Scottie Scheffler's stellar 2024 season has drawn comparisons to Tiger Woods' peak dominance. The current World No. 1 heads to the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon, Scotland, as the favorite, looking to add a seventh victory and his second major title of the year to his already impressive resume.
Scheffler's year includes victories at the Masters, the PLAYERS, the Memorial, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and most recently, the Travelers Championship. His consistent form, with only two finishes outside the top 10 in 15 starts, has made him the bookmaker's favorite at +500.
However, Scheffler is not without formidable competition. Rory McIlroy, another top contender at +900, is seeking his first major win in a decade. McIlroy has been in excellent form, with five top-five finishes in his last seven events, including a win at the Wells Fargo Championship and a runner-up finish at the U.S. Open. His familiarity with Royal Troon, where he finished T5 in the 2016 Open Championship, positions him as a strong challenger.
Bryson DeChambeau, at +1400, has also had a noteworthy season, highlighted by his U.S. Open victory and strong finishes at the PGA Championship and the Masters. Xander Schauffele, the PGA Championship winner, is another player to watch, with odds of +1100. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure make him a serious threat.
Other notable contenders include Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg, Brooks Koepka, and reigning Open champion Brian Harman. Harman, who triumphed at Royal Liverpool in 2023, will look to defend his title but faces steep odds at +8000.
Royal Troon, known for its challenging layout and unpredictable weather, has been extended by 195 yards since its last Open Championship in 2016, making it one of the most formidable par-71 courses in the world. Players will need to navigate its notorious hazards, including the five-bunker eighth hole and the daunting final stretch with high winds and lengthy par-3s and par-5s.
The unpredictable weather and the challenging course at Royal Troon promise an exciting battle for the Claret Jug. Fans and bettors alike are eagerly anticipating whether Scheffler can continue his extraordinary run or if another golfer will rise to the occasion and claim the historic title.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Scheffler to see if he can solidify his place in golf history with another major win, or if the likes of McIlroy, Schauffele, and others will seize their moment of glory.
