If at times there were some unfamiliar names at the top of the leaderboard at Royal Birkdale, there should be plenty of household faces challenging at the ISPS HANDA Senior Open Championship.

A field full some of the biggest names in the sport will tee it up on the Kings Course at Gleneagles - headlined by defending champion Padraig Harrington who claimed his fourth senior Major at the US Open last month.

The Irishman is playing for the seventh week running but is loving every second of it, and after becoming just the fifth player to win The Open and Senior Open with last year's victory he'll again be one of the men to beat.

Tournament favorite though is another Claret Jug winner in Zach Johnson, who is making his Senior Open debut having just turned 50 and arrives after already bagging a Major at the recent Senior Players Championship (now known as the Kaulig Companies Championship).

Johnson is the +400 (4/1) favorite after a scintillating start to life on the PGA Tour Champions, with another Open champion Stewart Cink next best at +650 (13/2) after he won the first two senior Majors of this season.

They're two of a number of high-profile debutants this year, with another being 2016 Open champion Henrik Stenson (+1600), while Jamie Donaldson (+2000) returns to Gleneagles where he won the Ryder Cup for Europe in 2014 - albeit on a different course.

Ernie Els (+2200) is another big name in the field, while Darren Clarke (+2500) returns to the same course he won the Senior Open on back in 2022 - beating a warm order favorite that year in Harrington.

And the way the senior Majors have gone lately it's wise to stick to the top end of the market to find the next Senior Open champion.

Pick One: Zach Johnson +400 (4/1)

He's not as short at Scottie Scheffler is to win the 3M Open but like him there are plenty of reasons to back Zach Johnson this week - as he's taken the seniors by storm after turning 50 at the end of last year.

Johnson won the Senior Players and then took the week off, missing The Open at BIrkdale no less, in order to prepare for this at Gleneagles - which obviously is more the parkland golf he's been playing than the links golf his major competitors here have been taking part in.

He won by six shots at the Senior Players in his last start to make it back-to-back wins and three titles in nine events in his fledgling seniors career - with a worst finish of T8. That's some stellar form that makes him the man to beat here.

Harrington is on his marathon run and just missed the cut at The Open (shooting 80 in round one) and the Scottish Open, while Cink also struggled at Birkdale as did Clarke.

They'll be big challengers if at their best but they have more negatives than Johnson - who looks primed to add to the long list of recent back-to-back Major winners in the seniors.

Cink's already done it this year, while Angel Cabrera, Richard Bland, Steve Stricker and Alex Cejka have all gone back-to-back in just the last five years. Johnson fits the bill for another.

Back Zach Johnson @ +400 (4/1) with BetMGM

Pick Two: Miguel Angel Jimenez +3000 (30/1)

Cink, Harringon and Stenson could all easily go close, but at a bigger price we're looking at evergreen Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez.

A three-time senior Major winner, Jimenez won the Senior Open in 2018 and claimed the Senior Players Championship last year - he's followed that up with three top-eight finishes this year in the majors.

Jimenez has six top 10s in his last eight senior majors - and a T11 before that - so he's always there or thereabouts seemingly and he arrives in Scotland in flying form.

He finished T8 at the Senior Players Championship where he fired in a round of 62 so he still has the ability to go low - and he should have conditions to suit here to make another big run at this one.

Back Miguel Angel Jimenez @ +3000 (30/1) with BetMGM

After the saga and the drama of the Open Championship it's back to regular PGA Tour action at the 3M Open in Minnesota.

It's a relatively new event at TPC Twin Cities with just seven previous events and some decent low scoring - Kurt Kitayama shoot 60 last year along the way to winning on 23 under.

Adam Svensson also stuck in a 60 last year while Lee Hodges shot 24 under to win in 2023, but although low scores are out there it's not always a full-on birdie fest as Cameron Champ won on 15 under while Jhonattan Vegas and Tony Finau both hit 17 under in their victories.

Scottie Scheffler is making his tournament debut as the red-hot favorite, with the bookies seeing this as a gimme for the World No.1 as the runaway +250 (5/2) market leader.

Scheffler should stroll to victory

Scheffler will see this as a fantastic opportunity to grab his first win since January - coming off a fourth place at Royal Birkdale when only the putter let him down.

Trends at the 3M Open point to driving accuracy and also more importantly approach play being key for success, and Scheffler's not only head and shoulders above the rest of this field but also the best in the world with an iron in hand.

Scheffler missed his first cut in four years in Scotland and has to make the trans-Atlantic trip back from The Open after a frustrating Sunday, but they're not big enough negatives to suggest he won't stroll to victory a week later.

Scheffler leads the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained with 2.154, the next best in this week's field is Jake Knapp in 20th with 0.903, while the next highest in the FedEx Cup behind leader Scheffler is Gary Woodland in 29th and Hideki Matsuyama down at 30th is the highest ranked player in the OWGR besides the World No.1.

There's a gulf in class and form in this field that you rarely see on the PGA Tour. Annything can happen in a golf tournament and his odds are crazily short, but it's not often you say a player should, not could, win on the PGA Tour. This is one of those weeks.

Back Scottie Scheffler to win the 3M Open at +250 (5/2) with BetMGM

3m Open betting without Scottie Scheffler

You've got options this week as with Scheffler being such a hot favorite you could take him out of the equation and use the winner without Scottie Scheffler market, or just take your chances in the regular market and hope for some eacy-way money if the favorite does indeed romp home.

So who else could make the frame, or even shock Scheffler?

Pick One: Jake Knapp +4000

Hideki Matsuyama had top-20 finishes at The Open and Scottish Open and was seventh on his debut here in 2019 so has to be on the shortlist alongside Sungjae Im, who is also a flusher, tied for 14th at Birkdale and has a runner-up finish at this event in 2022.

But preference here goes to Jake Knapp despite his results recently being the worst of this bunch, with three missed cuts in four starts as he returns from a thumb injury.

He missed the cut at the Scottish Open and The Open but gained strokes on approach in both - only just at Birkdale but his ball striking was great up in Scotland.

Knapp was third at the 3M Open last year so knows how to avoid the vast array of water hazards on the course, and when and where to use his length off the tee - while he's shot 59 at PGA National which many put up as a closely comparable course to TPC Twin Cities.

Missing the weekend at The Open was a blow, but Knapp had extra time to return to the United States and could be one of those happy to get back home rather than sorry to leave the links behind.

Even with Scheffler in the field he should have a chance.

Back Jake Knapp @ +4000 (40/1) with BetMGM

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Pick Two: Corey Conners +5000

Corey Conners is coming off 14th at The Open and is as good a ball striker as you'll get, so if his putter is hot here he will surely go close.

He put up his third-best Strokes Gained numbers in both approach and putting in the final round at Birkdale, so that's great momentum to return back across the Atlantic with.

Conners was seventh on his last start in the USA at the Travelers so has plenty of positives, and in a field not exactly filled with star names and multiple winners behind Scheffler, there aren't many with as much class as the Canadian.

He'd get a pick anyway but Conners is also in the final automatic spot for the Presidents Cup so will want to ensure he gets into the International Team by right.

Back Corey Conners +5000 (50/1) with BetMGM

Pick Three: Ben Kohles +6600

With plenty of players jetting in from the UK, Kohles had the week off last week after a fine spell where he won on the Korn Ferry Tour and finished no lower than 29th in six starts. He also should've won the John Deere Classic but for an error on the final hole.

Three of the last six winners of the 3M Open arrived after a top 20 at TPC Deere Run, while Kohles' superb iron play recenting (SG: Approach 35.11 across last 10 starts) suits the task in hand in Minnesota.

He's finished 20-24 in the last two years at TPC Twin Cities and if there's any jet leg, links fatigue or just plain old tiredness in the rest of the field, a well-rested and in-form Kohles can take advantage.

Back Ben Kohles +6600 (66/1) with BetMGM

Golf Monthly Tour Issue Podcast 3M Open betting picks

As always, the Golf Monthly Tour Issue Podcast team made their PGA Tour picks for the PGA Tour this week as part of their Tipster's Challenge segment.

Here's who we've selected:

The Open draws a conclusion to the 2026 men's Major golf season with the sensational Royal Birkdale hosting the world's best.

Scottie Scheffler is favorite to retain his Claret Jug ahead of the likes of Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick and Jon Rahm, but with the unpredictability of links golf, it could be anyone's tournament to win.

So that's why we've had a look at some longshots worth backing, especially as we've seen some players contend at very big odds in recent years.

Harris English finished 2nd at 110/1 last year with 350/1 Haotong Li in 4th. Two years ago, 250/1 Billy Horschel finished 2nd, just ahead of 600/1 Thriston Lawrence in 4th.

Three years ago, Brian Haman won at odds of 110/1, which were the same as Zach Johnson's in 2015 when he triumphed at St Andrews.

So, which potential Open contenders are being overlooked this week in the odds? Here are some of our team's picks...

2026 Open outsider betting picks

Eugenio Chacarra

There are lots of extremely good options at 100/1 and beyond, and Casey Jarvis at 250/1, Bernd Wiesberger at 400/1 in some places and Haotong Li at 200/1 have really caught my eye.

However, my pick is Eugenio Chacarra at 150/1.

Those odds are incredible for someone who has won two times in their last three starts in Europe.

He's never played The Open before, which is an obvious negative, but at that price, I'm taking the gamble.

Max Homa

I would like to caveat this by saying that I can't see anyone north of 40/1 winning this tournament, but if I had to pick a 100/1+ punt this week with some each-way value... I'd speculatively opt for Max Homa.

He seemed to have found something at the John Deere Classic, when finishing runner-up, but he was also T9 at The Masters this year - so perhaps Max is on his way back to his best. Homa also has two top-20 finishes at the Scottish Open and has a 10th place finish at The Open on his CV.

I was also close to going for Marco Penge at a big price, but I will side with Max on this occasion.

Read more: Bazza's Best Bets For The 2026 Open

Corey Conners

One of the best ball-strikers on the planet, Corey Conners also has a sneaky good record on links courses.

The Canadian was T10th at Royal Portrush last year and has a top-10 at the Scottish Open in 2024, too.

Too often, he's let down by his putter at these championships, but even a solid week could see Conners create history by becoming the first Canadian ever to win the Claret Jug.

As I said, he's a top ball-striker and Royal Birkdale requires precision. A good week on the greens and he could prove to be a shock winner.

Brian Harman

What about the Champion Golfer of the Year of just three years ago who’s finished in the top 10 at the Open Championship in three of his last four appearances?

Brian Harman has some top Claret Jug credentials but is still a big outsider.

The left-hander lapped the field at Hoylake, admittedly in much different conditions to Birkdale this week, but fast and firm means accuracy is key over length, precision over power, and lag putting, even from way off the greens, needs to be on point.

Harman’s recent form has been stinky, but he made the cut in Scotland at least and he really turns it on at The Open. He’s gone 10-60-1-6-19 in his last five Opens with his scoring average of 69.60 the fourth best over that spell – only Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele can better that.

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Ryan Gerard

I admit he's making his Open Championship debut, but Gerard is showing some excellent form in 2026, with some great results coming in notable events.

Producing three runner-up finishes this season, including The Memorial Tournament, the American finished T26th at last week's Genesis Scottish Open, indicating that he does have form on links layouts.

What I particularly like about Gerard is his overall game statistics. When it comes to Strokes Gained, he ranks inside the top 50 for every metric on the PGA Tour, aside from Around-the-Green.

On a Royal Birkdale layout that promises to be firm and fast, control of the golf ball will be key, which is why I really like Gerard at a high price.

Jordan Smith

The Englishman could well earn punters some money this week at such long odds.

He has enjoyed a steady 2026 but showed glimpses of some superb form in Scotland last week, most notably his second-round 63.

He eventually finished in a tie for 21st but, trending in the right direction, he could be in the mix at Royal Brikdale

Jason Day

I believe the Open champion will be the player who chips and putts the best this week at Royal Birkdale, and there aren't many better than Jason Day.

The former World No.1 is understandably at high odds due to his withdrawal from the US Open last month, but he did play all four days at The Travelers before two full weeks off before the year's final Major.

Hopefully his body can stand up to the test and we can see some vintage Day over the Southport links. He missed The Open cut last year but was T13 in 2024 and T2nd in 2023 so I'll be hoping for something similar this week.

MORE OPEN BETTING TIPS:

• Open Betting Picks: Bazza's Best Bets For Royal Birkdale
• Open Sleeper Picks 2026: High-Priced Big Names Tipped To Contend
• Golf Monthly Staff Members Make Their Open Picks

The 154th Open Championship will be a fast and firm affair at Royal Birkdale meaning only the most skilled golfer will be able to claim the Claret Jug on Sunday.

The Golf Monthly crew have already had their say on who will triumph, while we've got our best bets and also some dark horse sleeper picks for the week along the Southport coast.

But as always there's a plethora of other betting markets to look at in the search for some value, and we've got our pick of the bunch right here.

First-round leader

Favorite - Matt Fitzpatrick

We had a five-way tie at Royal Portrush last year with some big prices on the likes of Harris English, Christian Bezuidenhout and Jacob Skov Olesen.

There's a couple of players from that group last year though that are worth looking at again as part of a three-pronged attack we've got on the first-round leader market.

Firstly the favorite of our three and that's Matt Fitzpatrick at +3300 to lead the way again just as he did at Portrush last year, albeit in a big tie.

Fitzpatrick looks primed for another Major at some point so we're expecting a challenge, and starting in a group alongside Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele will be right up his street.

He ranks fourth on the PGA Tour in first round scoring average and has first round scores of 67-67-64-67 in his last four starts, while he's also thrown in a 65 at both the Phoenix Open and RBC Heritage. Fitz won't be scared of a fast start.

Back Matt Fitzpatrick first round leader at +3300 (33/1) with BetMGM

Each-way - Brooks Koepka

At almost twice the price we have Brooks Koepka at +6000 (60/1) to finish in the lead after 18 holes - and he's done it before at Royal Birkdale after shooting 65 in the opening round here in 2017.

He's also finished third at Portrush and Hoylake recently after round one, and even though he's struggled of late he kicked off with a 64 to lead the Canadian Open and shot 66 in Scotland before missing the cut.

So even in bad form he can still pump out those fast starts - and back on familiar ground where he's done it before he could easily do it again.

Back Brooks Koepka first round leader at +6000 (60/1) with BetMGM

Value pick - Haotong Li

And finally, at a huge price we'll try Haotong Li to repeat last year's Open success, where he played in Sunday's final group after starting the tournament sharing the first round lead.

The Chinese star can obviously play links golf, he can obviously start fast, and he obviously likes Royal Birkdale too - as he made his Open debut here back in 2017.

Oh, and on that debut at Birkdale he just so happened to shoot 63 on Sunday to finish T3 - that's serious course form to take into consideration for at least a live each-way shout.

Back Haotong Li first round leader at +12500 (125/1) with BetMGM

Top 10 finish - Cameron Young

The Players Championship winner has already proven he's got the game to win a Major - as he came so close to converting at the Masters this year.

