The 2024 Open Championship Preview & Picks

The final major championship of the year is here. The PGA TOUR heads to the Old Course at Royal Troon for the 152nd Open Championship.

Pre-Tournament Storylines

Robert MacIntyre

Robert MacIntyre was defeated by a birdie on the 72nd hole at the Genesis Scottish Open in 2023. This year, he earned sweet revenge by birdieing the final hole on Sunday at The Renaissance Club, overtaking Adam Scott to win his home country’s open by a shot. MacIntyre is now a two-time winner this season, having won the RBC Canadian Open just six weeks ago. He is the first Scottish golfer since 1988 to win more than once in a season. With this victory, he moved to a career-best 16th in the world ranking.

Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler has maintained his dominant form on the PGA Tour, winning six of his last ten starts. After a brief hiatus following his playoff victory over Tom Kim at the Travelers Championship, Scheffler returns to action. Both of his Major Championship victories have come at Augusta National, and he’ll be looking to expand his already impressive resume this week. Scheffler has competed in the Open Championship three times before, finishing T8 in 2021, T21 in 2022, and T23 in 2023.

In preparation for this week’s event, he played the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry in Turnberry, South Ayrshire, Scotland, along with Sam Burns. The Ailsa Course was originally designed by 1883 Open Champion Willie Fernie and was recently redesigned by Martin Ebert from 2015 to 2016.

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy finished T4 at the Genesis Scottish Open last week. He has now placed inside the top 15 in each of his last six starts, including victories at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the Wells Fargo Championship. McIlroy has competed in the Open Championship fourteen times, with his best finish coming in 2014 at Royal Liverpool, where he won by two strokes. The last time the Open Championship was held at Royal Troon, in 2016, McIlroy finished T5.

Jon Rahm

Jon Rahm withdrew from the U.S. Open last month due to an infected cut on his left foot. After taking some time off, he has since recovered. In his last two starts on the LIV Tour, he finished T3 at LIV Nashville and T10 at LIV Andalucia. Rahm boasts two Major Championships: the 2021 U.S. Open and the 2023 Masters Tournament. His best performance in an Open Championship came last year at Royal Liverpool, where he finished T2. Rahm also competed at Royal Troon in 2016, the last time this venue hosted the event, finishing T59.

Brian Harman

Brian Harman captured his first Major Championship last year at Royal Liverpool, winning by an impressive six shots. He now aims to become the first golfer since Padraig Harrington (2007-2008) to win the Open Championship in back-to-back years. Harman enters this event in good form, having finished inside the top 25 in each of his last three starts.

Xander Schauffele

Xander Schauffele won his first Major Championship two months ago at Valhalla. He has been outstanding this season, finishing outside the top 25 only once in seventeen starts. Since winning the PGA Championship, Schauffele has maintained his strong form, finishing T8 at the Memorial Tournament, T7 at the U.S. Open, T13 at the Travelers Championship, and T15 at the Genesis Scottish Open last week. He has played in the Open Championship six times before, with his best performance coming in 2018 at Carnoustie, where he finished T2, two shots behind Francesco Molinari.

Bryson DeChambeau

Bryson DeChambeau won his second U.S. Open last month at Pinehurst No. 2. Following that victory, he finished T3 at LIV Nashville and 9th at LIV Andalucia. DeChambeau has competed in the Open Championship six times, with his best performance coming in 2022 at St. Andrews, where he finished T8, marking his only top 10 in this event.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods returns to action after missing the cut at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. The only Major Championship where he made the cut this year was the Masters Tournament, as he also failed to make the cut at the PGA Championship. In his only other appearance on the PGA Tour this season, he withdrew from the Genesis Invitational. This will be his fifteenth appearance at the Open Championship, where he claimed victory in 2005 at St. Andrews and 2006 at Royal Liverpool. He has played at Royal Troon twice before, finishing T24 in 1997 and T9 in 2004. When Royal Troon hosted the tournament again in 2016, Tiger was out injured. He’s currently +260 on Superbook to make the cut.

2016 Open Championship

Royal Troon has hosted the Open Championship nine times, with the most recent edition taking place in 2016. In that tournament, Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson engaged in a thrilling final round, with Stenson emerging victorious after shooting a remarkable 63, matching Johnny Miller for the lowest closing round by a major champion. He finished at 20-under 264, setting the record for the lowest 72-hole score ever in a major. Stenson became only the fourth player to win the Open Championship with all four rounds in the 60s, joining the ranks of Tiger Woods, Nick Price, and Greg Norman.

Tournament Information:

• Dates: July 18th, 2024 – July 21st, 2024
• Location: Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland
• Course: Royal Troon Golf Club (Old Course)
• Course Type: Coastal Links
• Par: 71 (4x 3’s / 11x 4’s / 3x 5’s)
• Length: 7,385 yards
• Format: 72-hole stroke play
• Greens: Browntop Bentgrass with Fescue
• Fairways: Fescue
• Rough: Bentgrass, with Fescue and Gorse, First Cut 2 meters wide 2”, Tended Rough 6 meters wide
• Bunkers: 101
• Water Hazard(s): 0 (In-Play on 0 Holes)
• Average Green Size: 4,500 sq. ft.
• Stimpmeter: 10.0 ft.
• Purse/ Winner: $17,000,000 /$3,100,000
• FedEx Cup Points: 750
• Field: 156 Players
• Cut: Top 70 and Ties – 36 Holes
• Playoff Format: Three-hole aggregate playoff is held; followed by sudden death if the lead is still tied
• Course Scoring Average:
  • 2016: 73.16 (+2.16), Rank 4 of 50
• Historic Cut Line:
  • 2016: +4

Social Media:

• The Open Championship – (@TheOpen)
• Royal Troon Golf Club – (@RoyalTroonGC)

Course Architect:

• Course Architect: George Strath and Willie Fernie (1888); James Braid (1923)
• Recent Renovations:
• Mackenzie and Ebert (2014 and 2021)

After the Prestwick greenkeeper, Charlie Hunter, and Troon professionals George Strath and Willie Fernie carried out the early work in laying out and developing the course at Troon, James Braid was responsible for toughening the layout for its first Open in 1923. 

To read more about the renovation, you can click the following link.

