As the calendar turns to the major championship season in the world of golf, anticipation builds for the sport's most exhilarating and competitive tournaments. The 2024 season promises to deliver an unrivaled spectacle with the majors: The Masters, the PGA Championship, which will be held at Valhalla, the U.S. Open set for Pinehurst, and The Open, which returns to Royal Troon. Speculation is rife among fans and pundits alike regarding potential first-time major winners, with the spotlight shining brightly on a number of standout talents.
Spotlight on Scottie Scheffler
Leading the pack of favorites is Scottie Scheffler, whose odds sit at an impressive +125 to secure a major championship victory in 2024. Scheffler's consistency and exceptional form have captivated the golf world, as evidenced by his outstanding record of not posting a single over-par round throughout the season. This sterling performance has translated into favorable odds across the board, including +350 for the lowest aggregate score across all four majors, and a compelling +400 to claim victory at the Masters. Furthermore, Scheffler is eyed at +800 to win two major titles this year, reflecting the high expectations surrounding his prowess on the course.
The odds of Scheffler making the cut in all four major championships are pegged at -175, indicating a strong belief in his consistency and resilience. Historically, the golf world has seen 156 first-time major winners emerge over the past 78 years, underlining the unpredictability and open nature of these prestigious tournaments. Notably, only four seasons since the end of World War II have concluded without a first-time major winner, highlighting the recurring theme of breakthrough success.
Contenders for Their First Major
Several players stand out as potential candidates to join the illustrious list of major champions, including Viktor Hovland, Will Zalatoris, Xander Schauffele, Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, and Max Homa. Each of these players brings a unique skill set and a hunger for victory that could very well see them through to their maiden major win in 2024.
Betting Beyond the Winners
The allure of the major championships extends beyond predicting the winners, with a plethora of unique betting options capturing the imagination of fans and bettors alike. Among these, the odds of "No majors in 2024 to be decided by a playoff" stand at +150, offering an intriguing proposition about the nature of competition. Additionally, the possibility of any player winning two or more majors in 2024 is also rated at +150, suggesting a season of potentially dominant performances by the top contenders.
For those looking at nationality-based bets, the odds of an English player winning a major are set at +200, while Patrick Cantlay or Xander Schauffele claiming a major championship victory has odds of +225. The prospect of witnessing a hole-in-one in all four majors carries odds of +600, offering a tantalizing scenario for golf enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the odds of a player achieving the Grand Slam, a feat of unparalleled difficulty, stand at a distant +8000.
In recent history, Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth have come close to achieving remarkable consistency across the majors, finishing in the top five of all four majors in 2014 and 2015, respectively. This level of performance sets a high benchmark for others to aspire to, with Scottie Scheffler’s odds to finish in the top 20 of all four majors this season marked at +150.
As the 2024 major championship season approaches, the golfing world is set for a thrilling spectacle, with seasoned champions and emerging stars alike vying for the highest honors in the sport. Whether it be witnessing potential first-time winners etching their names into history, or watching the strategic bets unfold, this season promises to be one of unforgettable moments and unparalleled excitement.