That was his seventh top 10 in 21 Majors, which includes two at the Open Championship including that flying finish at St Andrews where he almost pinched it from Cameron Smith.

Results have just tailed off lately, but he's won twice this year and with his creativity around the greens he's well capable of finding form again and going close at Birkdale.

Back Cameron Young top 10 finish at +335 (10/3)

Top 20 finish - Jordan Spieth

Jordan Spieth is hoping a return to Birkdale can spark him into life as he looks to bring his bizarre Major drought to an end.

He may not be able to lift the Claret Jug again but he says his best form is close so you can't rule out him from at least being near the sharp end of the leaderboard.

He's never missed the cut at the Open and even when struggling over the last few years his form hasn't been so bad with two top 10s in the last five and further finishes of T23 and T25 so he should be there or thereabouts.

Back Cameron Young top 10 finish at +275 (11/4)

Double chance - Fitzpatrick & Fleetwood

If you can't quite decide on who'll win this week you can always double your chances by taking a shot at some double chance betting - and what about a rare home win for England.

Tommy Fleetwood is the hometown hero and Matt Fitzpatrick the World No.3 so both of them have huge chances heading to Birkdale.

Either would be quite the story but with hardly anything between them you can back them at +900 on the double chance so if either wins you can go collect!

Back Fleetwood/Fitzpatrick double chance at +900 (9/1)

Bryson DeChambeau to miss the cut - again!

Who'd have believed Bryson DeChambeau would be this short a price to miss the cut at a Major having been THE guy in golf's biggest tournaments the last few years?

But he's missed all three cuts this year and four out of the last five - and now the pressure will be on at Birkdale to avoid the ignomy of missing every cut in the same year.

That should spur him on, but could also work against him as his attacking style just doesn't seem to sit right with links golf - especially fast and firm links golf such as this week.

He got a top 10 last year in soft conditions at Portrush but Sir Nick Faldo says he doesn't have a clue about strategy on links golf - if that's true then he'll struggle this week.

Back DeChambeau to miss the cut at +138 (11/8)

The year's final men's Major is here and everyone involved at Royal Birkdale is desperate to close the season with the Claret Jug in their trophy cabinet.

Scottie Scheffler, despite an extremely rare missed cut at the Genesis Scottish Open last week, remains the championship's betting favorite - although only one of Golf Monthly's betting panel has opted to back the four-time Major winner in 2026.

Otherwise, many of the most fancied names to reign supreme on the links layout have fairly short figures beside their names. Players like Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick and Jon Rahm lead the way.

But you're here because you're searching for a little more value, right? What about those players who certainly have the ability on their day?

Below, we've picked out two names who hold odds of over +3000 (30/1) that we believe possess all the right ingredients to be labeled a sleeper pick.

Check out who they are and let us know who you're backing to win The Open in 2026 in the comments box below...

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The Open Sleeper Picks 2026

Cameron Smith (+9000 To Win)

I believe the 2026 Open champion will be the man who chips and putts the best (while also hitting it well from tee-to-green), and a man who fits the bill is Cameron Smith.

The Australian is not known for his long-game prowess but it has improved since teaming up with Claude Harmon this year, evidenced by his T7th finish at the PGA Championship.

On his day nobody can match him around the greens, so I can easily see him picking up a second Claret Jug.

He narrowly missed the cut at the US Open in his last start, and he has had plenty of time to prepare for Royal Birkdale. Don't be surprised to see him challenging come Sunday.

Eugenio Chacarra (+12500 To Win)

The talented Spaniard has won twice on the DP World Tour this year to take his professional wins tally to five, including one LIV Golf triumph, an Asian Tour title and another DP World Tour win last year.

He was the World No.2 amateur before joining LIV, so he has been a classy player for a long time, and I just have a feeling he is finally ready to have a very big week in only his third Major start and first ever Open.

Will he win it? Probably not, but I can definitely see him finishing inside the top-10. He's in fantastic form, has plenty of experience now and has shown he can handle pressure well.

Tom Kim (+5000 To Win)

I found choosing an outsider exceptionally difficult this week, but I've landed on someone who is in the best possible form and I just hope he can make it through to the weekend if nothing else.

Tom Kim looked superb in winning the Scottish Open last week with exemplary iron play the hallmark of his success. Royal Birkdale is a plotter's golf course, and that's exactly what Kim can do.

He putted pretty well too at The Renaissance Club, so I'm hoping he doesn't suffer an emotional crash out following his win and he can notch another high finish.

Alex Fitzpatrick (+8000 To Win)

To be honest, I think the price Fitzpatrick is currently at, according to many bookmakers, is nothing short of shocking.

He's playing the best golf of his career this summer and he's already shown that he's capable of going low at an Open - highlighted by that T17th result on debut in 2023.

A superb ball-striker who loves links golf, I can see the younger Fitzpatrick posting another top-20 (if not a top-10) and continuing what has been a genuinely transformational summer in terms of his career.

Jordan Spieth (+8000 To Win)

A heart over head selection maybe, as Jordan Spieth has won just twice since his thrilling Open victory here at Birkdale in 2017, and maybe it’s watching that shot from the driving range or the “go get that” after draining that eagle putt, but I just can’t help myself!

Only class players win at Birkdale and Spieth has oodles of that, he just doesn’t have any kind of form and quite frankly he’s looked a bit defeated of late. And yet...

He’s talking a good game this week, and feels results haven’t matched his overall game, and if he can find some juice from returning to the Southport links then who knows. He’s had two top 20s in Majors this year and he’s never missed a cut at the Open, with two top 10s and two top 25s in his last five.

At the Open only five players have a better scoring average over the last five years, so he can obviously cope with links golf even when not on form. And one thing’s for sure, watching Spieth at the Open is rarely boring.

Brooks Koepka (+6600 To Win)

Sleepers are supposed to be something out of the ordinary, under the radar, and Brooks Koepka has had a torrid time of late, but there is a glimmer of hope with that opening 66 he shot at the Scottish Open before missing the cut.

Generally his iron play has been stellar, and if he can find fairways then that will be a huge asset at Birkdale – and before this current slump he’s in he felt he was back to his very best form.

His best form saw him record four top 10s in five Opens while he was hoovering up five Majors – a run which included finishing sixth at Birkdale in 2017.

Something like that could see a rare Claret Jug challenge.

Justin Thomas (+3300 To Win)

His game is made for links golf, but it still comes as a surprise when you see Thomas' results in Open Championships, with his best finish being a T11th in 2019.

For 2026, though, it feels different and, prior to his T50th result at the Genesis Scottish Open last week, the two-time Major winner had seven straight top 25 finishes, including a T4th at the PGA Championship.

In his last two Open appearances, he produced T31st and T34th results, indicating to me that he is starting to find his feet on the links, so I'm hoping he'll re-find his form at a good price.

Alex Fitzpatrick (+4000 To Win)

Aside from missing the cut at the Genesis Scottish Open last week, Fitzpatrick has been in great form of late, highlighted by four top 10 finishes in PGA Tour Signature Events, as well as his Zurich Classic of New Orleans victory alongside his brother, Matt.

He might not have the most Open Championship experience, but in his lone appearance he finished T17th, which came in 2023.

The dry conditions should suit him and, with home support on his side, I see Fitzpatrick having another strong week.

More Open betting tips:

• Open Championship Betting Tips: Bazza's Best Bets For Royal Birkdale
• Golf Monthly Staff Picks For The 2026 Open

Another week, another close call. This column heads into The Open Championship with two wins, a runner-up and a third-place finish in the last four weeks - so confidence is high and the profit is mounting.

Every staff member at Golf Monthly has picked their best bets for The Open, but with a my recent run of form, I am feeling confident that I have a robust model to find the winner this year at Royal Birkdale.

I am particularly interested in performances at the Genesis Scottish Open last week, plus those who rank well for driving accuracy and scrambling, but a strong Open pedigree is also a huge positive when whittling down the full field at Royal Birkdale to find the right options.

So, without further ado, here are my four best bets for The Open Championship 2026...

The Open Championship Betting Tips 2026

Bazza's Best Bets

Top Tip: Rory McIlroy To Win @ BetMGM

There isn't anything groundbreaking in the reasoning behind picking Rory McIlroy this week. He is a six-time Major champion, has won on multiple links golf tracks and was brilliant for three rounds in Scotland last week - he will be popular again for sure.

He referenced in his post-round interview at the Renaissance Club that he had some work to do on the range before the Open Championship kicks off, but considering his approach to Majors this season I have full faith that he can do that.

Since winning The Masters for a second time earlier this season, McIlroy's schedule has suggested, at least to me, that he is hunting Majors intently and playing less standard tour golf in the process.

The Career Grand Slam winner has played just three events outside the Majors since Augusta National, recording a top-20 finish in each start.

His 7th place finish in Scotland last week was mostly encouraging, showing that when McIlroy is on it he will take some stopping on links turf.

McIlroy was 4th when Royal Birkdale last hosted The Open Championship in 2017, and I'd be surprised if he wasn't at least in contention on Sunday.

Next Best Tip: Wyndham Clark To Win @ BetMGM

Wyndham Clark has made it onto my card for a number of reasons, but the primary one is that he is a scrambling machine!

Ranking 2nd for scrambling at the Scottish Open, Clark demonstrated a sublime touch with the wedges and putter to strategically navigate a strong links test - which is ideal preparation for this week.

Clark also won the 2026 US Open title last month, in impressive fashion, which is another big tick in the box as there is Royal Birkdale has some interesting course correlation with Shinnecock Hills.

His best Open Championship finish came last season, ending the tournament in fourth place, but he also has another win and two top-5 finishes outside of his Major victory recently - so he arrives in red hot form.

Wyndham Clark's putting has been phenomenal of late, seemingly holing just about everything he hits with the new putter, so I like his chances at a great price.

Links Pedigree Tip: Robert MacIntyre To Win @ BetMGM

Bob MacIntyre has some of the most impressive links golf form in this field... and he has threatened to win a maiden Major at the US Open last season.

His 3rd place finish in Scotland last week was his best finish of the season, but that shouldn't have come as a surprise considering he has previously won that particular title at the Renaissance Club and is the current Alfred Dunhill Links champion.

MacIntyre's best Major finish of the season came at Shinnecock Hills, which correlates well to Royal Birkdale, but he also has three top-10 finishes at The Open Championship in his career.

As a links golf specialist, I believe his first Major will come in the Open Championship and I believe he could use the confidence from last week to challenge here.

Value Tip: Sam Burns To Win @ BetMGM

Speaking of threatening to win a first Major title, Sam Burns will surely consider himself unlucky to not have secured one yet.

An untimely weather delay and rogue rules call at the US Open last season seemingly scuppered an incredible chance to break his duck, but he arguably had an even better chance at Shinnecock Hills recently when attempting to chase down Wyndham Clark.

That's now three top-7 finishes in his last six Major starts, and while his Open Championship record isn't fantastic he has taken a step up in his career over the past two years in my opinion.

Burns ranked 1st for scrambling at Shinnecock Hills last month, on green complexes that share similar shaved run-off areas to the ones we will see at Royal Birkdale, plus he is one of the best putters on the planet.

He ranks 12th for SG: Approach in the last three months, and 4th for SG: Putting, so at a huge price I can see him continuing his Major crusade across the pond.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Picks

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Pick One: Matt Fitzpatrick To Win @ BetMGM

He’s been one of the players of the season in 2026, with Fitzpatrick claiming three wins and producing notable results in other big tournaments.

A T3rd at the Genesis Scottish Open last week shows his game is still working on links terrain. What’s more, at last year’s Open, he carded his best result, showing me that he is getting more comfortable at this championship. The Englishman is playing great golf, and I expect that to continue.

Pick Two: Brian Harman To Win @ BetMGM

I could have picked several outsiders for this week, but I’ve opted for Harman due to his Open record of three top 10s in four starts (I also picked him at Royal Liverpool in 2023 at 100/1).

Admittedly, his recent form hasn’t been the best, but top 38 results in his last three events is still steady in my eyes. Another reason for the pick is that I feel the firm conditions will suit him down to the ground. Harman’s not the longest hitter, but ranks well in accuracy and short game, so that’s a good combo to have at a Major.

Pick One: Scottie Scheffler To Win @ BetMGM

It shouldn't feel like any sort of risk to pick the four-time Major-winning World No.1 given he's defending The Open Championship and he has an outstanding links record (plus any number of other positive factors), but because Scheffler missed his first cut in years in Scotland last week, it kinda does.

Something doesn't seem right with Scheffler at the moment, yet he's still managing to churn out runner-up after runner-up. And even when he's not quite on it, he quietly produces a no-nonsense top-20.

With a lead to protect in our tipster challenge game and a feeling that I might need Matt Fitzpatrick more often down the line, I will back Scheffler to post a top-10 and prove last week's missed cut was just a weird anomaly.

Pick Two: Tom Kim To Win @ BetMGM

I found choosing an outsider exceptionally difficult this week, but I've landed on someone who is in the best possible form and I just hope he can make it through to the weekend if nothing else.

Tom Kim looked superb in winning the Scottish Open last week with exemplary iron play the hallmark of his success. Royal Birkdale is a plotter's golf course, and that's exactly what Kim can do.

He putted pretty well too at The Renaissance Club, so I'm hoping he doesn't suffer an emotional crash out following his win and he can notch another high finish.

Pick One: Rory McIlroy To Win @ BetMGM

Can you believe it has been 11 years since Rory McIlroy last won The Open? Time flies, and I think he's well overdue a second Claret Jug for the third leg of his second career slam.

The six-time Major champion has won two of his last seven Majors and he has a 3rd, a 6th and a 7th in his last three Opens.

McIlroy is no longer wondering 'What's next?' with those post-grand slam blues, and he looks to be more professional and focused than ever.

Pick One: Eugenio Chacarra To Win @ BetMGM

The talented Spaniard has won twice on the DP World Tour this year to take his professional wins tally to five, including one LIV Golf triumph, an Asian Tour title and another DP World Tour win last year.

He was the World No.2 amateur before joining LIV, so he has been a classy player for a long time, and I just have a feeling he is finally ready to have a very big week in only his third Major start and first ever Open.

Will he win it? Probably not, but I can definitely see him finishing inside the top-10. He's in fantastic form, has plenty of experience now and has shown he can handle pressure well.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Tipping Record

The season's final men's Major is fast approaching, where we'll find out who gets the honor of becoming 2026's Champion Golfer of the Year.

World No.1 Scottie Scheffler defends the Claret Jug after winning at Portrush last year, and he is among the favorites to prevail this time around at Royal Birkdale - despite missing the cut at the Scottish Open for the first time in 78 tournaments and four years.

Big names like Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick, Cameron Young, Xander Schauffele, Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood are also expected to challenge, but with a large 156-man field and the unpredictability of links golf, it really is open.

So, who do we think could be winning, or at least challenging for, the Claret Jug this year?

I asked my Golf Monthly colleagues for their picks, with each team member choosing a favorite and an outsider for Royal Birkdale. A theme certainly emerged...

