The 2026 Open Championship is teeing off Thursday from Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, and while the usual suspects like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm are soaking up the favorite status, a SportsLine model is screaming value on some serious underdogs. This isn't just some gut feeling, either; this model has a track record that'll make you double-take, nailing a ridiculous 17 majors, including the 2026 Masters , its fifth Masters in a row , plus last year's PGA Championship and Open Championship. Anyone who's been following these picks has seen massive returns.
This Model is Printing Money, And It Loves Aberg
Forget the big names for a second. DFS pro Mike McClure built this proprietary model, and it's simulated every PGA Tour event a mind-boggling 10,000 times. When it tells you there's value, you listen up. For the 2026 Open Championship, the model is locking onto 26-year-old Ludvig Aberg with +3300 odds. We're talking about one of the most accomplished college golfers in NCAA history here, a guy who went on an insane 10-week run this year with routine top-five finishes, even snagging a T4 at the PGA Championship. That's serious talent, folks, and the model expects him to really vie for this Open Championship.Why Aberg's Current Form Isn't The Whole Story
Now, I know what you're thinking. Aberg's hit a bit of a rough patch lately. He's finished outside the top 15 in his last five tournaments, even missing the cut and landing T55 in his last two events. But don't let that fool you. His spring form, from March to mid-May, was electric. He notched five top-10 finishes over seven tournaments during that stretch, and he already has two PGA Tour victories along with three top-10 finishes in majors under his belt. He's one of the youngest guys on tour, but he clearly belongs. McClure believes Aberg is still the player we saw over that dominant spring. At 33-1 odds, that kind of potential is absolutely worth backing. The model also sees significant value in Viktor Hovland at +4000 and Justin Rose at +4200. With the final major of the year about to kick off, these underdog picks could turn Thursday's start into a seriously profitable weekend. Are you in?This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.