Continuing what has already been a stellar season of golf, the 2024 Open Championship and the 152nd edition of golf’s oldest and most prestigious tournament, will take place from July 18th to 21st.
Established in 1878, Royal Troon is renowned for its demanding links layout, deep bunkers and iconic holes — such as the famous 123-yard par-3 8th, the Postage Stamp.
The course has hosted The Open on nine previous occasions, with the last championship held in 2016, where Henrik Stenson triumphed in an enthralling duel with Phil Mickelson.
Defending champion Brian Harman was the surprise winner at Royal Liverpool last year, posting 13-under for the tournament to win by six strokes.
The Georgia native goes without a win this season, finishing runner-up at The Players Championship alongside two other top-10 and six top-25 finishes. Though the World No. 12 has only missed two cuts this season, he heads into the final major at 50/1.
Naturally, a man who cannot be left out of any conversation surrounding contention is Scottie Scheffler. The World No. 1 has been in incredible form this season, the likes of which we haven’t seen since the prime days of Tiger.
With six wins from 15 starts, Scheffler has an outrageous win rate of 40% on the PGA Tour this season, including the ridiculous Win-Win-T2-Win-Win run of form, in which he secured his second Masters title.
Despite a lacklustre performance at The US Open, the 28-year-old picked up wins at the Memorial and Travelers Championship either side of the third major in June. Having led the betting at 4/1 for all majors this year, he leads The Open field at a slightly higher price of 9/2.
Another regular in major championship conversation is Rory McIlroy, who remains in his decade-long search for a fifth major title.
It was heartbreak for the Northern Irishman at Pinehurst, scuppering a two-shot lead in five holes to lose out to Bryson DeChambeau.
The 35-year-old has had a positive season, finishing top 25 in all fourteen starts, including two wins, a runner-up and two other top 10s.
However, McIlroy’s mental block at the majors became a serious talking point when he failed to capitalise at the US Open, missing two putts inside four feet in the last three holes — most notably the two-and-a-half footer on the last.
Having not played since his capitulation at the US Open, the World No. 2 will look to get his eye in at the Scottish Open before travelling west to Royal Troon, where he goes in as second favourite at 15/2.
The man who shattered McIlroy’s dreams at Pinehurst, Bryson DeChambeau, has enjoyed a rebirth of sorts.
The 30-year-old recently stated he “may have got things wrong” with the fans in the past, but his active effort to rebrand himself has now made him a firm fan favourite in the States.
After narrowly missing out on victory at the PGA Championship, DeChambeau was determined as ever in his quest for a second major.
Taking advantage of McIlroy’s slip-ups, the World No. 9 showed nerves of steel as he made a sensational 55-yard up-and-down from the short greenside bunker, securing his second US Open title.
Following a rich vein of form at this year's majors — T6th, 2nd and 1st — and flying high on new-found confidence, DeChambeau is not to be excluded at 12/1.
Fellow 2024 major winner, Xander Schauffele is another who has seemingly broken through a barrier.
Before the PGA Championship, the World No. 3 was the highest-ranked golfer in the world to yet win a major. At the time, he was at risk of being labelled an ‘underachiever’ — always the bridesmaid but never the bride at the majors.
However, after opening with the joint lowest-ever round in PGA Championship history — matched by Shane Lowry — the Californian native went on to shoot the lowest 72-hole score to par and 72-hole scoring total in major championship history to triumph at the PGA Championship.
Now, with a major under his belt, two runners-up and eight top 10s this season, it’s hard to exclude him from the running. And at 14/1, he goes in as fourth favourite.
It’s only a matter of time before up-and-coming star Ludvig Åberg etches his name onto a major trophy. Having turned pro in only June of last year, the young Swede has taken the golfing world by storm.
Turning heads with his effortless swing and mature demeanour, the 24-year-old has already climbed to fourth in the Official World Golf Rankings.
Although without a win this season, Åberg finished 2nd at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and solo-second in his maiden Masters, along with four other top-10 finishes.
To put it simply, it says a lot about a golfer going into his debut Open Championship at 16/1.
For the latest Open Championship betting odds, see below.
Royal Troon course overview:
The historic links course of Royal Troon Golf Club is known for its challenging layout and distinct holes. The par 71, stretching over 7,200 yards, defends itself against the world’s best with its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and coastal winds, and is sure to be a test of course management and enduring mentality.
Key holes to watch:
Hole 1: Seal (Par 4, 370 yards)
The opening hole is a relatively short par 4 but demands accuracy off the tee to avoid bunkers and out-of-bounds on the right. Players will need a precise drive and a controlled approach to a small, well-protected green.
Hole 8: Postage Stamp (Par 3, 123 yards)
One of the most famous par-3 holes in the world, the Postage Stamp is known for its tiny green and deep bunkers. Despite its short length, the small target and surrounding hazards require an accurate tee shot — especially in windy conditions.
Hole 11: The Railway (Par 4, 483 yards)
This long par-4 runs alongside a railway line, with out-of-bounds threatening on the right and thick rough on the left. The tee shot is crucial, as players need to find the fairway to have a chance at reaching the green in regulation. The second shot is equally demanding, often played into the wind.
Hole 15: Crosbie (Par 4, 499 yards)
Another challenging par-4, this hole features a dogleg left with a narrow fairway and strategically placed bunkers. Players must navigate the dogleg with a well-placed drive, avoiding bunkers and rough to set up a long approach to a sloping green.
Hole 16: Well (Par 3, 222 yards)
A long par-3 that often plays into the wind, with a green guarded by bunkers and rough. Club selection is critical, as players need to carry the bunkers and hold the green despite the wind.
Hole 17: Rabbit (Par 5, 501 yards)
A reachable par-5 that offers birdie opportunities but requires careful navigation of bunkers and undulating terrain. An accurate drive is needed to avoid fairway bunkers, followed by a strategic second shot to set up an approach to the green.
Hole 18: Craigend (Par 4, 457 yards)
The closing hole is a tough par-4 with a narrow fairway and well-guarded green. The tee shot must find the fairway to allow for a precise approach to a green surrounded by bunkers and rough. A challenging finish to the round, particularly under the pressure of the final day.
Royal Troon will undoubtedly provide a stern test for the field at the 2024 Open Championship. With the stage set for a thrilling contest between seasoned champions and hungry newcomers, it promises to be another exceptional week of golf.
Latest outright odds from BETWAY.COM
Scottie Scheffler — 9/2
Rory McIlroy — 15/2
Bryson DeChambeau — 12/1
Xander Schauffele — 14/1
Ludvig Åberg — 16/1
Colin Morikawa — 18/1