And for more, check out our expert Baz Plummer's full Open Championship betting tips as well.

Jon Rahm

I've gone with two favorites for the Claret Jug. I have backed Jon Rahm at every Major so far this year and I'm not about to stop now.

He's too good at this game not to add another major to his CV soon and what's more, his game is made for Royal Birkdale.

With so many well-bunkered doglegs, the winner will need to strike the ball well and control his flight in the wind.

Having finished inside the top 10 at The Open on three occasions (from nine starts) and won the Irish Open twice on links courses, I fully expect him to rise to the challenge of Royal Birkdale.

Matt Fitzpatrick

The Englishman has had a fantastic season so far with three wins and seven top 10s on the PGA Tour.

His all round game is looking stronger than ever - he ranks 2nd for Strokes Gained: Approach and 1st around the greens.

What's more, the greens at Royal Birkdale are relatively benign. If his putter plays ball, he'll be a hard man to beat.

Justin Rose

Everyone knows he deserves a second Major Championship to complete a storied career. Could it come at the place where he made all those headlines as a 17-year-old amateur in 1998?

I certainly hope so.

He's been absolutely brilliant in the Majors over the last couple of years and I think he has one more challenge in him.

Alex Fitzpatrick

I don't even know if he counts as an outsider at this point.

Fitzpatrick has been electric since his victory at the Zurich Classic alongside brother Matt.

He has PGA and DP World Tour titles to his name this season and he finished T17th in his only Open start in 2023.

Tommy Fleetwood

A Major for Fleetwood is long overdue and since getting the camel off his back last year to finally claim the Tour Championship and his first PGA title at the 164th time of asking, and continuing his consistent form into this season including six top 10s including three top 5s, I believe we could have an English winner lifting the Claret Jug.

He has the homegrown links pedigree and the skillset to master everything Birkdale throws at him. Backed by a roaring home crowd, this could be his moment.

Adam Scott

I love a good story and a fairytale ending to any championship, so with Adam Scott having reached his 100th consecutive Major appearance at last month’s US Open, it would be fitting for him to win this year’s Open given that’s where his streak began in 2001 along the coast at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

He’s been in consistent form too, making 12 out of 14 cuts this year with two top-5 finishes, and since he’s racked up five top-10 finishes at the Open over the years, he is probably well worth an each-way bet even if he doesn’t win!

Justin Thomas

I'll be putting my money on Justin Thomas and I've seen him as high as 55/1 so I think there is value on offer!

His creativity and love of links golf make him a strong contender for me, and as a multiple Major winner with some decent form, I think he may be horribly overpriced by the bookies.

Angel Ayora

My outsider would be Angel Ayora.

With technique that good, I think it is a matter of when not if for the young Spaniard, and what better week to burst on to the scene than the Open,

Matt Fitzpatrick

His Open record was nothing to write home about until last year when he finished fourth but he’s enjoying a stellar season so far.

Three wins on the PGA Tour plus second places at the Players and the Canadian Open have seen him up to fourth in the world. Another Major feels like it’s not far away.

Chris Gotterup

His win at the Scottish Open last year followed by third place at The Open announced Gotterup on the big stage and he’s backed that up with three wins so far in 2026.

Obviously feels very at home on the links and looks every bit a Major champ in waiting.

Matt Fitzpatrick

I cannot believe News Editor Elliott has asked for our Open picks already, how could I possibly give a good pick without an exact, precise weather forecast!?

Nevertheless, playing the hot hand has worked in the Majors so far in 2026 and not many players, if any, have impressed me more than Matt Fitzpatrick.

He has every shot in the bag, can knuckle down and play gritty golf if the weather takes a turn and will have the home support right behind him if he is in the hunt.

Secretly, I think Matt loves the energy of the crowd, as seen in multiple Ryder Cups, so the Southport crowd could well help push him over the line. Give me the Englishman to score his second Major.

Alex Fitzpatrick

Speaking of hot hands, how's this for an outsider? It's his first Open start since 2023 where he finished in the top 20 and he has pretty much the same characteristics I love from his brother, so I think Alex Fitzpatrick is a great outside shout.

A T23 finish at the US Open shows he can play on the biggest stage and his emergence on the PGA Tour this season is no fluke, so I think Alex is primed for a successful week at Royal Birkdale.

Rory McIlroy

Can you believe it has been 11 years since Rory McIlroy last won The Open? Time flies, and I think he's well overdue a second Claret Jug for the third leg of his second career slam.

The six-time Major champion has won two of his last seven Majors and he has a 3rd, a 6th and a 7th in his last three Opens.

McIlroy is no longer wondering 'What's next?' and he looks to be more professional and focused than ever.

Eugenio Chacarra

The talented Spaniard has won twice on the DP World Tour this year to take his professional wins tally to five, including one LIV Golf triumph, an Asian Tour title and another DP World Tour win last year.

He was the World No.2 amateur before joining LIV, so he has been a classy player for a long time, and I just have a feeling he is finally ready to have a very big week in only his third Major start and first ever Open.

Will he win it? Probably not, but I can definitely see him finishing inside the top-10. He's in fantastic form, has plenty of experience now and has shown he can handle pressure well.

Rory McIlroy

Although McIlroy hasn’t been playing in as many tournaments as usual in 2026, his schedule has been based around the Major championships.

What’s more, when he has played, he’s still performed well so, with home support behind him, I think he’ll be claiming a second Claret Jug at Birkdale.

Alex Fitzpatrick

Enjoying a fine 2026, I feel that Fitzpatrick will be one to watch, given his recent run of results and his lone Open Championship appearance, where he finished T17th in 2023.

He knows links golf well, so I expect his success to continue at the historic Open.

Matt Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick appears to be in the purple patch of his life right now and an Open Championship victory is certainly a possibility this week.

The Englishman has been in excellent form and his game possesses all the right characteristics to complete the job at Royal Birkdale. Although many people want the English winner to be Tommy Fleetwood this week, I just can't see past Fitzpatrick.

Alex Fitzpatrick

Let's make it a double for the Fitzpatrick family. To be honest, I think the price Alex is currently at, according to many bookmakers, is nothing short of shocking.

Again, Alex is playing the best golf of his career this summer and he's already shown that he's capable of going low at an Open - highlighted by that T17th result on debut in 2023.

A superb ball-striker who loves links golf, I want to see Alex finishing top-five and then greeting his brother with a hug and a grin on the 18th as he taps in for a second Major.

Baz is in red hot form right now. After picking a winner in each of the last two weeks, in the form of Haeran Ryu (Women's PGA Championship) and Chris Gotterup (John Deere Classic), he now sets his sights on the hat-trick in Scotland!

Rory McIlroy headlines the field at the Scottish Open, along with World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, but there is a plethora of top talent on show so the event is sure to be as incredible as ever.

With an interesting odds board this week, Baz and the betting panel at Golf Monthly HQ really have their work cut out to find the value (and more importantly another winner).

Below, Baz shares his best bets for the Scottish Open 2026 at the Renaissance Club...

Scottish Open 2026 Betting Tips

Bazza's Best Bets

Top Tip: Matt Fitzpatrick To Win @ BetMGM

Matt Fitzpatrick is having a phenomenal season. In 2026, he has taken his tally of PGA Tour wins to five, but back on British soil it's perhaps more pertinent to consider the fact he is also a 10-time DP World Tour Winner.

One of those wins came at the 2023 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, highlighting a strong ability to contend on links courses. He also tied 4th in both the Scottish Open and Open Championship last season, so relevant course and correlating form is no issue.

Fitzpatrick has one of the best short games in the world right now too, which will certainly help around the Renaissance Club, but with two top-4 finishes in his last three starts I believe Matt is trending towards something special to end his season.

Next Best Tip: Kristoffer Reitan To Win @ BetMGM

Kristoffer Reitan took to PGA Tour life pretty seamlessly on debut this season, winning the Truist Championship on just his 12th start. Before that, he was runner-up at the Zurich Classic and posted a top-10 in Texas - so excitement is high for his future Stateside.

However, back in Europe, Reitan's form on the DP World Tour in the last 18 months has also not been too shabby. He won the Nedbank in December 2025, and the Soudal Open just seven months earlier, but he also posted six other top-5 finishes including two runner-ups.

Two of those top-5 finishes came in Scotland, at the Nexo Championship and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, which is very encouraging. Reitan finished T13 in this event last season, but he looks to have improved again and I can see him contending.

Value Tip: Brian Harman To Win @ BetMGM

Brian Harman may not have been the most popular Open Champion in history when winning in 2023, but man was his performance impressive.

Harman's ability to plot his way around and control his ball flight in tricky conditions means he has really kicked on with his links golf form in recent years. Harman was T10 at the Open last year, and T21 at the Scottish Open the year before that, but in 2023 he took home the Claret Jug the week after a T12 in this event.

He has been very consistent this year, missing just three cuts in 17 starts, but a T32 at the US Open last month is perhaps the most encouraging sign that he might just be rounding into some form as he heads across the pond.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Picks

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Pick One: Wyndham Clark To Win @ BetMGM

Arguably, Clark is one of the best golfers in the world right now, securing two victories in his last five starts, one of which was the US Open.

He hasn't finished outside T11th in those five starts and, last year, that's exactly where he finished at the Genesis Scottish Open.

In fact, the T11th finish at The Renaissance Club in 2025 was one of his best results, indicating we could see similar this time around.

Pick Two: Marco Penge To Win @ BetMGM

Penge returned to action at last week's BMW International Open and, following time off from the game, he ended the tournament in a share of ninth spot.

Finishing runner-up in this event last year, Penge has great course form and, although he hasn't settled in to life in the US, he is back in Europe, where we have seen him play some of his best golf.

Both his and Clark's games match the layout, so I'm expecting them to go well this week.

Pick One: Wyndham Clark To Win @ BetMGM

Wyndham Clark's last five results read: Win, 3rd, T11th, Win, T5th. His putting stats have been extremely good in that time, too, and he is a big hitter.

That's a list of ingredients which could go a long way to making Clark an ideal choice this week.

Add in a T5th at The Open and a T11th at the Scottish Open last year as well as top-25s at each of his four appearances at The Renaissance Club and you're looking at a great choice on paper. Let's hope he goes out there and proves it.

Pick Two: Tyrrell Hatton To Win @ BetMGM

Hatton has really grown into a fantastic links player with three top-10s and four top-25s at The Open or Scottish Open in his career - and that doesn't even mention his three Alfred Dunhill Links Championship wins.

Coming off the back of a victory at LIV Golf Andalucia and a T7th at the US Open, where he's putted really well, I feel like Hatton is a really smart choice to be a sleeper pick this week.

He's a long hitter, superb ball-striker and he's naturally a top putter. A Clark-Hatton duel on Sunday would be ideal, and it could happen!

Pick One: Scottie Scheffler To Win @ BetMGM

Scheffler has not had his best season but he is still the undisputed best golfer in the world, and he arrives in Scotland in much better form after a T4th at the US Open and a 2nd-place finish at the Travelers.

The World No.1 finished T8th here last year before winning the Claret Jug and I see no reason why he can't replicate that or go even better. He's certainly not the best value pick, but he's my pick to win.

Pick One: Aaron Rai To Win @ BetMGM

The Englishman is priced high this week despite winning here in 2020 and finishing 4th two years ago. Having recently won a Major and following it up with a T11 at the US Open, I think Rai is well placed to contend again this week at the Renaissance Club.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Tipping Record

Well, last week turned out to be frustrating and fantastic in equal measure.

Scheffler just lost out in a playoff to deny us a double-winning week, as Baz also tipped KPMG Women's PGA Championship winner Haeran Ryu on the Golf Monthly Tour Issue podcast - exclusively for the listeners.

You can watch this week's episode below, with Baz and the expert betting panel sharing their analysis and opinion on the upcoming tour action as well as their top tips.

This week, attention turns to the John Deere Classic and an interesting field headlined by Jordan Spieth.

With plenty of value throughout the board, Baz has once again crunched the numbers and followed the trends to pick three selections at TPC Deere Run...

John Deere Classic 2026 Betting Tips

Bazza's Best Bets

Top Tip: Chris Gotterup To Win @ BetMGM

Chris Gotterup started 2026 with two wins, a top-10 and two top-20s in his first eight starts, but you could argue he has gone off the boil a little in the last couple of months. Just one top-10 in his last seven starts doesn’t tell the full story, however, and I believe this a great opportunity for him to get back on track.

Gotterup ranks 26th on the PGA Tour for birdie or better percentage, but he also has already shot 65 or better on 10 different occasions this season. We know he can go low, he has the length to dismantle this course (as long as he finds the fairway) and he is a great putter on L93 Bentgrass surfaces.

The 4-time PGA Tour winner already has a 4th place finish in this event and a 10th place finish at the correlating TPC Twin Cities - so I fancy him to contend this week.

Next Best Tip: Pierceson Coody To Win @ BetMGM

Pierceson Coody was on the cusp of winning a first PGA Tour title at the start of this season, finishing second at the Farmers Insurance Open and 10th the following week in Phoenix, but after a solid T22 finish at the US Open I believe he could be about to hit form again.

Coody has modest form at TPC Deere Run, with a T30 finish in his first of two PGA Tour appearances, but his correlating course form points to improvements at the John Deere Classic.

He was 3rd at the 3M Open last year and T18 at the American Express in 2026, both of which often descend into similar birdie-fest style shootouts.

The greens at TPC Twin Cities and TPC Summerlin are very similar to those at TPC Deere Run, so it was encouraging to see him rank 2nd for SG: Putting at the last edition of the Shriners and 14th last season in the same measure at the 3M Open.

Value Tip: Ben Kohles To Win @ BetMGM

This pick might seem a little left field, but stick with me. Kohles has been playing some great golf on the Korn Ferry Tour and when he has stepped up to the PGA Tour recently he has certainly caught my eye.

A T29 at the RBC Canadian Open came through a very strong and consistent performance, but he then followed that up with a T23 finish at the US Open.

His stats this season are also seriously impressive on the KFT, ranking 1st for SG: Tee To Green, 2nd for SG: Approach, 2nd for driving accuracy and 6th for bogey avoidance.

That’s the perfect profile for TPC Deere Run, where he has shot a 65 and a 66 in his last two appearances, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make a run at a big price.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Picks

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Pick One: Jacob Bridgeman To Win @ BetMGM

Although the American has struggled for form a little since his Genesis Invitational win, Bridgeman has produced some good results recently, highlighted by a T11th at the RBC Canadian Open and T39th at the US Open.

These events possessed much stronger fields, whereas the John Deere Classic doesn’t. What’s more, Bridgeman finished T5th in this event last year, carding four rounds in the 60s, indicating to me good course form.

Pick Two: Rico Hoey To Win @ BetMGM

Not to jinx myself but, whenever I’ve backed Hoey, he’s played well, so I’m hoping this week is the same on a course that suits his game nicely.

Finishing T11th last year, with four rounds in the 60s, Hoey is excellent tee-to-green so, if he can get the putter firing, I expect another good performance. He may have missed the cut in Canada, but he had back-to-back top 20s in the two starts prior.