Comparable Courses & Greens:

• Comparable Courses:
  • Royal Liverpool – The 2023 Open Championship – RESULTS
  • Royal St. George’s – The 2021 Open Championship – RESULTS
  • Royal Portrush – The 2019 Open Championship – RESULTS

• Designer Link (Willie Fernie):
  • St. Andrews (Old Course) – Willie Fernie Renovation – The 2022 Open

• Designer Link (Mackenzie and Ebert):
  • Royal Lytham & St. Annes – Mackenzie and Ebert Renovation – 2012 Open Championship
  • Royal Portrush – Mackenzie and Ebert Renovation – 2019 Open Championship
  • Turnberry – Mackenzie and Ebert Renovation – 2009 Open Championship
  • Royal St. George’s – Mackenzie and Ebert Renovation – 2011 & 2021 Open Championship
  • Carnoustie – Mackenzie and Ebert Renovation – 2018 Open Championship
  • Royal Liverpool – Mackenzie and Ebert Renovation – 2006, 2016 & 2023 Open Championship

• Comparable Location (Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland):
  • The Renaissance Club – North Berwick, Scotland – Genesis Scottish Open
  • St. Andrews (Old Course) – St Andrews, Scotland – The 2022 Open

• Comparable Yardage (7,385 Yards):
• Memorial Park Golf Course – 7,412 Yards – Texas Children’s Houston Open
• Detroit Golf Club – 7,370 Yards – Rocket Mortgage Classic
• East Lake Golf Club – 7,346 Yards – TOUR Championship
• Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) – 7,340 Yards – Valspar Championship

• Comparable Greens (Browntop Bentgrass with Fescue):
  • Royal Liverpool – Browntop Bentgrass with Fescue – The 2023 Open
  • St. Andrews (Old Course) – Fescue / Brown top bentgrass / Poa annua 3.5mm (.138”) – The 2022 Open

TV Information (all times ET):

• Round 1: Thursday, July 18th, 2024
  • Peacock – 1:30 AM – 4:00 AM
  • USA Network – 4:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Peacock – 3:00 PM – 4:15 PM
• Round 2: July 19th, 2024
  • Peacock – 1:30 AM – 4:00 AM
  • USA Network – 4:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Peacock – 3:00 PM – 4:15 PM
• Round 3: Saturday, July 20th, 2024
  • USA Network – 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM
  • NBC- 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Round 4: Sunday, July 21st, 2024
  • USA Network – 4:00 AM – 7:00 AM
  • NBC- 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Weather:

Course/ Tournament History:

Royal Troon Golf Club, located in Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1878. Initially established as a six-hole course in 1878 by Old Tom Morris protégé Charlie Hunter. It was quickly expanded to 18 holes by 1888 under the guidance of the club’s first professional, George Strath. The course has since undergone several modifications, most notably by renowned designers such as Willie Fernie, James Braid, and Alister MacKenzie, enhancing its reputation as one of the premier links courses in the world. Royal Troon gained royal status in 1978, celebrating its centenary. The club has hosted The Open Championship nine times, with the first being in 1923 and most recently in 2016.

In addition to the Old Course, Royal Troon also has two other courses, the Portland and the Craigend course. Troon’s Portland Course, originally laid out by Willie Fernie in 1895, was redesigned by Dr Alister MacKenzie in 1921 and was used for qualifying in The Open in 1923. It has its own clubhouse and is located slightly further inland and further north than the Old Course, with no holes bordering the Firth of Clyde. The club also has a nine-hole, par-3 layout called Craigend.

The British Open, often referred to simply as The Open, is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world and the oldest of the four major championships in professional golf. First held in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland, Willie Park Sr. won the inaugural tournament. Over the years, The Open has grown in stature, attracting the best golfers from around the globe. The tournament is renowned for its rotation of historic links courses, including St Andrews, Royal Troon, and Carnoustie, each presenting unique challenges with their coastal winds and rugged terrains. The Claret Jug, introduced in 1872, has become one of the most coveted trophies in golf, symbolizing excellence and tradition. Since 1949, the silver medal is awarded to the leading amateur, provided that the player completes all 72 holes. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are the only silver medal winners who have gone on to win the Open. The Open has witnessed legendary performances, such as Tom Watson’s five victories and Jack Nicklaus’s three, as well as dramatic moments like Jean van de Velde’s heartbreaking finish at Carnoustie in 1999. Managed by The R&A, The Open continues to uphold its legacy, blending tradition with modernity, and remains a pinnacle event in the golfing calendar, celebrated for its rich history and the rigorous test it presents to the world’s best players.

Following The Open in 2004, The R&A commissioned a review of the course as part of a broader study of all Open venues to assess potential improvements for the modern game. The review involved extensive historical research into the evolution of the course, including an examination of club archives, old newspaper articles, and past aerial and ground photography. A noteworthy illustration of the 1923 Open layout was also discovered. Additionally, club members with long memories and former green staff were consulted, contributing to the proposals that were ultimately considered by the Club and The R&A, leading to the implementation of certain adjustments outlined in the accompanying booklet.

It’s important to note that the review of the Old Course did not result in significant lengthening. The course measured 7,175 yards in 2004 and played at 7,190 yards in 2016, with only a few holes lengthened by a minor amount.

While minor adjustments were made to every hole for the 145th Open in 2016, the major changes focused on the 9th, 10th, and 15th holes. The 9th green’s backdrop of trees was replaced with a dunescape, the old bunker on the 10th hole was restored, and the tees and initial part of the 15th fairway were moved left of the 14th hole, reinstating the old line of the hole.

Before the 2024 Open Championship, nine new tee boxes have been added to accommodate the nearly 200-yard increase in the Old Course’s length. All three par 5s have been lengthened. Since the course last hosted The Open eight years ago, it has increased in length by 2.8%, matching the average distance gain of 2.8% for PGA TOUR players during that period. Additionally, three new bunkers have been introduced on the first fairway, the sixth fairway, and next to the sixth green.

Alongside the renovations at the Old Course, the club’s nine-hole par-3 course, Craigend, underwent a dramatic redesign and was relocated to higher, drier ground, providing target greens for the temporary practice range for The Open.

