David Bearman, the SportsLine golf expert who's already up a massive 18 units this year, just dropped his predictions for the 2026 Open Championship, and he is not holding back on Bryson DeChambeau. This guy knows his stuff; he was ESPN's golf researcher for years, even authored their weekly betting column. When he talks, people listen. He nailed Cam Young at The Players Championship, Matt Fitzpatrick at the RBC Heritage, and Cam Young again at the Cadillac Championship.
The Shocking Call on Bryson
Bearman is officially fading Bryson DeChambeau for the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, flat out suggesting the two-time U.S. Open champ could miss the cut if his poor form keeps up. Seriously, DeChambeau's odds started at +2800 at some books but have already slid to +5000 on FanDuel. That's a huge move, telling you what the market thinks when an expert like Bearman calls it.
So, what's Bearman's reasoning? It's all about DeChambeau's recent struggles, especially in the last two majors. He lost 2 shots on approach at the U.S. Open, and then coughed up 2.16 strokes to the field around the greens at the PGA Championship in May. That's just not Championship-level play.
Bearman did not mince words when he told SportsLine, "He was downright awful at the last two majors, losing 2 shots on approach at the U.S. Open and 2.16 strokes to the field around the greens at the PGA Championship in May. A repeat of that, and his flight back to the States will depart Saturday morning. He has not played since the U.S. Open, and while making YouTube videos is fun and all, you have to ask yourself where his head is right now with the LIV future in question." That's a damning take, questioning his form and focus. He boasts nine PGA Tour wins, 16 professional wins, and five LIV Golf League victories, including a playoff win at LIV Golf South Africa back in March. But can he perform on this stage right now? That's the question.
Scheffler's Shot at History, Plus the Contenders
While everyone debates DeChambeau's future, Scottie Scheffler rolls into the Open Championship as the +700 favorite on FanDuel, gunning for history. Scheffler completely dominated last year, winning the event by four strokes over Harris English. He is trying to go back-to-back, a feat last accomplished by Padraig Harrington in 2007 and 2008. The last American to do it? Tiger Woods in 2005 and 2006. That's elite company. The only hiccup for Scheffler? He missed the cut at the Scottish Open last week, so he is looking for a bounce-back at Royal Birkdale.
But this is the Open, and the field is stacked. Rory McIlroy is right there at +850, always a threat. Then you have Matt Fitzpatrick at +1500, Tommy Fleetwood at +1800, and Jon Rahm rounding out the top contenders at +2200. Any of these guys could get hot and take the Claret Jug home.
The 2026 Open Championship kicks off July 16-19 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England. Will Scottie join the legends with another win? Or will a challenger step up? The big question: Will Bryson DeChambeau defy Bearman's grim prediction or be on a plane home by Saturday? You know we are watching every shot.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.