Pick One: Ben Griffin To Win @ BetMGM

Ben Griffin is one of the standout names in this undoubted future Challenger Series event, and he ticks all of the boxes I like to see around TPC Deere Run.

He's a strong driver of the ball with a usually dynamite short game, and making birdies will be hugely important this week. Griffin is also playing his third week in a row, which I consider to be the sweet spot for being tuned up but still well-rested.

He's finished T17th and T10th most recently, so he's in good form. I like what I see from a typically safe bet at any PGA Tour event.

Pick Two: Tom Kim To Win @ BetMGM

This feels like a pretty big risk given his year as a whole, but everything I saw from Tom Kim at the US Open made me want to believe the South Korean might be rediscovering some form at a great time.

Kim has gained strokes in each of his three most recent starts on the greens and in terms of approach play, too, so he could easily continue that upwards trajectory and rediscover some more form in a slightly weaker field than usual.

Although he missed the cut here last year, he was all over the place with driver in hand. Those issues seem to have been resolved, so I'm optimistic Kim can right those wrongs and feature on the first page of the leaderboard.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Tipping Record

The US Open is now in our rear-view mirror and there is no time to breathe as we head straight to another PGA Tour signature event in the form of the Travelers Championship.

Rory McIlroy is planning to skip his third signature event of the season, but there is still a strong field on show including World No.1 Scottie Scheffler.

Anyone who listened to the Golf Monthly Tour Issue podcast this week, which you can see in the video below, will know that I believe the value to be in a group of players priced +4000 or higher.

I want to highlight JJ Spaun, JT Poston, Aaron Rai and Justin Rose, who are all great prices this week and options that I will certainly be exploring on a course that rewards consistently solid ball striking, but for my best bets card I've punted for four names that I believe can get the job done at TPC River Highlands...

Travelers Championship 2026 Betting Tips

Bazza's Best Bets

Top Tip: Scottie Scheffler To Win @ BetMGM

Obvious, right? Well, in my defence, it's hard to make a case for him not to win this week.

It's been a while for Scheffler since his last win, at least by his standards, as he hasn't handled a trophy for 12 events.

That 'barren' spell does include six top-four finishes including two runner-ups, however, and his course form at TPC River Highlands suggests he will likely be that close again.

In his last three starts here he has won in a play-off and finished inside the top-6 on the two other occasions.

His form on correlating courses, like Sedgefield Country Club and East Lake, is also fantastic and I would be gobsmacked if he wasn't in the top-5 by the end of play on Sunday.

Next Best Tip: Si Woo Kim To Win @ BetMGM

Si Woo Kim has been threatening to win all season and I believe he could finally get over the line this week.

The South Korean star has posted two runner-up finishes and a pair of third place efforts in his 17 starts this season so far, but he has also been inside the top-10 on eight occasions.

We know that Si Woo plays his best golf on courses where the scoring goes low and he can fill up the scorecard with birdies, but he is also an incredibly accurate driver of the golf ball.

That is crucial at TPC River Highlands, so this should be a course he excels on. Bizarrely, his course form isn't great, other than a T11 a number of years ago, but he is playing some of his best golf right now and I fancy him to buck that trend.

He won the Wyndham Championship on a course with great correlation, so we know you can do it, Si Woo!

Value Tip 1: Alex Fitzpatrick To Win @ BetMGM

Alex Fitzpatrick has taken to life on the PGA Tour like a duck to water - and it looks like he is having a fantastic time.

He has made seven PGA Tour starts which include a win, a top-5, two top-10s and two top-25s. That run of great form covered three signature events and two Majors, on some very tough golf courses, so he has already shown his immense potential on this stage.

He ranks 7th for driving accuracy, 10th for SG: Approach and 11th for SG: Tee To Green in the last three months, so has the perfect profile for the TPC River Highlands test.

I am so confident that Alex Fitzpatrick will get a win by the end of 2026, I just hope I am on him when he inevitably gets over the line.

Value Tip 2: Ryan Gerard To Win @ BetMGM

Ryan Gerard will be disappointed not to have won at the Memorial Tournament on one of the toughest golf courses outside the Major Championships.

He was sublime at Muirfield Village, but that's not his only great performance this year. He was second again at the opening event of the year in Hawaii and the week after at the American Express - so has three runner-up finishes on his CV in 2026.

I will forgive him a missed cut at the US Open on a tough track because TPC River Highlands should suit him down to the ground.

He is a fairly accurate driver of the ball who hits plenty of greens in regulation and putts well, so should have no problem setting up the necessary birdie opportunities, but can he take the chances when they present themselves?

Encouragingly he ranks 10th for birdie average on the PGA Tour this season, so we could see him go close once again.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Picks

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Pick One: Scottie Scheffler To Win @ BetMGM

For Golf Monthly Tour Issue podcast listeners, you'll know this is my first Scheffler pick of the year - and I am backing the World No.1 as I simply feel like it has been far too long since his last win.

Scheffler once again did not have his best stuff last week at Shinnecock but he still managed a T4, and I think the reprieve of playing TPC River Highlands could allow him to go very low.

His record here over the last four years is very good, T6-1-T4-T13, and I see no reason why they won't continue this time around.

Pick One: Rickie Fowler To Win @ BetMGM

Fowler has three top-10s in Signature Events this year and I'm hoping he can make it four this week despite three consecutive missed cuts.

He only missed the cut on the number at Shinnecock so his game is clearly not too far off, and like Scheffler I think he will enjoy lower-scoring conditons this week.

The six-time PGA Tour winner has a decent recent record at The Travelers, including a T13 in 2023.

Pick One: Collin Morikawa To Win @ BetMGM

Although he has struggled with injury since claiming victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Morikawa is starting to find form, registering a top 30 finish at the RBC Canadian Open and US Open.

He looked like his old self at Shinnecock Hills, highlighted by a five-under second round. Admittedly, he played poorly at the Travelers Championship last year, but he did finish T13th in 2024, with the venue suiting his game of accuracy over power.

Pick Two: Ryan Fox To Win @ BetMGM

Fox's form has been slightly under the radar of late, with a T23rd at the US Open following a T8th at the RBC Canadian Open. He also finished T27th and T35th in his two starts before that, indicating form is there.

Finishing T17th last year, the New Zealander is an excellent ball striker and his all-round game is extremely solid, which puts him in good stead this week. He is also not shy of making birdies, a key metric for the scoreable TPC River Highlands.

Pick One: Xander Schauffele To Win @ BetMGM

The key metrics this week will be approach play and quality of putting, both of which I feel comfortable backing Schauffele to excel at over at TPC River Highlands.

His SG stats in both categories are strong this term and at previous performances here.

Schauffele has already won the Travelers before (2022), so he obviously likes the place, and he appears to have a knack for navigating the course efficiently with four more top-20s in his seven starts.

Coming off a solid US Open showing, I want to see Schauffele open his shoulders this week.

Pick Two: Kurt Kitayama To Win @ BetMGM

For similar reasons, and with the caveat that our sleeper picks must be outside the +4000 range, I think Kurt Kitayama is a genuine slept-on name at the Travelers.

The American has gained strokes in terms of approach in every single one of his 14 performances prior to the US Open and has largely been putting very well, too.

Encouraging results in two other recent events in the north east tells me he likes this area of the US, so watch out for Kitayama this week as he hopefully posts another quiet top-10 in a Signature Event.

He's already had three this term, including a T2nd at the Genesis Invitational.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Tipping Record

Could a 100/1 shot win the US Open? You only have to look back to JJ Spaun's victory at Oakmont last year to see how outsiders could prosper at Shinnecock Hills.

Scottie Scheffler is going for the Grand Slam and Rory McIlroy is focused on Majors more and more, so they remain the betting favorites for the US Open this year.

There's some dark horse sleeper picks we've picked out, along with some special bets including first-round leader selections and a big name to miss the cut.

What about the longshots though? The US Open has a decent history of springing the odd surprise winner.

As 100/1 shots or bigger have some solid recent form in this event, with two triple-digit outsiders winning the US Open in just the last three years.

JJ Spaun started at around 150/1 last year before lifting the trophy at Oakmont, while Wyndham Clark was 125/1 before his LA victory in 2023.

Throw in 110/1 shot Gary Woodland at Pebble Beach in 2019 and 100/1 Webb Simpson tasting victory in San Francisco in 2012 and that's a decent run for three-figure winners. So who could join that list?

Adam Scott 100/1

He couldn't could he? Adam Scott is appearing in his 100th consecutive Major, could he celebrate that by claiming his second Major title with a shock US Open success?

It seems a bit far-fetched but Scott is not exactly a has-been, he's a Masters champion and yes he's getting on but his swing looks as great as ever and he can still send it off the tee.

The veteran Aussie finished fourth at the Genesis and fourth at the Cadillac at Doral, along with a T12 in his last start at The Memorial - all difficult courses in their own right.

And remember just 12 months ago he contended at Oakmont for three rounds before faltering on that tough Sunday - so even though he's missed the cut on two previous visits to Shinnecock he can obviously still handle the US Open challenge.

Yes, it'd be a fairytale, but fairytales still do happen in golf.

Back Adam Scott to win the US Open at +10000 (100/1) with BetMGM

Cameron Smith 110/1

Could the former Open champion be on the way back after his long Major slump? Claude Harmon looks to have done the trick as he ended a run of six missed cuts in a row with a fine seventh place at the PGA Championship.

More time working with Harmon will only improve him further, and he finished fourth in the US Open just three years ago so knows he can do well in the tournament.

Winning The Open at St Andrews showed he can play in windy conditions, everybody knows that he's one of the best putters in the game but he's also a brilliant scrambler - both traits which will stand him in good stead at Shinnecock.

We might just be getting Smith on the right side of his return to the elite.

Back Cameron Smith to win the US Open at +11000 (110/1) with BetMGM

Akshay Bhatia 110/1

First the negatives, as Akshay Bhatia has missed two cuts in his last three starts and hasn't been in great Major form this year, missing the cut at the Masters and PGA Championship - and in truth he's not yet converted his PGA Tour form into Major challenges.

But let's not forget he's a winner this year, a tough play-off winner at the Arnold Palmer as well, and he also had a T16 at the RBC Heritage where pinpoint accuracy in approach shots is needed.

So overall his body of work this year has been great - but it's just replicating that on the Major stage. There was a sign in this event not so long ago though.

His best Major result was the T16 he managed at the 2024 US Open at Pinehurst, a similarly firm and fast test, and there's no doubt he can thrive in testing conditions. He's got the game to win a Major, it's just a matter of when he puts it all together.

Back Akshay Bhatia to win the US Open at +11000 (110/1) with BetMGM

David Puig 125/1

Speaking of Major game, young Spaniard David Puig looks to have all the attributes and he's been scouting Shinnecock alongside Jon Rahm this week so will have picked up some tips.

A huge hitter off the tee, if his accuracy is on he'll have a big advantage this week, and he's coming off the best Major finish of his young career, finishing T18 at the PGA Championship.

A win in the Australian PGA Championship last November and T5 in Andalucia last time out are all good signs heading to Shinnecock. He's another one who looks destined to win a Major, that may arrive earlier than expected at Shinnecock.

Back David Puig to win the US Open at +12500 (125/1) with BetMGM

Alex Smalley 130/1

Only Aaron Rai's flying finish prevented Alex Smalley from at least making a play-off for the PGA Championship - and he did nothing much wrong on Sunday at Aronimink.

This is Smalley's first US Open as a pro - he qualified as an amateur in 2017 - so that hopefully negates the curse of debutants in this event. No player has won the US Open on debut for over 100 years.

Smalley backed up his runner-up finish at the PGA by finishing third at the Charles Schwab Challenge, but did miss the cut on his last appearance at The Memorial.

That ended a fine run of form across five tournaments, but if he's back to that kind of play then there's no reason why he can't challenge again. Sometimes players just get a taste for Major golf.

Back Alex Smalley to win the US Open at +13000 (130/1) with BetMGM

Jacob Bridgeman 125/1

Winning the Genesis Invitational and a T5 at The Players remain solid results for Jacob Bridgeman this season - he missed the cut at Aronimink which was a blow but a T11 in Canada last week suggested he's regaining that early season form.

He's thrived on tough courses and his game sets up really nicely for Shinnecock Hills - his approach play is solid but it's on the greens where he really excels, ranking third on the PGA Tour this season.

With the greens set to be the main defence at Shinnecock this week then the winner will have to putt well - and not many have been better with the flat stick this year than Bridgeman.

Back Jacob Bridgeman to win the US Open at +12500 (125/1) with BetMGM

Kristoffer Reitan 100/1

Kristoffer Reitan has made the cut in the last three Majors and is another who could just be on the rise towards being a genuine contender.

The Norwegian already has a Signature Event tucked away at the Truist Championship and a T6 at The Memorial is another fine effort on a golf course as tough as any Major.

He's not as consistent on the greens as you'd like, but he's capable and if he's as good as he usually is off the tee then he'll be in good positions around Shinnecock.

Back Kristoffer Reitan to win the US Open at +10000 (100/1) with BetMGM

It's going to be a tough test at a windy Shinnecock Hills this week which could make it a pretty tough US Open to call.

The favorites remain the Scottie Schefflers and the Rory McIlroys of this world, but outside of the outright winners there's a number of other betting markets to go at.

As always we've got our Betting Panel's outright picks, along with some sleeper selections worth adding to the shortlist to lift the US Open trophy on Sunday.

But let's look at a few other wagers to consider...

First- round leader

Patrick Reed is a popular pick to win the whole thing at Shinnecock Hills, and rightly so given the form he's in and the conditions he'll face at the US Open.

It'll be a windy week so ball flight and shot-shaping will be key, as will scrambling around the greens, getting up and down and putting - all in the wheelhouse of the 2018 Masters champion.

He finished fourth here at the US Open that same year in 2018 when his scores actually improved every round - but that experience and course knowledge should ensure he hits the ground running this time around.

With no LIV Golf, Reed has not played in between the last two Majors but that's not been an issue as he's finished T12 at The Masters and T10 at the PGA Championship, but more importantly he's made fast starts at both of those.

Reed was third after round one at Augusta National and T8 at Aronimink just a shot off the lead, with his average first-round score in his eight starts this year a fine 68.8.

Back Patrick Reed as first-round leader at +5500 (55/1) at BetMGM

First-round leader - top five

Basically a next best here for first-round leader with Chris Gotterup, who you can back to be outright first-round leader at +6000 (60/1) but also go the safer way with a top-five after 18 holes.

Gotterup is 13th in first-round scoring average on the PGA Tour this season and he looks to have a decent profile for the US Open test with his Scottish Open victory last year followed by a third at The Open.

That shows he can play in links conditions, and the wind at Shinnecock may call for similar shot making abilities, while he's now a regular contender at the Majors - with a top-10 finish at the PGA Championship.

He's not a traditional fast starter but conditions here could lead to a survival of the fittest test in the opening round, with Gotterup well capable of being there or thereabouts.

