We are 75% of the way through the major season and all that remains is The Open Championship. The showdown will be taking place on the hallowed grounds of Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland for the ninth occasion, 101 years on from the first time the course played host. The most recent contest at the course took place in 2016, with Sweden's Henrik Stenson reigning supreme and claiming the first and only major of his career.
The Gothenburg-born star had it all to do after finishing day one five strokes adrift of early leader Phil Mickelson. However, the eventual champion reeled in the American on day two, finishing just one shot off the lead. By the end of day three, he was the outright leader. On Championship Sunday, he finished the job a comfortable looking three strokes ahead of the stateside legend to become champion, pocketing the Claret Jug and the cool £1,175,000 that came with it.
With the competition due to get underway in just over a fortnight, we decided to take a look at the favourites to follow in Stenson's footsteps.
Scottie Scheffler
Leading the charge as the bookmakers' favourite, whose best odds and offers about the main free risk bets on the market to bet on sports, golf included, have been conveniently compared by Oddschecker, is Scottie Scheffler. The American star is currently a 9/2 frontrunner for the Claret Jug after a stellar campaign in which he recently picked up his sixth trophy amid chaotic scenes. The jewel in the crown of those triumphs was, of course, winning the Masters back in April. Scheffler has been a serious threat in majors since, until now.
Scheffler has been the dominant force on the PGA Tour throughout 2024, showcasing a blend of consistency and brilliance that few can match. His game is particularly well-suited to the challenges posed by the links. He has an uncanny knack of being able to navigate tough conditions, combined with his powerful driving and precise iron play, which makes him a formidable opponent.
Rory McIlroy
Hot on Scheffler’s heels is Rory McIlroy, who comes in as the 8/1 second favourite. The Northern Irishman is no stranger to success in major championships, having already secured four major titles in his illustrious career. The most recent of those came over a decade ago and McIlroy is in the midst of a baron streak that is bordering on a curse at this point.
His recent form has been encouraging, marked by several strong performances throughout 2024 and a renewed focus on reclaiming his place at the pinnacle of the sport. McIlroy threatened to end his drought at the recent US Open, charging on the final day to draw within one stroke of the eventual champion despite starting Championship Sunday three shots down. Ultimately though, he was unsuccessful in his quest, finishing in second place place.
McIlroy's experience and familiarity with links golf give him a distinct advantage heading into the Open Championship. His ability to shape shots and control his ball flight in windy conditions can be a game-changer at a venue like Royal Troon. The upcoming tournament comes exactly a decade on from the first and only time McIlroy lifted the Claret Jug. He has come close in the years since, famously finishing third in 2022. This year, he will be hoping that the drought finally ends.
Bryson DeChambeau
The man who held off McIlroy's charge at the US Open was Bryson DeChambeau and he is a 12/1 contender to win the Open as well. His triumph at Pinehurst was his second in his home major, four years on from his first triumph. He will now be aiming to do everything in his power to end the season with a second major crown.
DeChambeau's immense driving distance will be a significant asset at Royal Troon, where long and accurate tee shots can set up easier approaches to the greens. However, his ability to adapt his game to the nuances of links golf will be put to the test. If DeChambeau can balance his aggressive style with the finesse required on the tricky greens and undulating fairways, he could be a serious contender.