Tournament Records:

• 72-Hole Record (Event – Open Championship):
  • 264, Henrik Stenson (2016 at Royal Troon)
• 18-Hole Record (Event – Open Championship):
  • 62, Branden Grace (3rd round, 2017 at Royal Birkdale)

Course Records:

• 72-Hole Record (Course – Royal Troon):
  • 264, Henrik Stenson (2016)
• 18-Hole Record (Course – Royal Troon):
  • 63, Henrik Stenson (4th round, 2016), Phil Mickelson (1st round, 2016)

Course Guide/ Scorecard:

Originally crafted by George Strath and Willie Fernie in 1888, the Old Course at Royal Troon features a Par 71 layout, comprising four Par 3s, eleven Par 4s, and three Par 5s.

Royal Troon is located on Scotland’s west coast, along the sandy, windswept shores of the Firth of Clyde, a large bay bordered by Northern Ireland to the south and the Kintyre Peninsula to the north, opening up to the North Atlantic.

The course offers a distinct contrast between its two nines. The front nine presents players with scoring opportunities, particularly on holes No. 1-6, which play downwind. As players reach holes No. 7-9, the challenge increases slightly. On the back nine, golfers must strive to avoid any high scores, as making par is an excellent outcome on most, if not all, holes.

The four Par 3’s (No. 5, No. 8, No. 14, & No. 17) on the Old Course at Royal Troon range between 123 yards and 242 yards. In 2016, all of the Par 3’s had a scoring average over par with the most difficult being, No. 17 (+0.234). In terms of stats, two of the four Par 3’s range between 200-255 yards.

No. 5 ‘Greenan’, 220 Yards, Par 3: The old Kennedy Castle ruin just south of Ayr lends its name to the short fifth hole.

A fine short hole requiring a well-struck long iron shot to carry into the heart of the green. The green has dangerous bunkers to the left, front, and right. A difficult hole, which has the prevailing wind blowing off the beach.

No. 8 ‘Postage Stamp’, 123 Yards, Par 3: Originally called “Ailsa” because there is a perfect view of the rocky islet of that name, from the tee. The smallness of the putting surface accounted for the current name when William Park writing in “Golf Illustrated” said, ”A pitching surface skimmed down to the size of a Postage Stamp”.

Much has been written about the famous eighth hole at Royal Troon, aptly named the “Postage Stamp”. The tee is on high ground and a dropping shot is played over a gully to a long but extremely narrow green set into the side of a large sandhill. Two bunkers protect the left side of the green while a large crater bunker shields the approach. Any mistake on the right will find one of the two deep bunkers with near vertical faces. There is no safe way to play this hole, the ball must find the green with the tee-shot. Many top players have come to grief at this the shortest hole in Open Championship golf.”

No. 14 ‘Alton’, 200 Yards, Par 3: Named after the part of the Fullarton estate, to the north side of the railway.

A difficult par-3 following on from a number of brutal par-4s. This hole usually plays back into the headwind, slightly out of the left, and, although not a long hole, can wreak havoc on scorecards. Club selection is especially important on the 14th, with bunkers lurking short and the green widening out long. Despite the yardage, par is not to be sniffed at here, and Alton can certainly hit back if you do not strike your tee shot perfectly.

No. 17 ‘Rabbit’, 242 Yards, Par 3: A popular location for members of the Leporidae family. Clearly the passing of one hundred years has not diminished the rabbit’s enthusiasm for the Links.

The last and most difficult of the short holes. The tee shot can be as much as a driver, depending upon the wind. The plateau green falls away sharply on both sides and is well guarded by bunkers, short and on the right and left-hand sides.

There are eleven Par 4s on the Old Course at Royal Troon. No. 1 is the shortest Par 4 listed at 366 yards with the longest being No. 15, playing 502 yards. In terms of scoring average, the toughest Par 4 on the course in 2016 was No. 11 (+0.559).

No. 7 ‘Tel-el-Kebir’, 403 Yards, Par 4: Named after a battle fought in 1882 just before the hole was created.

The seventh is visually stunning from a slightly raised tee, and the first hole at Royal Troon to be played directly away from the sea. Tel-El-Kebir is not an overly long hole, and most players will be able to take a long iron or fairway wood from the tee, but the challenge on this hole is accuracy. An array of fairway bunkers intimidate players from the tee, while the green is among the longest and narrowest on the course.

No. 9 ‘The Monk’, 440 Yards, Par 4: Faces towards the village of Monkton.

The Monk is a tricky hole to close out the front nine, and will typically signal the end of the downwind holes at Royal Troon. Although fairly generous off the tee, the ninth is not short in length and the green is tricky with run-off areas on both sides. Players who manage to avoid the perfectly placed pair of bunkers to the left of the fairway from their tee shot will usually have a blind second shot into the green, which is sometimes difficult to hold downwind.

No. 11 ‘The Railway’, 498 Yards, Par 4: Named after the railway line, which runs alongside the 11th hole.

While Sandhills is difficult, The Railway takes the honour of being the hardest hole at Royal Troon and one of the toughest in golf. Once again, a significant carry is required from the back tees to a fairway angled away to the right. The ideal line involves a carry-over of gorse bushes and the bravery to not be put off by the out-of-bounds railway line running tight along the right-hand side. While the opening shot can vary in difficulty depending on tee position, the second remains devilish in all circumstances, with the railway line always in play, gorse bushes down the left-hand side, and a lone greenside bunker awaiting any shots that ‘bail out’. 

No. 13 ‘Burmah’, 473 Yards, Par 4: The Club’s founding Captain, James Dickie had trading connections with Burmah, now Myanmar, and it is thought this is the reason for the name of the hole.

Continuing the trend of tough holes on the back nine, Burmah is another tricky test. Find the tight fairway off the tee, though, and the hole becomes much simpler, partially due to its lack of bunkering. Finding the green is still no easy feat, as the target is small and raised. 

No. 15 ‘Crosbie’, 502 Yards, Par 4: The name given to a small fortification near Alton, which was the home of the Fullarton Family for centuries.

Another hole, another daunting challenge on the back nine at Royal Troon. This time, Crosbie offers up another difficult tee shot, albeit one that is at least straighter than on some of the previous holes. That does not make it any easier, with hazards in full view, be it the scattering of fairway bunkers or the heavy rough down the left. You will often be faced with a blind second shot to a green a fair distance away, with bunkers protecting the left-hand side. There is room down the right, utilizing the contouring, but that requires a significant carry as a well-placed bunker is there to gobble up poorly struck shots. 