Back Chris Gotterup top five after round one at +1200 (12/1) with BetMGM

Top five for Tyrrell

Tyrrell Hatton was close to getting a shout as a first-round leader as he's shot in the 60s in all eight first rounds on LIV Golf this season - but instead we'll play the long game and back him to be in the frame come Sunday.

He's just won at Valderrama as the famous 'Nappy Factor' struck again with Hatton winning his first event since becoming a father for the first time - with Sunday being Father's Day don't rule out a second straight English Major victory.

The further signs are also good - with Hatton finishing sixth at Shinnecock in 2018 and fourth last year at Oakmont showing both event and course form, usually a fine combo.

Throw in his three victories at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship showing his ability to play in the wind in links conditions and there's a lot to like about his chances this week.

Back Tyrrell Hatton for top five at +650 (13/2) with BetMGM

Lowest round of the US Open

Can lightning strike twice? Let's hope so as we back Tommy Fleetwood to repeat his heroics from 2018 and stick in a really low one at Shinnecock Hills.

Fleetwood came flying home on Sunday last time the US Open was here, shooting an unbelievable 63 in the final round to almost go and pinch the title away from Brooks Koepka.

Fleetwood is the only man in history to shoot 63 twice in the US Open, as he also did it in 2023 in LA, again in the final round - so although we may have to wait until Sunday Fleetwood could well bring home the bacon for us again.

The Englishman arrives in decent form as well, with a T11 in Canada including a round of 65, so he's in low-scoring form.

Back Tommy Fleetwood for lowest round of the tournament at +500 (5/1) with BetMGM

To miss the cut

He couldn't make it an unwanted hat-trick could he? Bryson DeChambeau was the Major man for a couple of years but he's been struggling in 2026 with back-to-back missed cuts at The Masters and PGA Championship.

DeChambeau's been fine on LIV Golf but just can't translate it to the Majors so far - and it's hard to believe that his tour's uncertain future hasn't had a big part to play in that.

It's surely on his mind, and he's been spending time helping CEO Scott ONeil meet with investors and building business plans - that all adds up and it's not the ideal scenario ahead of a US Open where patience and precision is paramount.

He's also turned up with a prototype TaylorMade driver in the bag at Shinnecock so there's just a few too many question marks about Bryson right now. He could easily show up and contend again, but those negatives are too much to ignore.

Back Bryson DeChambeau to miss the cut at +180 (9/5) with BetMGM

A hole-in-one?

It's been raining holes-in-one at the US Open in recent times with at least one at the last three tournaments. There was one last year at Oakmont, two in 2024 at Pinehurst and THREE in 2023 at LA Country Club.

There have been 54 holes-in-one in US Open history, with two at Shinnecock Hills during the five times it has hosted the event.

Spencer Levin scored an ace in 2004 at the 17th as he finished as low amateur at the tournament, with Gary Hallberg holing his tee shot on the 7th in 1995 as the only other hole-in-one at the venue.

Only one of the four par-3s this week is over 200 yards so they're all well within range, although the 11th with that green is about as hard a short hole as you could imagine so you can put a line through that being a chance for a one.

Some rain may give players chances at the others though if the greens aren't as firm and fast at the start of the week.

Back a hole-in-one at -106 (10/11) with BetMGM

It could be argued the 2026 US Open Championship contains the strongest field of the season with all of the game's very best having qualified for Shinnecock Hills.

Scottie Scheffler tops the list, and he's out to claim the Career Grand Slam just over a year after Rory McIlroy did likewise at The Masters.

Scheffler is the bookmakers' favorite to reign supreme on Long Island as well, with his main rivals largely being those who accompany him in the top-10 of the Official World Golf Ranking.

He doesn't feature in the names the Golf Monthly betting panel have picked out to win the US Open, however, but you'll have to cross over to see who we did choose. If you're looking for out-and-out picks to win, check out Bazza's Best Bets for the US Open.

Either way, beyond the group of leading talent are a number of names who are certainly capable of providing an upset on their day. Some of them may have even won a Major before...

Below, we've picked out two names who hold odds of over +4000 (40/1) that we believe possess all the right ingredients to be labeled an outside shout. A pair of sleeper picks each, if you will.

Check out who they are and let us know who you're backing to win the US Open in 2026 in the comments box below...

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US Open Sleeper Picks 2026

Patrick Reed (+4000 To Win)

Patrick Reed is having a phenomenal season so far and is well on his way to securing a return to the PGA Tour courtesy of a pair of wins on the DP World Tour.

His Major stock is on the rise again also, with three consecutive top-12 finishes in his last three. His best ever US Open finish came at Shinnecock Hills in 2018, perhaps because you need to possess a superb short game to contend. He certainly has that, but he is also fairly accurate off the tee and ranks 11th for SG: Tee To Green.

Reed has played two tournaments since the Joburg Open in early March - The Masters and the PGA Championship. This will be the third, at the US Open, so he is clearly prioritising Majors as he pursues a PGA Tour return.

I don't mind that at all. It's a strategy that seems to be working for him so far, so I expect him to be close on Sunday.

Patrick Cantlay (+5000 To Win)

Cantlay has been really consistent since The Masters, with two top-10s and two top-20s in five starts. His missed cut at Oakmont last year was his first at the US Open, but he was third the year before and I believe he has the steady sort of game that will eventually lead to success in this event.

He ranks 10th for SG: Tee To Green this season and has eight PGA Tour wins across his career, so I think he is great value at the price.

Chris Gotterup (+4500 To Win)

Gotterup is ranked 11th in the world and one of just three men to have won multiple times on the PGA Tour in 2026, but those wins were back in January and February so he is definitely a sleeper who comes into the week under the radar.

He was T10th at the PGA Championship last month and had a great Open Championship to finish third. In fact, his worst result is 24th in the last four Majors so don't be surprised to see the big-hitting man from New Jersey in contention.

If he can get himself into the tournament with a solid start then he definitely has the game to be right there come the end.

Cameron Smith (+8000 To Win)

After six consecutive Major missed cuts, Cameron Smith made quite a statement last month at Aronimink to finish T7th alongside Xander Schauffele. He followed that with a T16th at LIV Korea and a T5th at LIV Andalucia.

The 2022 Open champion has undoubtedly fallen off since joining LIV Golf but there are lots of signs that he is getting back closer to his best. He has experience of playing Shinnecock Hills, albeit only two rounds in 2018, and has a best US Open finish of 4th in 2023.

When he's on, he's a joy to watch and his short game as well as his experience should come in very handy this week.

Patrick Reed (+4000 To Win)

Picking an outsider with a legitimate chance of winning was ridiculously tough this week. Put plainly, I don't think an outsider will win. But if there's one man who might be capable, it's Patrick Reed.

The American's game fits the profile required with his world-class approach game and putting ability, and a 4th-place finish here in 2018 shows he likes the layout. The only issue - and it is a fairly big one - is that Reed has only played both Majors in the past three months as far as competitive golf goes.

Whether he can pick up where he left off again remains to be seen, but it's slim pickings as far as outsiders go, so I'm willing to roll the dice.

Viktor Hovland (+4500 To Win)

Picking Viktor Hovland is a bit like playing Russian Roulette because his upside is Major contender but his downside means he's arguably just as capable of missing a cut. But I'm choosing to be optimistic in a field where legitimate outsider shots are very slim, in my opinion.

Nevertheless, Hovland finished third last year and has produced excellent numbers in terms of SG: Approach in 2026. He was also third in Canada last week, suggesting he might have found something at the perfect time.

If the good form from Canada with his putter can be maintained for the week, I'm reasonably hopeful for an each-way finish. If Hovland chips well, too, it could even be his breakthrough week...

Patrick Reed (+4000 To Win)

In all honesty, I was stuck between Reed and Wyndham Clark for my outside pick, but I’ve opted for the former because of his Major record and previous course form.

Reed finished solo fourth in 2018 at Shinnecock Hills, firing a two-under final round in the process. What’s more, in 2026, the American produced two top-12 finishes at The Masters and PGA Championship, while also winning twice on the DP World Tour.

Admittedly, he hasn’t played much, if any, competitive golf since the PGA Championship, but I’m hoping this is a sign Reed is well rested going into the US Open.

It's US Open week and the best players in the world are descending on Shinnecock Hills.

The USGA has vowed to 'let Shinnecock be Shinnecock', so we expect the famous venue to shine while also terrorising a very strong field.

Shinnecock Hills has a links-style feel to it, so I'd be interested in exploring players that have good Open Championship form, but the greens are the difference maker here.

A excellent short game is crucial, as even the best ball strikers will miss their fair share of greens, but a penchant for putting on poa annua will also be helpful.

After exploring correlating course form, diving into the Strokes Gained data and following US Open trends - our betting expert Baz Plummer believes he has found four great value tips that can contend for Major silverware this week...

US Open 2026 Betting Tips

Bazza's Best Bets

Top Tip: Xander Schauffele To Win @ BetMGM

Xander Schauffele is on this card for a number of reasons, but his Major record is perhaps the most significant.

Despite having a turbulent period since winning two Majors in 2024, Schauffele has maintained an excellent record on the biggest stages.

He has four top-10s and a 12th place finish in his last six Major starts and his worst finish in eight US Open appearances is tied-14th!

That's insanely good form over a long period of time, in what is one of the toughest events on the calendar every single year, so he warrants his pick in my opinion.

Schauffele was 6th at Shinnecock Hills in 2018, but he also has great correlating course form, with four top-12 finishes at Copperhead and a win at Royal Troon.

When you consider he has a top-5 finish at both Riviera and Torrey Pines, which also have poa annua putting surfaces, there really is so much to like about Xander's chances.

Next Best Tip: Tommy Fleetwood To Win @ BetMGM

I have been saying for some time that I have earmarked the US Open and Open Championship in 2026 as great opportunities for Tommy Fleetwood to seal a maiden Major win - and I am sticking to that narrative.

Fleetwood was 4th at the Memorial Championship recently, on a tough golf course, plus he played really well on the west coast earlier in the season - showing that putting on poa annua isn't going to be a problem for him.

The 2025 Tour Champion was 2nd at Shinnecock Hills in 2018, so clearly suits the test that the track poses, but he also has great links pedigree and experience which will be crucial on this layout.

While his Major form has been a bit sketchy, the US Open is arguably where his best performances have come.

He ranks 6th for driving accuracy, which is going to be very important this week, plus he has a great short game. If the stars align, we could finally see Tommy get the job done!

Form Tip: Sam Burns To Win @ BetMGM

Sam Burns is rounding into form just in time for the US Open - in a very similar fashion to last year.

On that occasion, he finished T12 at the Memorial, lost in a play-off in Canada and was desperately close to winning a first Major at Oakmont. The pesky weather delay scuppered his chances, but he is entering this week in very similar form - so has a great chance to go one better.

Burns is a fantastic putter, one of the best in the game in fact, but he has also shown a decent amount of short game prowess on similar correlating courses in the past.

If he can put himself in position on these tough greens, there are few I fancy more to sink the necessary putts to stick with the leading pack.

Value Tip: Patrick Reed To Win @ BetMGM

Patrick Reed is having a phenomenal season so far and is well on his way to securing a return to the PGA Tour courtesy of a pair of wins on the DP World Tour.

His Major stock is on the rise again also, with three consecutive top-12 finishes in his last three. His best ever US Open finish came at Shinnecock Hills in 2018, perhaps because you need to possess a superb short game to contend.

He certainly has that, but he is also fairly accurate off the tee and ranks 11th for SG: Tee To Green.

Reed has played two tournaments since the Joburg Open in early March - The Masters and the PGA Championship. This will be the third, at the US Open, so he is clearly prioritising Majors as he pursues a PGA Tour return.

I don't mind that at all. It's a strategy that seems to be working for him so far, so I expect him to be close on Sunday.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Picks

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Pick One: Xander Schauffele To Win @ BetMGM

The two-time Major champion has an incredible US Open record with a worst finish of T14th.

The gritty American does not have his best game as things stand - and hasn't really since the 2024 season pre-rib injury - but he still managed a T7 at Aronimink last month and he arrives on Long Island fresh from a week off where I am hoping he has sharpened up things.

He was T6 last time Shinnecock hosted in 2018, plays tough courses very well and is one I believe comes in under the radar this week.

Pick One: Cameron Smith To Win @ BetMGM

After six consecutive Major missed cuts, Cameron Smith made quite a statement last month at Aronimink to finish T7th alongside Schauffele.

He followed that with a T16 at LIV Korea and a T5 at LIV Andalucia. The 2022 Open champion has undoubtedly fallen off since joining LIV Golf but there are lots of signs that he is getting back closer to his best.

He has experience of playing Shinnecock Hills, albeit only two rounds in 2018, and has a best US Open finish of 4th in 2023. When he's on he's a joy to watch and his short game as well as his experience should come in very handy this week.

Pick One: Jon Rahm To Win @ BetMGM

Continuing to produce strong results on the LIV Golf League, highlighted by a runner-up finish at Valderrama, it’s Rahm’s showing at the PGA Championship that’s catching my eye, as he finished T2nd.

His lack of Major form has been the biggest question mark since joining LIV, but it seems that it might be returning and, on a course where approach play and short game is a necessity, Shinnecock should suit Rahm down to the ground.

Pick Two: Patrick Reed To Win @ BetMGM

In all honesty, I was stuck between Reed and Wyndham Clark for my outside pick, but I’ve opted for the former because of his Major record and previous course form.

Reed finished solo fourth in 2018 at Shinnecock Hills, firing a two-under final round in the process. What’s more, in 2026, the American produced two top-12 finishes at The Masters and PGA Championship, while also winning twice on the DP World Tour.

Admittedly, he hasn’t played much, if any, competitive golf since the PGA Championship, but I’m hoping this is a sign Reed is well rested going into the US Open.

Pick One: Matt Fitzpatrick To Win @ BetMGM

The process of picking a winner this week has been the toughest this season so far with up to eight names making my initial shortlist.

Through a pain-staking process of elimination that focused on GIR, record on north-east courses and current form, I've arrived at Matt Fitzpatrick.

Coming off a second place finish in Canada suggests he's full of confidence and the Englishman appears in the form of his life otherwise.

His US Open record (win aside) isn't spectacular, but his GIR data this term is outstanding and he's only failed to gain strokes on the field in that metric once from 14 starts.

Plus, his US Open victory arrived at Brookline, so the area has good memories for Fitzpatrick. I believe he will make some more at Shinnecock Hills.

Pick Two: Patrick Reed To Win @ BetMGM

In a similar vein, picking an outsider with a legitimate chance of winning was ridiculously tough. Put plainly, I don't think an outsider will win. But if there's one man who might be capable, it's Patrick Reed.

The American's game fits the profile required with his world-class approach game and putting ability, and a 4th-place finish here in 2018 shows he likes the layout. The only issue - and it is a fairly big one - is that Reed has only played both Majors in the past three months as far as competitive golf goes.

