We all have our own thoughts on favorites. But let’s look at some stats.
Jordan Spieth, the Texas prodigy, is gearing up for a dramatic return at the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club. Despite three top-10 finishes this season, he’s yet to clinch a win and hasn’t secured a major title since his 2017 victory at Royal Birkdale. Entering the field as a 40-1 longshot, Spieth’s odds are stirring curiosity and anticipation.
⛳ The 152nd Open Championship gets underway Thursday at Royal Troon.@LenHochberg breaks down all the players in the field from 1 to 156.
Power Rankings: https://t.co/DQw9HOffZ9pic.twitter.com/keP1VaXA0K
— RotoWire (@RotoWire) July 15, 2024
Brian Harman, the reigning Open champion, is also a longshot at 60-1. On the other end of the spectrum, Scottie Scheffler stands as the frontrunner with 4-1 odds. As the excitement builds, golf aficionado Patrick McDonald has dived into the field, offering his unique predictions and strategies for the tournament.
McDonald, who’s been making waves since joining the golf writing scene in 2022, has a reputation for sharp predictions. This year, he’s already called winners like Jake Knapp at the Mexico Open and Xander Schauffele at the PGA Championship. Now, he’s locked in on the 2024 Open Championship, dissecting the field for the best bets, unexpected sleepers, and favorites to sidestep.
2024 Open Championship Betting Card: pic.twitter.com/nN0n6UWne7
— Jay Bird (@jaykinney) July 15, 2024
In a bold move, McDonald is fading Collin Morikawa. Despite finishing T-4 at the Scottish Open and being a past Open winner, Morikawa hasn’t clinched a win in 17 tournaments this season. His 10-1 odds might seem tempting, but McDonald sees them as a mirage, given Morikawa’s struggle to secure victories in even lesser events.
Conversely, McDonald is bullish on Brooks Koepka, valuing him at 25-1. Koepka, though not having a stellar season in majors, is a proven performer under pressure. With two U.S. Open wins and three PGA Championships, including a 2023 triumph, Koepka knows how to rise to the occasion. Despite never playing at Royal Troon, his consistent top-10 finishes at various Open venues underscore his potential.
A few pics from the second day of practice at The Open Championship, Troon 2024..@AFP @AFPphoto pic.twitter.com/9EZPdVT7xF
— GLYN KIRK (@TopshotKirk) July 16, 2024
McDonald also points out an enticing longshot, nearly at 100-1 odds, who has been driving the ball with precision and gaining strokes consistently. This underdog could turn the tables and become the dark horse of the championship, though McDonald’s detailed picks remain behind a premium paywall.
As the 2024 Open Championship looms, the golf world is buzzing about favorites like Scheffler, McIlroy, DeChambeau, and Schauffele, but the inherent unpredictability of golf promises a thrilling contest. With odds shifting and surprises inevitable, this year’s tournament is set to be a gripping spectacle.
Major Points
- Jordan Spieth returns to the 2024 Open Championship as a 40-1 longshot, eyeing his first major win since 2017.
- Defending champion Brian Harman enters with 60-1 odds, while Scottie Scheffler is the favorite at 4-1.
- Golf expert Patrick McDonald advises against betting on Collin Morikawa despite his 10-1 odds, citing recent performance issues.
- McDonald endorses Brooks Koepka at 25-1, highlighting his history of excelling in major tournaments.
- An intriguing nearly 100-1 longshot has been identified for consistent driving and recent form, potentially shaking up the championship.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