No. 18 ‘Craigend’, 458 Yards, Par 4: The name of the old farm demolished at the turn of the century has given its name in perpetuity to the closing hole. The Old Course and the Portland Course are formed on the Craigend grazing.

The final chapter of a wonderful 18 and testing back nine, Craigend has all the hallmarks of a great finishing hole. Three bunkers at 25-yard intervals ensure that anything leaked left off the tee will be lucky to avoid penalty. A further bunker down the right at driver’s length will persuade many to lay up, especially with The Open on the line. From the center of the fairway, a mid-to-long iron will await, with a well-bunkered green short and right. Fail to carry the cross bunkers short of the putting surface and a likely five awaits, while anything leaked slightly right at all will usually bring the same result. With out-of-bounds lurking behind the putting surface, there are no easy shots until your ball is on the green.

There are three Par 5’s on the Old Course at Royal Troon, No. 4, No. 6, & No. 16. They all played under par in 2016, with the easiest hole on the course being No. 16 with a scoring average of 4.813. No. 16 did get lengthened out nearly twenty yards so it will play slightly more difficult but I would still expect it to be the easiest hole on the course.

No. 4 ‘Dunure’, 599 Yards, Par 5: The village of Dunure and its ruined Castle sits proudly overlooking the sea south of Ayr.

The first of the par fives, the long fourth is a dog-leg to the right. A deep bunker positioned right, in the neck of the dog-leg, adds danger with any attempt to cut the corner too close. The second shot should be played into position to give the best line for a short iron shot into the two-tiered green.

No. 6 ‘Turnberry’, 623 Yards, Par 5: The point at Turnberry can be seen from Troon. The lighthouse marks the site of Turnberry Castle childhood home of the Bruce.

Troon has the longest and the shortest holes in Open Championship golf and at 601 yards, the sixth is the longest. An arrow straight tee shot is required to finish between the fairway bunkers to the left and right. The second shot with a fairway wood should be aimed slightly left to avoid the bunker on the right, which will put you in the perfect position for a soft pitch to a long and narrow green beautifully framed by sand dunes on both sides.

No. 16 ‘Well’, 572 Yards, Par 5: A freshwater well was situated not far from the house of the Course Manager.

The first genuine respite of the back nine arrives at the 16th with Well. The first par-5 since the 6th, this hole provides some much-needed relief to players battling to save par, and provides a very good birdie chance, despite usually playing against the wind. Yet even the 16th provides no free handouts, as a perfectly placed burn that cuts through the center of the fairway can often take the driver out of the hands of all but the longest hitters. This leaves a very long second shot, which can render the green out of reach. A cross bunker ensures a hit-and-hope strategy will likely fail too, ensuring most players will be left with a shot of between 80 and 100 yards to possibly the most abundantly bunkered green on the course. A birdie chance, for sure, but you most certainly will have to work for it.

Featured/ Signature Hole(s): 8, 11

Key Statistics:

Per DataGolf, this is the favored skillset at Royal Troon.

• Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
  • Success this week will hinge on players’ ability to position themselves effectively off the tee. While the course’s considerable length underscores the significance of distance, precision holds equal importance.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Rory McIlroy
    • Min Woo Lee
    • Scottie Scheffler
    • Collin Morikawa
    • Ludvig Aberg
    • Viktor Hovland
    • Akshay Bhatia
    • Bryson DeChambeau
    • Davis Thompson
    • Joaquin Niemann

• Strokes Gained: Approach
  • Having a strong iron game will be important this week if players want to succeed on the Old Course at Royal Troon.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Scottie Scheffler
    • Tony Finau
    • Corey Conners
    • Xander Schauffele
    • Ludvig Aberg
    • Tom Hoge
    • Sepp Straka
    • Viktor Hovland
    • Ben Griffin
    • Rory McIlroy

• Strokes Gained: Around the Green
  • Players will undoubtedly miss greens this week so they’ll need to rely on their short game.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Hideki Matsuyama
    • C.T. Pan
    • Davis Thompson
    • Justin Thomas
    • Rory McIlroy
    • Tony Finau
    • Brooks Koepka
    • Collin Morikawa
    • Christiaan Bezuidenhout
    • Denny McCarthy

• Strokes Gained: Putting (Bentgrass)
  • The Greens on the Old Course at Royal Troon are Browntop Bentgrass with Fescue.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Matt Fitzpatrick
    • J.T. Poston
    • Denny McCarthy
    • Keegan Bradley
    • Tyrrell Hatton
    • Xander Schauffele
    • Aaron Rai
    • Cameron Smith
    • Viktor Hovland
    • Victor Perez

• Strokes Gained: Total (High Wind)
  • Based on the current weather forecast gusts of 15+mph are expected for the majority of days at the Open Championship.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Jon Rahm
    • Tony Finau
    • Rory McIlroy
    • Scottie Scheffler
    • Sungjae Im
    • Christiaan Bezuidenhout
    • Akshay Bhatia
    • Patrick Cantlay
    • Denny McCarthy
    • Wyndham Clark

• Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards (x2)
  • Two of the four Par 3’s on the Old Course at Royal Troon range between 200-225 Yards.
  • Leaders in Par 3 Scoring: 200-250 Yards in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Sami Valimaki
    • Adam Schenk
    • Akshay Bhatia
    • Guido Migliozzi
    • Matthew Southgate
    • Gary Woodland
    • Dean Burmester
    • Matt Wallace
    • Tyrrell Hatton
    • Taylor Moore

• Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 Yards (x5)
  • Five of the eleven Par 4’s on the Old Course at Royal Troon range between 450-500 Yards.
  • Leaders in Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 Yards in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Rory McIlroy
    • Scottie Scheffler
    • Bryson DeChambeau
    • Ludvig Aberg
    • Brooks Koepka
    • Collin Morikawa
    • Marcel Siem
    • Hideki Matsuyama
    • Xander Schauffele
    • Lucas Glover

• Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards (x2)
  • Two of the three Par 5’s on the Old Course at Royal Troon range between 550-600 Yards.
  • Leaders in Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Eric Cole
    • Billy Horschel
    • Davis Thompson
    • Tony Finau
    • Rory McIlroy
    • Min Woo Lee
    • Joaquin Niemann
    • Sam Horsfield
    • Patrick Cantlay
    • Jason Day

• Bogey Avoidance
• The Old Course at Royal Troon ranks among the most challenging courses on the PGA Tour. Patience will be key this week as players navigate the layout and capitalize on limited scoring chances. Throughout the event, players must strive to minimize any black numbers scores on their cards.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Scottie Scheffler
    • Rory McIlroy
    • Xander Schauffele
    • Ludvig Aberg
    • Collin Morikawa
    • Hideki Matsuyama
    • Bryson DeChambeau
    • Tommy Fleetwood
    • Tony Finau
    • Brooks Koepka

• Scrambling Gained
  • A player’s ability to recover and save par after missing the green in regulation will be crucial this week. The ability to recover from these situations and save par can make the difference between maintaining a competitive score and falling behind. High scrambling percentages contribute directly to lower scores. In the most recent Open held at Royal Troon, the top four finishers ranked 7th, 1st, 4th, and 3rd in Scrambling.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Hideki Matsuyama
    • Billy Horschel
    • Alexander Bjork
    • Rory McIlroy
    • Brian Harman
    • Sam Burns
    • Xander Schauffele
    • Denny McCarthy
    • Tommy Fleetwood
    • Guido Migliozzi

• Sand Saves Gained
  • A player’s ability to get up and down from greenside bunkers, saving par or better will be crucial this week. Successfully executing sand saves can help a player maintain momentum during a round. Avoiding bogeys or worse from bunkers prevents scorecard damage and keeps a player in contention.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Taylor Moore
    • Billy Horschel
    • Christiaan Bezuidenhout
    • Tommy Fleetwood
    • Sam Burns
    • Justin Rose
    • Tyrrell Hatton
    • Hideki Matsuyama
    • Russell Henley
    • Matteo Manassero

• Proximity Gained: 150-200 Yards
  • Most approach shots on the Old Course at Royal Troon come from the 150-200 yard range at a volume much higher than the PGA Tour average.
  • Leaders in Proximity Gained: 150-175 Yards in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Scottie Scheffler
    • Tony Finau
    • Kurt Kitayama
    • C.T. Pan
    • Corey Conners
    • Matteo Manassero
    • Keegan Bradley
    • Guido Migliozzi
    • Ryan Fox
    • Jon Rahm
  • Leaders in Proximity Gained: 175-200 Yards in the last 24 Rounds:
• Brooks Koepka
• Nicolai Højgaard
• Ludvig Aberg
• Russell Henley
• Hideki Matsuyama
• Rory McIlroy
• Marcel Siem
• Justin Rose
• Byeong Hun An
• Alex Cejka

• Comparable Courses and Event History
  • Looking at the Data Golf Course History Tool, prior experience on the Old Course at Royal Troon has proven to be slightly advantageous.

The Field:

This year’s Open Championship will feature a total of 158 competitors.

• Here is the current basis of qualification for each entrant this week:
  • The Open Champions aged 60 or under on 21 July 2024 (for all Champions up to 2024)
  • The Open Champions aged 55 or under on 21 July 2024 (for all Champions from 2024)
  • The Open Champions for 2013-2023
  • First 10 anyone tying for 10th place in The 151st Open at Royal Liverpool in 2023
  • The first 50 players on the OWGR for Week 21, 2024
  • First 30 in the Final Race to Dubai Rankings for 2023
  • The BMW PGA Championship winners for 2021-2023
  • First 5 DP World Tour members and any Race to Dubai members tying for 5th place, not otherwise exempt, in the top 20 of the Race to Dubai Rankings on completion of the 2024 BMW International
  • The US Open Champions for 2019-2024
  • The Masters Tournament Champions for 2019-2024
  • The PGA Champions for 2018-2024
  • The PLAYERS Champions for 2022-2024
  • Top 30 players for the Final 2023 FedEx Cup
  • First 5 PGA TOUR members and any PGA TOUR members tying for 5th place, not exempt in the top 20 of the PGA TOUR FedEx Cup for 2024 on completion of the 2024 Travelers Championship
  • The 117th VISA Open de Argentina 2024 Champion
  • The first 5 players on the 2024 Federations Ranking List as of closing date
  • The Japan Open Champion for 2023
  • The Senior Open Champion for 2023
  • The Amateur Champion for 2024
  • The US Amateur Champion for 2023
  • The European Amateur Champion for 2024
  • The Mark H McCormack Medal (Men’s WORLD AMATEUR GOLF RANKING) winner for 2023
  • The Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion 2023
  • The Latin America Amateur Champion 2024
  • The Open Amateur Series winner 2024
  • The Africa Amateur Champion 2024
  • Medical Exemption
  • The Open Qualifying Series

• Previous Winners in the Field (Event):
  • Brian Harman (2023), Cameron Smith (2022), Collin Morikawa (2021), Shane Lowry (2019), Francesco Molinari (2018), Jordan Spieth (2017), Henrik Stenson (2016), Zach Johnson (2015), Rory McIlroy (2014), Phil Mickelson (2013), Ernie Els (2012, 2002), Darren Clarke (2011), Louis Oosthuizen (2010), Stewart Cink (2009), Pádraig Harrington (2008, 2007), Tiger Woods (2006, 2005, 2000), Todd Hamilton (2004), Justin Leonard (1997), John Daly (1995)

• Debutants in the Field (Event):
  • Aguri Iwasaki, Akshay Bhatia, Altin van der Merwe(a), Andy Ogletree, Angel Hidalgo Portillo, Austin Eckroat, Calum Scott(a), Charlie Lindh, Daniel Brown, David Puig, Davis Thompson, Denwit David Boriboonsub, Dominic Clemons(a), Elvis Smylie, Eric Cole, Gordon Sargent(a), Guntaek Koh, Jack McDonald, Jacob Skov Olesen(a), Jaime Montojo Fernandez(a), Jasper Stubbs(a), Jesper Svensson, Joe Dean, Kazuma Kobori, Liam Nolan(a), Ludvig Aberg, Luis Masaveu(a), Mason Andersen, Matthew Dodd-Berry(a), Ryan van Velzen, Ryo Hisatsune, Sam Hutsby, Santiago De la Fuente(a), Sebastian Soderberg, Stephan Jaeger, Tom McKibbin, Tommy Morrison(a), Vincent Norrman