Whether he can pick up where he left off again remains to be seen, but it's slim pickings as far as outsiders go, so I'm willing to roll the dice.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Tipping Record

Before we pack our bags and head to Shinnecock Hills for the US Open, we have one more opportunity to pick a winner on the PGA Tour.

Some big names are taking to the course for the RBC Canadian Open, but it's one Englishman that appears to be on the mind of everyone at Golf Monthly's betting department.

The last time three tipsters picked the same player on the Tour Issue podcast, Cameron Young won the Cadillac Championship. So, are the stars aligning for another winner this season

RBC Canadian Open 2026 Betting Tips

Bazza's Best Bets

Top Tip: Tommy Fleetwood To Win @ BetMGM

Tommy Fleetwood is rounding into form at just the right time for two Majors that I believe he has a great chance of winning, but first he tees it up in Canada and has an equally strong chance at TPC Toronto.

Fleetwood is an elite ball striker, ranking 10th for SG: Tee To Green this season on the PGA Tour, and has solid finishes at Muirfield Village (4th), Quail Hollow (5th) and Riviera Country Club (7th) in 2026.

His tournament form, albeit at different venues, is great too. He was runner-up to Nick Taylor in 2023, after losing in a playoff, but he also has a T6 finish in 2018. With a perfect skillset and profile, great recent and course form and a first PGA Tour win under his belt - you can see why three of us have tipped Tommy this week!

Home Favourite Tip: Nick Taylor To Win @ BetMGM

I said on the Golf Monthly Tour Issue podcast, which you watch in the video above, that I wasn't picking Nick Taylor this week.

I backed him last time out and was disappointed by his return, but despite my efforts to avoid naming him on my betting card - I simply can't resist him.

I believe there will be a Canadian in contention at the business end of this tournament and based on recent form I believe it has to be Taylor.

He is having a good season, in the most part, with 14 cuts made out of 15 starts and a couple of recent top-15 finishes in big events.

He was 9th at the Cadillac Championship on a tough course and followed that up with a 14th place finish the week after at Quail Hollow, both of which I like as correlation to this track.

Taylor fell away in the PGA Championship when contending into the back-nine on Sunday, but this field is somewhat weaker and he should have a great chance to add a sixth PGA Tour win to his resume.

Value Tip: Alex Fitzpatrick To Win @ BetMGM

Alex Fitzpatrick has taken to PGA Tour life like a duck to water. He has made three non-major starts since winning the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with his brother, Matt, where he has recorded three top-10 finishes.

All three of those results came in signature events, so he has no problem holding his own in stronger fields than this one.

Alex Fitzpatrick plays tough golf courses very well, as evidenced by his performance at Quail Hollow and Muirfield Village recently. He also won in India at DLF, which is another very tough track, so TPC Toronto shouldn't pose him any surprising problems.

With plenty of value in his price, I like his chances of claiming a first PGA Tour win on his own.

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Pick One: Wyndham Clark To Win @ BetMGM

Wyndham Clark is in scintillating form right now after winning his fourth PGA Tour title at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson a few weeks ago and then following up with a 3rd-place at Muirfield Village.

He looks to be riding a wave of confidence and is on a hot streak with his new Ping putter. A Major champion looking this dialled in is someone I'll back to keep challenging at the top of leaderboards.

Pick Two: Aaron Rai To Win @ BetMGM

TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley doesn't look to particularly favor the bombers so I like Rai's precision this week, especially at these high odds for a man in such great form.

The PGA Championship winner was a solid T19 at The Memorial after two weeks off it looks like there is no big hangover from Aronimink and he is back on the horse chasing more wins.

Pick One: Tommy Fleetwood To Win @ BetMGM

It's a decent field at the Canadian Open, but there are negatives attached to many of the top players so we could once again see a wide-open championship.

With that being said, I still expect Tommy Fleetwood to be challenging near the top.

The Englishman has done most things very well so far this season, bar the odd hiccup, and his record at the Canadian Open (admittedly on different courses) is certainly encouraging with a T6th, a runner-up (to Nick Taylor) and a T21st last time out.

He's world class tee to green and has always putted well in Canada, so a good week on the putting surfaces should see him contend.

Pick Two: Alex Fitzpatrick To Win @ BetMGM

I was torn between Fitzpatrick and Rai, but I'm going for a Fitzpatrick for the second week in a row, simply down to consistency over recent weeks.

Both Alex Fitzpatrick and Rai have enjoyed a wonderful past month or so - perhaps Rai's was slightly better! - but Fitzpatrick's stats regarding tee-to-green are just a shade better during that time.

Fitzpatrick seems made for this level and I hope he can continue his trend of sitting on the first page of a leaderboard for the foreseeable future.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Tipping Record

After an exciting end to the Charles Schwab Challenge, we swiftly move on to Jack's place as the best players in the world convene at Muirfield Village for the Memorial Tournament.

With a strong field assembled, despite Viktor Hovland withdrawing, there are plenty with chances of taking this latest Signature Event on the PGA Tour.

After crunching the numbers and following the trends, our resident betting expert has narrowed them down to two top tips that he believes can contend this week...

Memorial Tournament 2026 Betting Tips

Bazza's Best Bets

Top Tip: Ludvig Aberg To Win @ BetMGM

Ludvig Aberg can perhaps consider himself unlucky not to have already won on the PGA Tour this season.

His form has been seriously impressive, with five top-5 finishes in just 12 starts in 2026.

Two of those came in big events on the Florida Swing, which is often a great place to look for correlation with this event, so I'm high on his chances to contend again.

His two starts here have yielded a T5 and T16 finish, so he clearly understands how to navigate this tough track.

That's unsurprising considering he ranks 4th for SG: Tee To Green, 1st for approaches from 200 yards+, 5th for par-5 scoring average and 21st for SG: Around The Green this season on the PGA Tour.

The putter has cost him at times this year, but if he can fire up the flat stick I fancy him to go close again.

Value Tip: Nick Taylor To Win @ BetMGM

Nick Taylor doesn't get enough respect, in my opinion. He is a 5-time PGA Tour winner and one of the most consistent players on tour this season, so I'm siding with him at Jack's place this week.

Taylor was right in contention as the field moved into the back-nine at Aronimink Golf Club, during the 2026 PGA Championship, highlighting his ability to play tough, Major-style golf courses well.

The Canadian was fourth in this event last season and has made 13 out of 14 cuts in 2026, but it's his short game that gives me the most confidence.

Taylor ranks 10th for SG: Around The Green this season, which in turn has helped him to limit the number of bogeys on his card (ranks 11th for bogey avoidance).

If he can find greens in regulation this week, he will have a great chance - but when he, like the rest of the field, miss their fair share I fancy him to scramble well enough to stay in contention.

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Nick Taylor To Win @ BetMGM

The Canadian comes into the Memorial in good form after a brilliant PGA Championship where he entered the final round in T2nd and just two back of Alex Smalley's lead.

He fell back a bit on Sunday to finish T26th but it was a continuation of a solid season. Taylor was T14 and T9 at the Truist and Cadillac Championships in his two previous starts, and he has only missed one cut in 14 tournaments this year.

Taylor was 4th here at Muirfield Village last year so he looks like a strong contender.

Pick One: Rory McIlroy To Win @ BetMGM

Following on from his break after the PGA Championship, McIlroy returns to action at an event and a course he is yet to win at. This might sound like a negative, but The Memorial Tournament is one trophy he will want to add to his incredible CV.

Finishing T7th at Aronimink Golf Club, while not having his best stuff, the 36-year-old missed The Memorial Tournament last year, but has previous in this event. In 2024, he finished T15th despite a final round 76. The year prior, he was T7th and hasn't finished outside the top 20 since 2019.

Hosted by Jack Nicklaus, McIlroy will want to add his name to the elusive Roll of Honor.

Pick Two: Ben Griffin To Win @ BetMGM

The American seems to have re-found some form in 2026, following a poor run of results that included three straight missed cuts in March.

Since finishing T10th at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Griffin has a solo third at the Cadillac Championship, a T14th at the PGA Championship and produced a T3rd at last week's Charles Schwab Challenge.

That T3rd came as a defending champion and, heading to Muirfield Village, Griffin finished solo second in 2025, therefore I am hoping he will replicate that form 12 months on.

Pick One: Matt Fitzpatrick To Win @ BetMGM

Fitzpatrick is enjoying arguably the year of his career and has to be considered one of the favorites at any of these Signature Events.

But what sets him apart this week, in my eyes, is the fact he possesses that much sought-after blend of power and accuracy off the tee and he's regularly gaining strokes in all three other areas.

Put simply, he's one of the most in-form players on the PGA Tour right now. Fitzpatrick has also managed three top-10s at the Memorial Tournament throughout his career, so it's somewhere he has fond memories of.

If not Scheffler, I can see Fitzpatrick standing next to Jack Nicklaus on Sunday afternoon.

Pick Two: Chris Gotterup To Win @ BetMGM

For very similar reasons, Chris Gotterup is my sleeper pick this week. An absolute monster with driver in hand, he makes up for a relative lack of accuracy with sheer power off the tee.

His approach stats have been excellent for a while and his putting numbers have been superb of late.

Missed cuts here in 2023 and 2024 (his only two appearances at the Memorial) might unnerve some, but Gotterup was a different player then and three PGA Tour wins prove that.

Two top-10s and three more top-25s in his past six starts highlight Gotterup's form, and I can see a top-10 in his future at Muirfield Village.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Tipping Record

Is it over? Please, make the birdies stop!

Thankfully, we are moving on from a PGA Tour birdie-fest to a traditional sterner test - and I can't wait to see how some of the best players in the world negotiate Colonial Country Club for the Charles Schwab Challenge 2026.

Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the Charles Schwab Challenge this week, and Jordan Spieth will miss the event for the first time since 2013, but we still have a relatively strong field on show.

With strong course correlation to places like Sedgefield Country Club, Harbour Town Golf Links, TPC River Highlands, TPC Southwind and the Sea Island Golf Courses, there are plenty of avenues to explore in the hunt for a winning tip.

This is not a bomb and gauge affair. Accurate ball strikers do well here, with a strategic approach needed off the tee, but taking your opportunities on the greens is also important.

With the numbers crunched and the trends explored, I believe I have found four great tips that can help me go one better than my runner-up finish last week...

Charles Schwab Challenge 2026 Betting Tips

Bazza's Best Bets

Top Tip: Rickie Fowler To Win @ BetMGM

Rickie Fowler is playing his best golf in years at the moment, so I can't believe how good his price is in this field.

I can forgive him for a T60 at the PGA Championship, on a tough course and in challenging conditions, but he banked three consecutive top-10s prior to that including a T8 at Harbour Town which has great course correlation to Colonial.

Fowler was in the final group at the Charles Schwab Challenge last season, sitting third after 54-holes, so knows what it takes to contend around here.

He ranks 14th for SG: Approach and 16th for SG: Putting in this field over the last three months, plus he appears towards the top of the board in bogey avoidance and scrambling on the PGA Tour this season.

If he is finally going to get back into the winner's circle, this could be his best chance by capitalising on a recent run of good form.

Next Best: Justin Thomas To Win @ BetMGM

Justin Thomas was so close to being my best bet this week, but I couldn't leave him off the card after watching his last three performances.

Thomas impressed me with a T23 finish at the Cadillac Championship, but he then followed that up with a 13th place finish at Quail Hollow and a 4th place finish at the PGA Championship.

That sort of progress on three difficult courses is seriously impressive, but with his putter starting to heat up he finally looks like he is close to having his complete game.

That's ominous for the field in itself, but when you consider that he also has a top-10 finish here and has won at the heavily correlating RBC Heritage, he looks a great pick.

The Speculative Tip: JJ Spaun To Win @ BetMGM

If JJ Spaun could putt he would be one of the world's best players, and despite this being a week where you need the flat stick to fire - I am going to give him a chance.

Spaun has already won in Texas this season, the week before The Masters, and he was T6 in this event last season.

He fits the profile in almost every area, ranking 2nd for SG: Approach and 13th for driving accuracy in this field over the past three months. His putting has marginally improved over the past three events and he will only need a small gain to contend in this one.

Value Tip: Sudarshan Yellamaraju To Win @ BetMGM

Yellamaraju is someone I have become a little bit obsessed with in recent months as I love the way he has come onto the PGA Tour in his debut season and contended in big events straight out of the gate.

The Korn Ferry Tour graduate has two decent finishes in Texas already this season, with a T6 and T14 in early season events played in the Lone Star State, but he has also made 12 of 14 cuts this season so far.

That's incredibly consistency for a rookie, which is why I am not too worried about his lack of competitive experience around Colonial.

He is very efficient with the driver, ranking well for distance and accuracy, plus he is an excellent ball striker. If he can sharpen up the short game to match his early season performances, he could contend for a first PGA Tour win at a big price.

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Pick One: Ludvig Aberg To Win @ BetMGM

The Swede finished T4 at the PGA Championship earlier this month and I am backing him to keep this hot streak running in his professional tournament debut at Colonial.

Aberg has six top-10s in his last seven starts and is gaining strokes in every department on the PGA Tour this season. He is 2nd in SG: Total, 3rd in Tee to green and 6th in Approach so is primed to contend for his third PGA Tour title.

Pick Two: Pierceson Coody To Win @ BetMGM

The Texan is from the Dallas-Fort Worth area so will be very comfortable and full of support on a course he knows well.

He has had a superb campaign so far after graduating from the Korn Ferry Tour and, despite some injury troubles, he has seven top-20 finishes and a best result of T2 at the Farmers.

He finished T16 here last year while holding a Korn Ferry Tour card and was T5 in 2024, too.

Pick One: Justin Thomas To Win @ BetMGM

The two-time Major winner seems to be returning to form in 2026, with Thomas finished T23rd, 13th and T4th in his last three starts, with the latter coming at the PGA Championship.

He doesn't possess much course form at Colonial Country Club, but he did finish in a share of 10th at this week's event in 2020.

That aside, the American has an excellent all-round game and, with that needed around the layout and a weaker field in-play, this could be the event Thomas fires and ends his victory drought.

Pick Two: Doug Ghim To Win @ BetMGM

Ghim's form has been under the radar of late, with the American finishing inside the top 31 in his last four events, including a T6th at the Zurich Classic and a T19th at the Myrtle Beach Classic.

He's not the longest off the tee, but Ghim still ranks well in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green and Off-the-Tee. Accurate with the driver, he has placed in his last two appearances at Colonial Country Club, showcasing he can play well round there.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Tipping Record

As PGA Tour action returns, we head to Texas for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch.

The expert betting panel at Golf Monthly HQ have been in great form, picking three winners since The Players Championship, so expectations are high for our tips this week.

Scottie Scheffler cruised to the CJ Cup Byron Nelson title 12 months ago - and he could do something similar again this week when you consider the gulf in quality between him and the majority of the field.

However, I'm someone who likes to take on the favorite, even if he is the perfect golfing machine, so I have done my research and found three names that I think can challenge strongly in this low-scoring sprint to the line...

