(Image by: theopen)
Heading into the final round of the 2024 Open there is plenty to play for, as eleven players will tee off today within four strokes of surprise overnight leader Billy Horschel.
As yesterday showed with the surprise moves of Sam Burns and Thriston Lawrence, there can be plenty of value to be had in a tournament that has been as unpredictable as this year’s Open.
With the final round just hours away, there is bound to be plenty of thrills and spills as the leaders all try to cement their places in Open history.
If you are looking to place a bet today, let’s take a look at some of the players who could be worth backing.
The Favourites
Starting today’s final round as the tournament favourite is Xander Schauffele. The PGA Champion will start today just one shot off the leaders and will be looking to land a second major of the season.
Ever since landing his first major, Schauffele has looked free on the golf course. No longer having to be concerned with answering questions about when that first major will arrive, the Californian looks hungry for more success and after how he has played through the first three rounds, that victory could well arrive today.
Whereas all of the leaders struggled yesterday, Schauffele showed just what a classy player he is as he signed for a battling round of 69.
In what was one of the best rounds of his career, Schauffele will hope to build on that performance today and with the conditions set to be calmer, the world number three will hope to give himself plenty of scoring opportunities.
Today could be a special day as Schauffele looks to cement his position as one of the game’s very best players.
It isn’t surprising that hot on the heels of Schauffele is the world number one Scottie Scheffler. Like his compatriot, the Texan has had to battle through his first three rounds in the worst of the conditions and although he will start today’s round two strokes back, he will hope to make the most of today’s better forecast conditions.
For the first few rounds of the tournament the golfing public has been waiting for Scheffler to explode and it could finally happen today.
Nobody in the field has given themselves more chances for birdies than Scheffler and if he can get the putter hot, a first major away from the comfortable confines of Augusta could be in his grasp. It wouldn’t be a shock to see Scheffler leave Royal Troon with the Claret Jug in his hands.
Rounding out the top three is current leader Billy Horschel.
Although a tough and gritty competitor, few would have fancied the genial American to be a leading contender here. Now ranked 62 in the world, Horschel has had a renaissance year, winning in the Dominican Republic he also finished 8th at the PGA Championship.
This will be the first time that Horschel that would have ever teed off in a final grouping at a major and it’s fair to say that he would never have experienced pressure like he will do today.
For those believing that Horschel may be able to get over the line, they can take great comfort from the fact that Horschel seemed to be in his element yesterday.
Having had to battle for his lead, Horschel won’t want to give it up and if you want to back him, you know that you will certainly get value for your money.
Value options
Although there are just 18 holes left to play, there is still some great value that can be unlocked.
Justin Rose has become somewhat of the forgotten man at the top of the leaderboard. Quiet and unassuming in his nature, Rose will certainly believe that he can finally get his hands on the trophy he covets the most.
Rose had to use all of his experience to stay in contention yesterday and battled superbly in the teeth of the wind to ensure he started today just one shot back today.
Usually immaculate from tee to green, where it can usually unravel for the Englishman is on the greens. As Rose heads towards the twilight of his career he knows that time to get his hands on the greatest prize in his golf is running out. Sure to leave it all on the line, Rose could be one of the best value options of the day.
Sam Burns and Thriston Lawrence both vaulted themselves into contention yesterday and took full advantage of the better conditions.
Today both find themselves in the thick of it and despite being two of the form men, they both can be backed at decent prices.
Long shots
Throughout history, there have been several winners of majors who have made a late final round charge and anyone starting within five of Billy Horschel’s lead will still believe they have a chance of lifting one of the most famous trophies in sport.
One man who has won a major from starting well adrift is Justin Thomas and the four shot deficit he currently faces certainly won’t phase him.
Capable of exceptionally low scoring, Thomas has already shown that he can light up the Troon links and after battling to make the cut, he will be swinging easy and loose today.
When on his game, nobody can stop the two time major winner and although he will start today at 45/1 he could be worth a small play.
Also four strokes back is Adam Scott. A runner up at the Open back in 2012, this is a trophy that the Australian would dearly love to win and with his vast Links experience he can’t be discounted.
With a swing as smooth as silk, Scott will be wanting to make an early move today. Narrowly denied at last week’s Scottish Open, both he and his legions of fans will be hoping that he can go one place better today.
Open Top Ten Betting
Heading into the final day, here are the top ten in the betting:
XANDER SCHAUFFELE - 10/3
SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER - 15/4
BILLY HORSCHEL - 5/1
JUSTIN ROSE - 15/2
SAM BURNS - 8/1
RUSSELL HENLEY - 9/1
THRISTON LAWRENCE - 14/1
DANIEL BROWN - 20/1
SHANE LOWRY - 20/1
JUSTIN THOMAS AND ADAM SCOTT - 45/1
Jack Hartman
A keen golfer and huge fan of the game, Jack has been covering golf for the last five years. Bringing you all the latest coverage and news from the PGA, LIV, LPGA and DP World Tours, never before has golf been so popular and Jack can’t wait to bring all the excitement to his readers.