• Players with ties to Scotland in the Field:
  • Birthplace:
    • Ewen Furguson – Glasgow, Scotland
    • Robert MacIntyre – Oban, Scotland
    • Jack McDonald – Kilmarnock, Scotland
    • Calum Scott – Nairn, Scotland

• Notable Withdraws/ Changes:
  • IN: Richard Mansell (Open Qualifying Series – Scottish Open)
  • IN: Alex Noren (Open Qualifying Series – Scottish Open)
  • IN: Aaron Rai (Open Qualifying Series – Scottish Open)

The Odds:

Here are the current favorites for this week’s event along with a summary of their recent form and course history:

Scottie Scheffler (+450) returns to action after a three-week break. He has won six of his last ten starts, most recently capturing the Travelers Championship. Scheffler has played in the Open Championship three times, finishing T8 in 2021, T21 in 2022, and T23 in 2023.

Rory McIlroy (+750) finished T4 at the Genesis Scottish Open last week. He has placed inside the top 15 in each of his last six starts, including wins at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the Wells Fargo Championship. McIlroy has competed in the Open Championship fourteen times, with his best finish being a victory in 2014 at Royal Liverpool. He finished T5 at Royal Troon in 2016, the last time the Open was held at this venue.

Xander Schauffele (+1100) won his first Major Championship at Valhalla two months ago. He has been exceptional this season, finishing outside the top 25 only once in seventeen starts. Since winning the PGA Championship, Schauffele has maintained his form with finishes of T8 at the Memorial Tournament, T7 at the U.S. Open, T13 at the Travelers Championship, and T15 at the Genesis Scottish Open. He has played in the Open Championship six times, with his best finish coming in 2018 at Carnoustie, where he placed T2, two shots behind Francesco Molinari.

Ludvig Aberg (+1400) held the 54-hole lead at the Genesis Scottish Open but finished T4. He has been close to securing his second PGA Tour victory this season, finishing runner-up at both the Masters Tournament and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Aberg will be making his Open Championship debut this week.

Bryson DeChambeau (+1400) won his second U.S. Open last month at Pinehurst No. 2. Since then, he finished T3 at LIV Nashville and 9th at LIV Andalucia. DeChambeau has played in the Open Championship six times, with his best performance coming in 2022 at St. Andrews, where he finished T8, his only top 10 in this event.

Collin Morikawa (+1400) finished T4 at the Genesis Scottish Open last week. He has placed inside the top 15 in ten of his last eleven PGA Tour starts. Despite his strong play, Morikawa is still seeking his first victory since the 2023 ZOZO Championship. He has played in the Open Championship three times, winning in 2021 at Royal St. George’s, but he has missed the cut in the last two editions.

Tournament Props:

Final Score:

• 72 Hole Winning Score at the Open Championship: 269.5 / -14.5 (Over -110 / Under -110)

Playoff:

• Will There Be a Playoff at the Open Championship? (Yes +350 / No -500)

The Open Championship has not ended in a playoff since 2015 when Zach Johnson defeated Marc Leishman and Louis Oosthuizen in a four-hole aggregate score playoff.

Royal Troon has hosted the Open Championship nine times before and the tournament ended in a playoff twice, in 2004 and 1989.

Hole-in-One:

• Will There Be A Hole-in-One at the Open Championship? (Yes -175 / No +125)

In 2016, the last time Royal Troon hosted the Open Championship, there was one hole-in-one made by Louis Oosthuizen on No. 14. Since the last edition of the Open Championship at Royal Troon Hole No. 14 has been lengthened out by 22 yards.

In 2004 at the Open Championship, Ernie Els made the lone hole-in-one of the tournament on the iconic No. 8.

Facts and Figures:

• Six of the last 10 winners were ranked inside the top 10 in the OWGR.
• Eight of the last 10 Open winners had already posted a top 10 in the event.
• Eight of the last 10 Open champions have a win earlier in the season.
• Eight of the last 10 winners had posted a top 20 in one of their previous two Majors.
• Nine of the last 10 Open champions had posted at least one top 10 in one of their three previous starts.
• Eight of the last 10 Open winners teed it up the week before.

All credit for the 10-year trends goes to Dave Tindall (@davetindallgolf).

Recent Horses for Courses (Event):

Recent Horses for Courses (Royal Troon):

Recent Donkeys for Courses (Event):

Recent Donkeys for Courses (Royal Troon):

Previous Winners Scores, Prices, and Strokes Gained (Rank at Tournament):

• 2023: Brian Harman (-13) – Royal Liverpool
  • Price: 125-1

• 2022: Cameron Smith (-20) – St. Andrews
  • Price: 28-1

• 2021: Collin Morikawa (-15) – Royal St. George’s Golf Course
  • Price: 40-1

• 2020: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • Price: N/A

• 2019: Shane Lowry (-15) – Royal Portrush Golf Club
  • Price: 70-1

Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts):

• 2023: Brian Harman
  • T12 – Genesis Scottish Open (PGA)
  • T9 – Rocket Mortgage Classic (PGA)
  • T2 – Travelers Championship (PGA)
  • T43 – U.S. Open (MAJ)
  • MC – the Memorial Tournament (PGA)

• 2022: Cameron Smith
  • T10 – Genesis Scottish Open (PGA)
  • MC – U.S. Open (MAJ)
  • T48 – RBC Candian Open (PGA)
  • T13 – the Memorial Tournament (PGA)
  • T13 – PGA Championship (MAJ)

• 2021: Collin Morikawa
  • T71 – abrdn Scottish Open (DPWT)
  • T4 – U.S. Open (MAJ)
  • 2 – the Memorial Tournament (PGA)
  • T14 – Charles Schwab Challenge (PGA)
  • T8 – PGA Championship (MAJ)

• 2020: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

• 2019: Shane Lowry
  • T34 – Dubai Duty Free Irish Open (DPWT)
  • T28 – U.S. Open (MAJ)
  • T2 – RBC Canadian Open (PGA)
  • T8 – PGA Championship (PGA)
  • MC – Zurich Classic of New Orleans (PGA)