CJ Cup Byron Nelson Betting Tips 2026 - Bazza's Best Bets

The Long List

There isn't a lot of mystery to this event... it's going to be a straight shootout.

I am not overly keen on birdie-fests, but TPC Craig Ranch tends to be just that so finding a player with a good record of going low is key.

The average winning score over the past five years is 25-under-par, with Scheffler posting a ludicrous 31-under total in 2025 to take the title.

In these types of event I focus on correlation with similar tests (if you can call them that), like the American Express, John Deere Classic and 3M Open.

I would also explore stats like birdie or better percentage, Strokes Gained: Approach and par-5 scoring as they are a great route to finding a winner based on the profile of previous champions.

It goes without saying that I, like many others, expect Scottie Scheffler to win this event comfortably.

He is against a far weaker field than last week at Aronimink and has the perfect game for this event, but in order to help you find a little bit of value I have offered three tips that could topple the World No.1 this week if he isn't on his game...

• Brooks Koepka
• Jordan Spieth
• Si Woo Kim
• Ryo Hisatsune
• Kevin Roy
• Haotong Li
• Stephan Jaeger

Bazza's Best Bets

Top Tip: Si Woo Kim To Win @ BetMGM

Si Woo Kim is a worthy second favorite, in my opinion, and poses the biggest threat to Scottie Scheffler at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.

Kim has been on fire this season (without winning), banking five top-6 finishes including a runner-up spot at the Farmers Insurance Open and two third place efforts.

Recently, he put on a good show when 3rd at the RBC Heritage and followed that up with a 4th at the Cadillac Championship, but it's his stats that peak my interest.

Si Woo Kim ranks 6th for SG: Approach on the PGA Tour this season, 13th for birdie or better percentage and 9th for bogey avoidance - so has the tools to go low.

He's got good correlating form at the AMEX and the John Deere Classic, so he should have a great chance to add a fifth PGA Tour title to his impressive resume.

Next Best: Ryo Hisatsune To Win @ BetMGM

Ryo Hisatsune is not far away from a first PGA Tour win, in my opinion, and he could certainly break his duck at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.

Hisatsune has four top-10 finishes this season, including a runner-up, but he has also been super consistent by making every single cut since the second tournament of the 2026 season.

The Japanese star ranks 18th for birdie or better percentage and 2nd for total birdies this season, demonstrating an ability to score as well as anybody else in this field.

If he can get himself into contention over the weekend, he has the gritty resilience and ability to bounce-back (ranks 6th this season) - meaning he should stick around on Sunday.

Next Best: Ryo Hisatsune To Win @ BetMGM

Ryo Hisatsune is not far away from a first PGA Tour win, in my opinion, and he could certainly break his duck at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.

Hisatsune has four top-10 finishes this season, including a runner-up, but he has also been super consistent by making every single cut since the second tournament of the 2026 season.

The Japanese star ranks 18th for birdie or better percentage and 2nd for total birdies this season, demonstrating an ability to score as well as anybody else in this field.

If he can get himself into contention over the weekend, he has the gritty resilience and ability to bounce-back (ranks 6th this season) - meaning he should stick around on Sunday.

Late Addition Tip: Pierceson Coody To Win @ BetMGM

The more this week has gone on the more I have not been able to get Pierceson Coody out of my head. I know - weird, right?

It's not like I'm obsessed, but the more I think about it... he has a great chance to win here.

Coody started the year with five consecutive top-20 finishes, including when runner-up at the Farmers Insurance Open, and a top-10 at the WM Phoenix Open plays well in terms of course correlation.

He actually withdrew from the other Texas event this year, but his form in this part of the country is reasonable. A 5th place finish at Colonial is interesting and he finished in the top-25 here last season.

His form on correlating courses that tend to produce birdie-fest shootouts is also strong, finishing 3rd at the Bank of Utah Championship and 18th at the American Express.

If Coody can find the sort of form he produced at the start of the 2026 season, he could have a great chance of contending here.

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Pick One: Sungjae Im To Win @ BetMGM

The Korean has hit the ground running this Spring after a long period on the sidelines with an injury, and he got the harsher conditons at Aronimink to miss the PGA Championship cut by a single stroke.

That means he is nicely rested for this week to hopefully go very low in Texas. Im was T5th at the Truist two weeks ago and I fully expect him to challenge this week on a much easier course.

Pick Two: Eric Cole To Win @ BetMGM

The man who has won 60 times on the Minor League Golf Tour returns to a happy hunting ground this week, having been T5th last year.

Cole has never won a PGA Tour event but he does have two runner-ups and two third-place finishes. He was T5th last time out at the Myrtle Beach Classic so his form is good and he clearly likes TPC Craig Ranch. I can see him cracking the top-10 again.

Pick One: Jordan Spieth To Win @ BetMGM

Over the last month, it seems Spieth is starting to find some form, as he registered top 18 finishes in three of his last five starts, two of which were at the PGA Championship and The Masters.

At last year's CJ Cup Byron Nelson, he finished solo fourth, which is one of his strongest results since returning from injury.

Possessing course form, and returning to his home state of Texas, tells me Spieth will continue his strong golf this week at TPC Craig Ranch.

Pick Two: Blades Brown To Win @ BetMGM

The 18-year-old continues to get better and better, with Brown producing some fine results on both the PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour over the last few months.

Finishing runner-up and solo third in two of his last four events on the KFT, a T9th at the Myrtle Beach Classic last time out on the PGA Tour is an indicator of where his game and confidence is.

He doesn't possess many weaknesses, which is why I'm expecting another strong week for the teenager.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Tipping Record

It's PGA Championship week and I've already shared the Bazza's Best Bets column, with five top picks for the second men's Major of the season, but there is still plenty of time to take a look at another interesting market - the first round leader!

I successfully tipped the first round leader at The Masters and backed that up with another outright winner (Cam Young at the Cadillac Championship) a few weeks ago, so confidence is high about keeping that run going with another stab in the first round leader market.

To work out who might contend on the opening day, we need to explore the course characteristics, specific stats and fully analyse the field - which is exactly what I've done for you below...

PGA Championship First Round Leader Betting Tips 2026

It goes without saying I am high on Cameron Young in just about every market you can get for the 2026 PGA Championship - so I'd start there, but for the purposes of not sounding like a broken record let's look elsewhere on the odds board for some special bets.

My first selection in this market is Russell Henley. The five-time PGA Tour winner is not someone who you might instantly think of for a long, gruelling Major test - but Henley is a fairways and greens man and that could be invaluable here.

Henley has played Donald Ross designs well in the past, particularly in the opening round, and ranks 23rd for round one scoring in 2026 so far.

The American has banked opening rounds of 61, 65 and 67 at East Lake, a respectable 70 at Pinehurst No.2 (a Ross designed Major Test) and a pair of 62s in his last three starts at Sedgefield Country Club - which uses similar pedestal style Ross greens.

Henley was 3rd at the Masters last month, which also shares some small correlation to the Aronimink test, and started the season with opening rounds of 65, 65, 66 in his first three events. He is a very interesting option at a great price in this market.

My second selection in the first round leader market is Nick Taylor. The Canadian might not seem the perfect candidate to contend here, in a similar way to Henley, as he isn't the longest off the tee - but there is more than one way to win here.

Nick Taylor ranks 4th for first round scoring on the PGA Tour this season and opened with 66 last week (and 66 the week before) to contend early in big signature events.

Also a five-time PGA Tour winner, Taylor ranked 12th for first round scoring at East Lake last season (another Ross design with great correlation), plus he already posted a pair of 65s and a 62 in opening rounds this season.

Taylor also started with a 63 at Sedgefield Country Club in his last start at the Wyndham Championship, with a pair of 65s present in his course history on that particular Donald Ross design.

The 2026 PGA Championship tee times are now out and it looks like both Henley and Taylor are out in the afternoon, so they will know exactly what they need to beat in order to take an early lead.

While I am not sure either of these players have the length required over four rounds to win the PGA Championship this year, despite being great value each-way options, I do like their chances of navigating and building a strong start to the event this week.

The second men's Major of the season is about to begin and Aronimink Golf Club is prepared to host the PGA Championship for the first time since making its debut in 1962.

South Africa's Gary Player triumphed on that occasion, defeating American Bob Goalby by one stroke to lift the first of two Wanamaker Trophies during a nine-Major career.

Scottie Scheffler is well on his way to securing the same number of Major wins (if not more) and is the defending champion following an absolute clinic at Quail Hollow 12 months ago.

He tops the list in terms of outright betting in 2026 - with Bazza's Best Bets covering who else is in contention for the PGA Championship title - but there are several other markets to choose from in case you're interested in a change of angle for your wager.

We've picked out six special markets courtesy of BetMGM which you can see below.

FIRST-ROUND LEADER

Personally speaking, I find the first-round leader market a strange one which often yields an unexpected name before they tail off later in the week.

Giving credence to my theory is the fact that, since 2020, names like Brendon Todd, Corey Conners and Jhonattan Vegas have all topped the leaderboard on day one of the PGA Championship.

With that in mind, how does Nick Taylor as first-round leader sound? A very tidy player who often goes under the radar, the Canadian has an excellent record on Thursday in 2026.

Taylor is fourth on the PGA Tour's list of SG: Total in the first round during 2026 with a remarkable 2.39. Only Rory McIlroy (2.55), Xander Schauffele (2.63) and Cameron Young (2.74) are able to boast higher numbers.

While the aforementioned trio are certainly worth a look, they're a much shorter price and represent a much safer bet. If you'd prefer a riskier wager, Taylor could well be your guy at +9000 (90/1).

Back Nick Taylor to be first-round leader at the 2026 PGA Championship with BetMGM at +9000 (90/1)

HOLE-IN-ONE

Who can forget Michael Block's extraordinary hole-in-one alongside Rory McIlroy during the final round of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill?

It was a moment which firmly underlined Block's magical week and ultimately set him up for a string of further pro starts and a sponsorship deal with Malbon.

Then there was Si Woo Kim's record-breaking ace at last year's PGA Championship, a 252-yard hole out at Quail Hollow's sixth hole. And that was just the latest in a long line of memorable moments.

Since the PGA Championship switched to a stroke-play event in 1958, there have been 51 recorded aces - not far off one a year on average.

The point is, hole-in-ones are not unheard of at the year's second men's Major and the bookmakers know it.

That's why the price for anyone to make a hole-in-one during the championship is floating around -105 in the build-up. On the flip side, BetMGM have no hole-in-one all week at -125. If you ask me, I like to think positively, so I'll go for yes in 2026.

Back a hole-in-one at the 2026 PGA Championship at -105 (21/20) with BetMGM

PLAYOFF

Since Keegan Bradley defeated Jason Dufner in a playoff at the 2011 PGA Championship, we've witnessed extra holes to decide who lifts the Wanamaker Trophy just once.

Justin Thomas saw off Will Zalatoris in 2022 at Southern Hills Country Club after the pair both finished 72 holes at a meager five-under-par.

Over the same 14-year run - including 2012 - the champion has triumphed by two strokes seven times.

Coincidentally, the chances of either a playoff or a two-stroke winning margin have been marked down at the same price - +350 (7/2).

As much as I'd love to see a playoff, if only for the drama, I'm not convinced one will be required so I'd lean more towards a one-shot win at +225 (9/4).

Bet on a playoff at the 2026 PGA Championship at +350 (7/2) with BetMGM

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NON-US WINNER

Simply put, the United States absolutely dominates the PGA Championship. Each of the past 10 champions have hailed from the US while there have only been three non-US victors since Martin Kaymer in 2010 (and two of them were Rory McIlroy).

Since the stroke-play era began 68 years ago, non-US winners are pretty rare. In total, the Wanamaker Trophy has been lifted just 15 times by someone without an American passport.

As a result, any American winner is priced at -138 while a non-US champion (McIlroy, Fleetwood, Rahm etc) is currently priced at +105.

At this stage, the top-10 leading players in the outright market are evenly split between American nationals and those from everywhere else on the planet, setting up a fascinating situation regarding the winner's country of origin.

However, both of my tips in our outright tips article are American, so I'd have to say the pattern of American winners will continue (I hope!).

Back a non-US winner of the 2026 PGA Championship at +105 (21/20) with BetMGM

FIRST ENGLISH WINNER SINCE 1919

On a very similar note to the above category, the English players in the field have some serious history counting against them at the PGA Championship.

No English player has hoisted the Wanamaker Trophy since Jim Barnes in 1919. Barnes won the first two iterations (which took place either side of the First World War) but remains the only man to do so.

Nick Faldo, David Lynn and Paul Casey have each finished runner-up in the intervening years, but the latter's two-stroke deficit to Collin Morikawa in 2020 was as close as any English player has come to ending the drought.

In 2026, England has an excellent chance of providing the winner with Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton and Harry Hall each believing they could be the man.

Any English winner is +500 (5/1) while no English winner is -1000 (1/10). As previously mentioned, my tips are both American, but if there is to be an English winner it will have to be either Fitzpatrick or Fleetwood, I'd have thought.

Back any English winner of the 2026 PGA Championship at +500 (5/1) with BetMGM

TOP LIV GOLFER

Brooks Koepka became the first LIV golfer to win a Major when he lifted his third Wanamaker Trophy in 2023, but Major champions from the breakaway circuit have been extremely few and far between.

In light of that, rather than selecting the LIV Golf-winner market, I prefer to look at which LIV player will finish highest in the group of 11 at Aronimink.

In my opinion, it's not LIV's strongest line-up and there are only four real contenders to finish top of the pack - Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton and David Puig.

Each are huge hitters, but from there their strengths differ. Puig's approach game hasn't been on point this year despite him being a great putter while Hatton's short game has been hit or miss, letting down the rest of his world-class game.

DeChambeau certainly has the distance off the tee, but I remain unconvinced over his short-game prowess at the moment.

That leaves only Jon Rahm, who has no real chinks in his armor and seems to be the smartest play despite his extremely short price (+163). Then again, as I always say, it's better to have a little of something than a whole lot of nothing!

Back Jon Rahm to be the top LIV golfer at the 2026 PGA Championship at +163 (13/8) with BetMGM

The 2026 PGA Championship could be regarded as one of the most wide-open Majors in recent history.

World No.1 Scottie Scheffler might hold the shortest odds according to bookmakers, but there does not seem to be the inevitability surrounding the defending champion there has been in the past.

Rory McIlroy is coming off a disappointing return to action as well, and the rest of the world's top-10 appears to be in a constant state of fluidity.

In terms of outright betting tips for the PGA Championship, there are several legitimate claims to be made. What that also does is create a deeper field with plenty of other guys who hold bigger prices being dragged into the mix.

Nevertheless, the winner this week must do plenty well. While the early consensus is there is room off the tee via slightly wider fairways than normal, the rough at Aronimink is unflinchingly penal and will take strokes at will.

Playing from the fairway is always recommended, but especially so at this classic north-eastern layout. One of the key metrics for success here is elite ball-striking.

Greens on this Donald Ross design are typically brutal as well and only the best putters will have a chance of lifting the Wanamaker Trophy come Sunday evening.

