Tom Kim just snagged the Scottish Open title, and if you’re looking at the betting sheet for the 2026 Open Championship kicking off Thursday morning, his +4500 odds to win feel wild. This kid is in serious form, and for him to be sitting that far down the list when he just crushed a links course, it’s a head-scratcher.
The Heavy Hitters and Rory's Resurgence
Sure, Scottie Scheffler is still the world’s No. 1 golfer, and the man is the pre-tournament favorite at +700. And you know Tommy Fleetwood is gonna be the sentimental favorite, playing practically in his backyard, growing up in Southport. He’s at +1500. But sandwiched right there is Rory McIlroy at +850, and you absolutely cannot count him out, even if those odds aren't super juicy. Since he took home The Masters trophy in April, McIlroy's been on a tear, logging four top-20 finishes in just five starts. Remember that T7 at the Scottish Open? He dropped a 64 in the final round on another links course, The Renaissance Club. And get this: the last time the Open Championship hit Royal Birkdale, Rory finished tied for fourth. He's also a solid pick at +430 to be in the top five after Round 1. That’s a stat you gotta chew on.Gotterup, The Dark Horse Who Isn't
Then there's Chris Gotterup. The guy isn’t exactly a dark horse, but at +3300 odds, he’s definitely sitting in that juicy second-tier list. This 26-year-old was third at last year’s Open Championship over at Royal Portrush. Third! And his game? It’s been absolutely cooking for the last two months. He just won the John Deere Classic this month, tied for 11th at the Scottish Open, and has racked up six top-30 finishes since May. Adam Christensen from Golf.com put it perfectly: "Nobody is having a better season outside the major championships, and he has shown the ability to bring his game across the pond. His wide-open, push-draw stance is unique, and his ability to vary his ball flights is incredibly fun to watch." Gotterup only turned pro in 2022 and he's still chasing that first major. He is a super strong pick at +340 to finish the tournament inside the top 10. You just know he's hungry.What's at Stake for Royal Birkdale
With the Open Championship kicking off July 16th and running through the 19th at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, starting with the first tee at 2 a.m. ET on Thursday, it’s gonna be a must-watch. We’ve got major contenders, guys in red-hot form, and some serious value picks. Adverse weather shouldn't even be a factor, so it’s all about who’s got the game. You gotta consider recent tour results, past performances at Birkdale, and how these guys handle links courses in general. Keep an eye on McIlroy’s consistent play, Gotterup’s relentless charge, and seriously, don't sleep on Tom Kim, even with those odds. This major is gonna be a battle, and I can’t wait to see who hoists that trophy.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.