Previous Winners Incoming Form (Majors that year):

• 2023: Brian Harman
  • T43 – U.S. Open
  • MC – PGA Championship
  • MC – The Masters

• 2022: Cameron Smith
  • MC – U.S. Open
  • T13 – PGA Championship
  • T3 – The Masters

• 2021: Collin Morikawa
  • T4 – U.S. Open
  • T8 – PGA Championship
  • T18 – The Masters

• 2020: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

• 2019: Shane Lowry
  • T28 – U.S. Open
  • T8 – PGA Championship
  • MC – The Masters

Previous Winners Finishes at Event:

2023: Brian Harman

2022: Cameron Smith

2021: Collin Morikawa

• Tournament Debut

2020: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

2019: Shane Lowry

Picks:

Outrights:

• Tyrrell Hatton (+2800) – FanDuel
  • Risk 0.29 to win 8.12 Units

Tyrrell Hatton is coming into the Open Championship in good form winning LIV Nashville and finishing 3rd at LIV Andalucia. He’s also played well at the three prior Major Championships this season finishing T9 at the Masters Tournament, T63 at the PGA Championship, and T26 at the U.S. Open.

He’ll be playing in his twelfth Open Championship this week. Hatton struggled in this event in his first few editions missing the cut in each of his first four Open Championships. However, in his last two Open Championships Hatton finished T11 in 2022 at St. Andrews and T20 in 2023 at Royal Liverpool. Hatton finished T5 at Royal Troon in 2016 the last time the Open Championship was held at this venue.

In the last 24 rounds, Hatton ranks 5th in SG: Putting (Bentgrass), 17th in SG: Around the Green, and 50th in SG: Off the Tee. In terms of scoring, he ranks 12th in Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards, 19th in Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 yards, and 48th in Bogey Avoidance. Hatton’s short game has also been great lately ranking 44th in Scrambling Gained and 6th in Sand Saves Gained.

• Patrick Cantlay (+4500) – FanDuel
  • Risk 0.18 to win 8.10 Units

Patrick Cantlay is coming into the Open Championship in good form finishing T3 at the U.S. Open and T5 at the Travelers Championship. In addition to playing well at the U.S. Open, Cantlay also played well at Augusta National finishing T22 at the Masters Tournament.

He’ll be playing in his sixth Open Championship this week with his best performance coming back in 2022 at St. Andrews where he finished T8. Despite only having one top-10 finish in the Open Championship, Cantlay has only missed the cut once.

In the last 24 rounds, Cantlay ranks 33rd in SG: Putting (Bentgrass), 16th in SG: Around the Green, and 50th in SG: Approach. In terms of scoring, he ranks 64th in Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards, 26th in Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 yards, 9th in Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards, and 26th in Bogey Avoidance. Cantlay’s short game has also been great lately ranking 39th in both Scrambling Gained and Sand Saves Gained.

• Cameron Smith (+4500) – FanDuel
  • Risk 0.18 to win 8.10 Units

Cameron Smith is coming into the Open Championship in good form finishing T9 at LIV Nashville, T6 at LIV Andalucia, and T32 at the U.S. Open. In addition to playing well at the U.S. Open, Smith also played well at Augusta National finishing T6 at the Masters Tournament.

He’ll be playing in his seventh Open Championship this week. Smith struggled in this event in his first two editions missing the cut in 2017 and finishing 78th in 2018. However, he turned things around in 2019 finishing T20 at Royal Portrush. Smith was able to build on that finish winning the Open Championship in 2022 at St. Andrews. Last year at Royal Liverpool, he finished T33 at Royal Liverpool.

In the last 24 rounds, Smith ranks 8th in SG: Putting (Bentgrass), 13th in SG: Around the Green, and 33rd in SG: Approach. In terms of scoring, he ranks 73rd in Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards, 56th in Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 yards, 13th in Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards, and 17th in Bogey Avoidance.

• Tom Kim (+4500) – FanDuel
  • Risk 0.18 to win 8.10 Units

Tom Kim has yet to win this season with his best chance coming last month at the Travelers Championship when he lost in a playoff to Scottie Scheffler. Following that, he struggled in the following week at Detroit Golf Club where he missed the cut. However, he rebounded last week at the Renaissance Club finishing T15.

He’ll be playing in his third Open Championship this week. He finished T47 in his tournament debut in 2022 at St. Andrews and T2 last year at Royal Liverpool.

In the last 24 rounds, Kim ranks 11th in SG: Off the Tee, 43rd in SG: Around the Green, and 15th in SG: Approach. In terms of scoring, he ranks 3rd in Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards, 18th in Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 yards, 18th in Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards, and 19th in Bogey Avoidance. Kim’s short game has also been great lately ranking 52nd in both Scrambling Gained.

• Joaquin Niemann (+6600) – BetMGM
  • Risk 0.13 to win 8.58 Units

Joaquin Niemann is coming into the Open Championship in good form finishing T3 at LIV Nashville, T6 at LIV Andalucia, and T32 at LIV Houston. He’s also won twice on the LIV Tour this season. Regarding Major Championships this season, Niemann finished T22 at the Masters Tournament and T39 at the PGA Championship.

He’ll be playing in his fifth Open Championship this week. He hasn’t had a ton of success at this event in the past missing the cut twice (2019, 2023) and finishing T59 (2021) and T53 (2022). That being said, he’s in much better form heading into this week’s event so I’m hopeful he can turn things around.

In the last 24 rounds, Niemann ranks 10th in SG: Off the Tee, 55th in SG: Around the Green, and 21st in SG: Approach. In terms of scoring, he ranks 67th in Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 yards, 7th in Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards, and 49th in Bogey Avoidance. Niemann’s short game has also been good lately ranking 67th in Scrambling Gained and 46th in Sand Saves Gained.

• Sungjae Im (+6600) – BetMGM
  • Risk 0.13 to win 8.58 Units

Sungjae Im is coming into the Open Championship in good form finishing T3 at the Travelers Championship, T12 at the John Deere Classic, and T4 at the Genesis Scottish Open last week. He’s yet to win on the PGA Tour but did win the Woori Financial Group Championship on the KPGA. He started the season off strong playing well in his first two events but struggled for the next four months only recording one top-20 finish from January to April. He turned things around at the RBC Heritage, which sparked the good run he’s been on since.

