can drive it long and straight and avoid these deep greenside bunkers will have a great chance this week. 

Rory McIlroy favored in Scottie Scheffler's absence

Scheffler would likely be the betting favorite to win this week after his eight-shot victory at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson, but the World No. 1 is skipping the Truist Championship to prepare for Quail Hollow Club. With no Scheffler in the field, McIlroy is the decisive betting favorite at +450 (FanDuel).

It's hard to pick against McIlroy based on his torrid start to 2025. The Northern Irishman has already won three times in his seven PGA Tour starts this year, including victories at the Players Championship and The Masters. Through four months, McIlroy ranks first on the Tour in strokes gained from off the tee, third in driving distance and second in scoring average. He should be a perfect fit for the Wissahickon Course. 

Collin Morikawa begins a new era in his career

Ever since Morikawa jumped to the PGA Tour in 2019, J.J. Jakovac has been right by his side to carry his bag and talk him through every shot. That's no longer the case, as Morikawa decided to part ways with his longtime caddie ahead of the Truist Championship. Joe Greiner, Max Homa's former caddie who recently filled in for Justin Thomas, will take over as Morikawa's new looper.

With Greiner on the bag, Thomas ended his three-year winless drought at the RBC Heritage. Morikawa is hoping for a similar bump from his new partner. The World No. 4 has nine top-five finishes since the start of last season, but he doesn't have a win in that span. Can Greiner help him get back in the winner's circle?