Our pool of staff writers outline our TOP 5 picks in order – Remember to set the alarms early – Tee Times start at 4 am EST – Ready…Set… Go! Here are our TOP 5 Picks and their odds to win via Ceasars Sportsbook in Vegas…
OUR CONSENSUS WINNER IS…
Scottie Scheffler +750 – Here’s why: Not only is he one of the best in the game he also has a degree in finance. That may come in handy when it comes time to count all that $$$ if our top pick comes out on Sunday evening with the Claret Jug in hand. Oh yeah, he also just happens to be the world’s top-ranked golfer heading to this year’s final major. Plus, If he can get the flat stick working, as he is one of the hottest putters on the planet, and given the weather we know will always be a factor in the Open – that could be the difference maker come Sunday afternoon. BTW- (This pick was made by Voyce – one of our newest staff writers – she is also my 12-year-old daughter who did a LOT of homework on this piece and wouldn’t you know it we have the same pick here to win.
Jon Rahm +1200 – Here’s why: One of the most consistent and creative players on the planet (a la Seve Ballesteros) he can bomb it with the best of ’em and also has the touch of a greenside wizard. His innate ability to navigate challenging links courses (like Royal Liverpool) effectively put him in the driver’s seat for the 151st Open. One fun fact about Rahmbo is that he learned the majority of his English by listening to Eminem. It’s a fact – Look it up or click here to check it out. His favorite moment on the course was the day he made two (2) hole-in-ones on the same day. To put that in perspective the odds on that are roughly 1 in 67 million. He is also the only Spaniard with both a Masters and a U.S. Open under his belt. A win here could put him 1 win away from the career grand slam! We like his chances – Will he capture it or let it slip?
Cameron Smith +1500 – Here’s Why: For starters, he IS the defending champion so he has proven he can play across the pond and a grand stage with the big boys and WIN. While he may not be the most orthodox or liked player, he is somehow always in the mix. He finished solo 4th in the U.S. Open just a month ago. If this was a tortoise and the hare story, Cam would most certainly be the tortoise. His stats don’t leap off the page at you and that mullet – oh boy that mullet – just may be blowing in the wind come Sunday down the stretch. The other reason he remains camouflaged, though, is that we just do not see him as much anymore. Smith plays LIV Golf almost exclusively now, siloed away from most of the best players in the world. Even when we have seen him, the strong performances have perfectly shrouded his conspicuousness. Late charges at both the PGA Championship and U.S. Open resulted in top-10 finishes, but he was never truly in the mix in either tournament. His track record in the Open, however, makes him a force to be reckoned with this week.
Rory McIlroy +525 – Here’s Why: Rory has shown exceptional skill on links courses, he possesses arguably the best driver in the game and has a history as a past Open Champion. He is the epidemy of consistency. He has had the same golf coach since he was 8 years old. At the ripe old age of 7 he was ranked as the #1 amateur (it only lasted 1 week, but hey the world’s best amateur at 7!?! – Really…) He made his first ace at 10 and has not looked back since. Now nearly a decade removed from his last Open Championship victory, his form suggests he could snap a nine-year drought at the 2023 Open Championship. Could this be the year? We think there is a very good chance if he keeps it in the short grass, he could hoist the jug come Sunday.
Brooks Koepka +1800 – Here’s Why: The guy is built to win Majors. Period. End of story. He rises to the occasion and seems to love the big stage. The bigger the better. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him with the hardware on Sunday night. If that happens, what I wouldn’t give to be a fly on that wall when the party kicks off.
No matter who wins, I know what I will be doing this weekend… Let the games begin!