He’ll be playing in his fourth Open Championship this week. Sungjae struggled in this event in his first two editions missing the cut in 2019 and finishing T81 in 2022. However last year at Royal Liverpool, he finished T20.

In the last 24 rounds, Sungjae ranks 25th in SG: Putting (Bentgrass), 8th in SG: Around the Green, 31st in SG: Off the Tee, and 29th in SG: Approach. In terms of scoring, he ranks 36th in Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards, 42nd in Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 yards, 26th in Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards, and 18th in Bogey Avoidance. His short game has also been great lately ranking 23rd in Scrambling Gained and 28th in Sand Saves Gained.

• Wyndham Clark (+6600) – BetMGM
  • Risk 0.13 to win 8.58 Units

Wyndham Clark is coming into the Open Championship in good form finishing T9 at the Travelers Championship and T10 at the Genesis Scottish Open. He’s had his ups and downs this season but when he’s in good form he’s one of the best players on the PGA Tour. Clark also won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, a stateside course comp for this week’s event.

He’ll be playing in his third Open Championship this week. He finished T76 in his tournament debut in 2022 at St. Andrews and T33 last year at Royal Liverpool.

In the last 24 rounds, Clark ranks 24th in SG: Putting (Bentgrass), 71st in SG: Around the Green, and 31st in SG: Off the Tee. In terms of scoring, he ranks 7th in Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards, 90th in Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards, and 91st in Bogey Avoidance. His short game has also been good lately ranking 51st in Scrambling Gained and 47th in Sand Saves Gained.

Total Risk on Outrights: 1.22 Units

Top 20:

• Tony Finau (+150) – BetMGM
  • Risk 1.00 to win 1.50 Units

Tony Finau is coming into the Open Championship in good form finishing inside the top 20 in each of his last five events. In his last two starts, he finished T3 at the U.S. Open and T5 at the Travelers Championship.

He’ll be playing in his eighth Open Championship this week. During that span, he has four top 20 finishes with his best performance in this event coming back in 2019 at Royal Portrush where he finished 3rd.

In the last 24 rounds, Finau ranks 3rd in SG: Approach and 9th in SG: Around the Green. In terms of scoring, he ranks 44th in Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards, 49th in Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 yards, 4th in Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards, and 10th in Bogey Avoidance. Finau’s short game has also been great lately ranking 34th in Scrambling Gained and 50th in Sand Saves Gained.

• Cameron Young (+200) – BetMGM
  • Risk 1.00 to win 2.00 Units

Cameron Young is coming into the Open Championship in good form finishing T9 at the Travelers Championship and T6 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in his last two starts.

He’ll be playing in his third Open Championship finishing runner-up at St Andrews in 2022 and T8 in 2023 at Royal Liverpool.

In the last 24 rounds, Young ranks 24th in SG: Off the Tee and 53rd in SG: Around the Green. In terms of scoring, he ranks 48th in Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards, 23rd in Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 yards, 35th in Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards, and 61st in Bogey Avoidance. Young’s putting on bentgrass surfaces has also been better than other surfaces.

• Brian Harman (+225) – BetMGM
  • Risk 1.00 to win 2.25 Units

Brian Harman is coming into the Open Championship in good form finishing T21 in the U.S. Open, T9 at the Travelers Championship, at 21 at the Genesis Scottish Open in his last three starts.

He’ll be playing in his ninth Open Championship this week. Harman struggled in this event in his first few editions missing the cut in four of his first five Open Championships. However, he turned things around in 2021 finishing T19 at Royal Portrush. Harman was able to build on that finishing T6 in 2022 at St. Andrews and winning the Open Championship last year at Royal Liverpool.

In the last 24 rounds, Harman ranks 7th in SG: Approach, 42nd in SG: Around the Green, and 58th in SG: Off the Tee. In terms of scoring, he ranks 70th in Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards, 68th in Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 yards, 64th in Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards, and 7th in Bogey Avoidance. Harman’s short game has also been great lately ranking 7th in Scrambling Gained.

Total Risk on Top 20s: 3.00 Units

Top 30:

• Alex Noren (+175) – DraftKings
  • Risk 1.00 to win 1.75 Units

Alex Noren had a slow start to the season but was able to put things together starting at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches where he had eight consecutive top-25 finishes. Heading into the Genesis Scottish Open, Noren had missed two consecutive cuts at the U.S. Open and Rocket Mortgage Classic. However, he was able to figure things out at The Renaissance Club where he placed T10 last week.

He’ll be playing in his twelfth Open Championship with his best performance coming in 2017 when he finished T6 at Royal Birkdale. Noren finished T46 at Royal Troon in 2016 the last time the Open Championship was held at this venue.

In the last 24 rounds, Noren ranks 41st in SG: Approach and 12th in SG: Around the Green. In terms of scoring, he ranks 66th in Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards, 9th in Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 yards, 60th in Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards, and 43rd in Bogey Avoidance. Noren’s short game has also been great lately ranking 14th in Scrambling Gained and 21st in Sand Saves Gained.

Total Risk on Top 30s: 1.00 Unit

Top 40:

• Si Woo Kim (+145) – Bet365
  • Risk 1.00 to win 1.45 Units

Si Woo Kim is coming into the Open Championship in good form finishing T26 at the Genesis Scottish Open, T31 at the Travelers Championship, T32 at the U.S. Open, and T15 at the Memorial Tournament in his last four starts.

He’ll be playing in his sixth Open Championship with his best performance coming in 2022 when he finished T15 at St Andrews.

In the last 24 rounds, Si Woo ranks 27th in SG: Approach, 50th in SG: Around the Green, and 56th in SG: Off the Tee. In terms of scoring, he ranks 46th in Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 yards, 47th in Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards, and 20th in Bogey Avoidance. Kim’s short game has also been great lately ranking 16th in Scrambling Gained and 9th in Sand Saves Gained.

Total Risk on Top 40s: 1.00 Unit

Additional Bets/ Angles:

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Total Risk on the Open Championship: 6.22 Units 

Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.