In short, a razor-sharp all-round game is the only way to win the PGA Championship at Aronimink. There are plenty who possess the potential to enjoy a perfect week, but who is most likely?

Below, three of Golf Monthly's tour experts have shared their sleeper picks for the 2026 PGA Championship and briefly explained why each might have an outside shout.

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PGA Championship Sleeper Picks

Nicolai Hojgaard (+6000 To Win)

We've known for many years that the Hojgaard twins were set to be superstars, but the pair haven't quite pushed on as soon I thought they would. Nicolai is currently the more in-form brother and I like his chances to contend for the title after a brilliant start to the season.

He has two runner-ups in his last five starts, including last weekend at Quail Hollow, as well as T3rd, T4th and T6th finishes already in 2026.

He is gaining strokes in every department and he is 6th in Scoring Average on the PGA Tour for the season so far. If he can keep this form up, he could well find himself in the mix on Sunday.

Viktor Hovland (+5500 To Win)

The Norwegian is very high-priced this week considering his strong PGA Championship record. In six appearances he has six made cuts with finishes of T2nd in 2023 and 3rd in 2024.

He is playing very solid golf right now, with just one missed cut plus one WD from his last 27 starts. He has gained strokes in all areas this year aside, bizarrely, off the tee, which has typically been one of his strengths.

If he can have a good driving week I think he could well contend for the title and make it back-to-back Norwegian wins on the PGA Tour.

Shane Lowry (+6600 To Win)

You can never count the 2019 Open champion out at Majors, especially the PGA Championship. As well as owning the joint-lowest score with a 62 in 2024, Lowry has five top-12 finishes in his last eight PGAs.

He has played well this year, notably at the Dubai Invitational and Cognizant Classic where he gifted away the titles in the latter stages. He was also just two back heading into the final round of The Masters before a disastrous 80.

I'm sure Lowry would love to join good friend and countryman Padraig Harrington with the Claret Jug and Wanamaker Trophy in his cabinet. He was T23rd in his last start at Doral and primed to go well at Aronimink.

Rickie Fowler (+4000 To Win)

Aronimink is the kind golf course which tests all aspects of a player's game to the max, but the two most important areas relate to approach play and putting. Rickie Fowler is flying in both this year.

Mr Sunday Orange has gained at least 0.93 strokes on the green in five of his 11 appearances this year and he's gained strokes in all but two events over that same period when it comes to approach play.

His results on corresponding courses across his career fill me with plenty of confidence, too, as does the three top-10s in a row to this point. In such a wide open PGA Championship, why not Rickie?

Patrick Reed (+6600 To Win)

For the same reasons I believe Fowler could challenge, Patrick Reed is someone else who has the capabilities to do very well at Aronimink.

The ultimate ball-striker with a razor-sharp short game and great accuracy off the tee, Reed certainly fits the bill in terms of a sleeper pick.

He hasn't played since The Masters, which is the only real drawback alongside a slight lack of distance off the tee, but there are so many positives I'm willing to overlook them and expect Reed to be well inside the top-20 at very worst come Sunday.

Chris Gotterup (+5500 To Win)

Chris Gotterup is my third and final sleeper pick in what I feel is such a deep PGA Championship this year. He's a huge driver of the ball with fantastic approach stats and an incredibly impressive year on the greens so far.

He doesn't have anywhere near as much correlating-course history as the other two, but Gotterup's Major form proves the moment isn't too big for him and he's moving along on a steady upwards trajectory more generally, so I wonder if this week could be one where he once again proves just how high his ceiling is.

Sam Burns (+5000 To Win)

The American has had a steady 2026, with a handful of top-10s coming at notable events like the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Masters.

It's the T7th at Augusta National that is making me pick Burns, as he seems to love the big championships. Earning top-10s at the 2024 and 2025 US Open, he has two top-20s in PGA Championships, and it appears his game suits Aronimink Golf Club well, so I expect that run of results to continue.

Min Woo Lee (+5000 To Win)

Like Burns, Lee has had a handful of top-10s this year, and finished very strongly at the Truist Championship last week, where a seven-under-par final round of 64 gave him a T14th finish.

His driving is a big strength and, with his short game starting to fire, I'm hoping the Australian will be able to overpower the course this week.

For me, if Lee is to win a Major, it would be the PGA Championship as power is a requirement for success - something he has in abundance.

JJ Spaun (+5500 To Win)

The current US Open champion has carried over his form from last year with a win at the Valero Texas Open in April. What's more, he enjoyed a fine week at the Truist Championship, firing an 11-under-par total to finish T5th.

He may have missed the cut at The Masters, but he's had three straight top-25s since then, indicating it was just an off week for Spaun.

He's a current Major champion and, as shown from the results, his game stacks up on different courses, indicating to me that he offers great value this week.

Exactly one month on from the McIlroy's historic victory at Augusta National, the unrelenting train of top tier golf continues to chug on - with its next stop being Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

I feel like the PGA Championship has lost its identity in recent years - as I eluded to on this week's episode of Tour Issue (which you can watch below) - but that doesn't mean I am not excited for the second Men's major of the season.

One of the aspects I am most looking forward to is seeing Aronimink Golf Club, which hasn't hosted a PGA Championship since Gary Player won there in 1962, mainly because it's a Donald Ross design - and I love the test posed by Ross courses.

After analysing the strong PGA Championship field for 2026, including the club pros teeing it up this week, and following some interesting trends, I have now finalised my best bets for the week - including a recent winner that I believe has a great chance of lifting the Wanamaker Trophy on Sunday...

PGA Championship Betting Tips 2026 - Bazza's Best Bets

The Long List

While we knew plenty about last week's venue, Aronimink is one that hasn't been seen on the PGA Tour since 2018 - when it hosted the BMW Championship.

What we do know is that this expected to be a typical Major test, rewarding length off the tee, elite ball striking and a sharp short game.

This won't be a bomb and gauge, however, as players will need to exercise caution when pulling the driver as strategically placed bunkering will penalise poor shots (and decisions).

The key stats for success here are strong approach play from 200+ yards, an ability to expertly scramble from the sand, putting prowess on the tricky 'Ross-style' pedastal greens and of course limiting the number of bogeys on the card.

Interestingly, there are also some great course correlations which can be helpful when searching for a winner.

East Lake Golf Club and Pinehurst No.2 are perhaps the most relevant, but I'd also be looking at putting performances at Sedgefield Country Club and Detroit Golf Club when making your selections.

The profile of a winner will be someone who can take on the bunkers with length off the tee, but is strategic and accurate with driver in hand, plus an ability to hit the appropriate quadrants of these difficult greens to avoid the need to scramble too often.

• Cameron Young
• Bryson DeChambeau
• Ludvig Aberg
• Chris Gotterup
• Min Woo Lee
• Nick Taylor
• Tyrrell Hatton
• Matt Fitzpatrick

Bazza's Best Bets

Top Tip: Cameron Young To Win @ BetMGM

Cameron Young fits the bill perfectly here. He arrives at Aronimink in great form, with two wins, a third place finish and a top-10 in his last five starts.

Young has also stepped up on the Major stage recently, finishing 3rd at The Masters last month and 4th at the US Open in 2025.

The Players Champion has played Donald Ross designed golf courses incredibly well in his career so far, winning the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield and coming second at the Rocket Classic - hosted at Detroit Golf Club.

Young is a premium ball striker with plenty of length, so can take on the bunkers that many will struggle to navigate, but as well as ranking 2nd for Strokes Gained: Tee To Green he also ranks in the top-10 for SG: Around The Green and in the top-30 for SG: Putting.

He will win a Major soon and this test is set up to suit him perfectly - so I couldn't be higher on his chances this week.

Next Best: Bryson DeChambeau To Win @ BetMGM

It's hard to know what sort of Bryson we are going to get this week, with all the noise surrounding LIV Golf at the moment, but if the Major champion that we have seen in recent years arrives at Aronimink he could be a great pick this week.

DeChambeau won the US Open at Pinehurst No.2 (a Donald Ross design) but he has also won the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club and has strong course form at East Lake.

His length of the tee, like Cameron Young, will give him a distinct advantage, but his ability to work out how to navigage Donald Ross green complexes is also a distinct advantage to the Crushers GC captain.

DeChambeau has won twice on LIV already this season, and finished well in Virginia last week, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him contend on the Major stage once again.

Value Tip 1: Tyrrell Hatton To Win @ BetMGM

Sticking to the narrative around players who play Donald Ross designs well (stay with me - it's my theme of the week), Tyrrell Hatton looks to be great value.

Hatton has a top-8 finish in his career at Sedgefield, Detroit and East Lake, plus he is one of the world's best ball strikers on his day.

The Englishman's stock has been rising in Majors over the past year or so, finishing in the top-15 in four of his last five.

He finished in the top-4 in the most recent Masters Tournament and the 2025 US Open, so I believe he is working out how to get it done in Majors and I could certainly see a player with his skillset lifting the Wanamaker Trophy.

Value Tip 2: Chris Gotterup To Win @ BetMGM

It looks as though a Major is on the career trajectory of Chris Gotterup, after impressing with four PGA Tour wins in quick succession, but I believe the PGA Championship could be the best chance for him to break his Major duck.

Gotterup is long off the tee and a great ball striker from tee to green, but his Major form coming into this event is also a cause for encouragement.

A 3rd place finish at the Open Championship and a pair of top-25s at the US Open and The Masters is impressive for someone at this stage of their career, so it's not out of the question for him to contend.

A top-10, top-20 and two top-25s in five starts recently suggests he is close to the sort of performances that secured him two PGA Tour titles in three starts at the beginning of 2026, so I can't really ignore him at this price.

Value Tip 3: Min Woo Lee To Win @ BetMGM

Min Woo Lee was runner-up at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in 2024 and finished in the top-25 at Pinehurst No.2 during the 2025 US Open - both held on Donald Ross design courses.

The Australian has three top-6 finishes this season, including a runner-up at Pebble Beach, and has back-to-back top-20 finishes on the two recent signature events on the PGA Tour.

Min Woo Lee also ranks 18th for SG: Tee To Green and 13th for driving distance in the field, so with a short game that can be super sharp when he is playing his best stuff I believe he has the skillset to compete at a big price.

First Round Leader Picks

I love Nick Taylor and Russell Henley as best bets in the first round leader market at the PGA Championship 2026.

Both rank well in the first round scoring average measure on the PGA Tour this season, sitting 4th and 23rd respectively, but both also have great opening round averages on Donald Ross designs.

Aronimink will be a different level of test to many of those courses, but you can't argue with the fact that both have scored well in the first 18 holes at East Lake in their careers - which has plenty of correlation.

Despite their relative lack of length I back them to strategically navigate their way to a good opening round score with a combination of fairways, greens and great short games.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Picks

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Pick One: Cameron Young To Win @ BetMGM

I tipped Young to win a Major very recently and I think his opportunity may well arrive this week.

You have to possess a high-quality all round game to do well at Aronimink with emphasis on distance off the tee, ball-striking and putting, and the World No.3 certainly fits the bill.

Plus, his correlating-course form is excellent with a win at the Wyndham Championship (Sedgefield Country Club) and plenty of success at other similar layouts.

Add in some sparkling recent form and it all adds up to someone with an excellent chance.

Pick Two: Rickie Fowler To Win @ BetMGM

Fowler is enjoying a purple patch which hopefully leads to a full season of top form (I want to see more Sunday Orange on TV) and that strong run of form has come at a great time.

His stats relating to approach play are as good as anyone on tour right now and he's putted brilliantly all season long.

With regular top-five finishes throughout his career at this kind of golf course, I'm backing Fowler to notch another at Aronimink.

Pick One: Ludvig Aberg To Win @ BetMGM

I am going with two in-form Scandinavians this week, who may well be inspired by Kristoffer Reitan's superb Truist Championship win.

First up, Ludvig Aberg. The Swede is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world without a Major victory, and I feel he is going under the radar a little bit behind the likes of Scheffler, McIlroy and Young.

Aberg has been in scintillating form this year with five top-tens from ten starts and his worst finish is 21st in his last seven tournaments. He threw the Players Championship away but has bounced back well after what was a difficult loss to take from having having the tournament in his hands with nine holes to play.

He has surprisingly gone MC-MC in his only two PGA Championship starts but I'm not reading much into that. He is gaining strokes in every category this season and is primed to become the second Swedish man to win a Major...hopefully.

Pick Two: Nicolai Hojgaard To Win @ BetMGM

We've known for many years that Rasmus and Nicolai Hojgaard were set to be superstars, but the pair haven't quite pushed on as soon I thought they would.

Nicolai is currently the more in-form Hojgaard twin and I like his chances for a breakout week after a brilliant start to the season. He has two runner-ups in his last five starts, including this past weekend at Quail Hollow, as well as T3, T4 and T6 finishes already in 2026.

Like Aberg, he is gaining strokes in every department, and he is 6th in Scoring Average on the PGA Tour for the season so far.

If he can keep this form up, he could well find himself in the mix on Sunday. A good each-way or top-10 pick and perhaps even a 'surprise' winner.

Pick One: Scottie Scheffler To Win @ BetMGM

It's the obvious pick, but Scheffler is the player I'm going with as I feel a similar scenario is playing out to that of 2025.

Rory McIlroy won and then defended The Masters. In the build-up to that championship, a lot was made about his preparation. For 2026, Scheffler defends this week's PGA Championship and has taken a week off to prepare properly.

I don't need to run through Scheffler's accolades and form. He's the World No.1 and coming into this week well rested. Simple as!

Pick Two: JJ Spaun To Win @ BetMGM

The current US Open champion is getting slightly overlooked this week I feel, given his recent good form and the fact he is already a winner in 2026.

Admittedly, he missed the cut at The Masters but, the week prior, he won the Valero Texas Open and, since Augusta National, he has three straight top 25s.

He knows how to win a Major and, what's more, he's in good form, particularly as those top 25 results came at a variety of different course layouts. If he gets the putter working, he'll be a threat at very good odds.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Tipping Record

As we head over to the second consecutive PGA Tour signature event, off the back of a winning tip for the column last week, all my attention now shifts to the Truist Championship 2026.

The time for celebrating Cameron Young winning the Cadillac Championship is over, as there is plenty of great course form, correlation and trends to explore in the hunt for back-to-back winning tips.

Despite Collin Morikawa withdrawing from the Truist Championship, there is still a very strong field teeing it up including recent Masters Champion Rory McIlroy.

Considering McIlroy's remarkable record at Quail Hollow, I am certain he will be a popular pick (spoiler), but who else does the expert betting panel expect to challenge this week?

Truist Championship Betting Tips 2026 - Bazza's Best Bets

The Long List

Quail Hollow is a course that we have seen many times over the years as host of the Wells Fargo Championship, the 2025 PGA Championship and now the Truist Championship.

We know that you need a decent whack off the tee to contend here, with impressive driving distances regularly paving the way to success, but you also need to be able to strike long irons well and putt like a pro on these tricky greens.

It's one of the most predictive courses in terms of prior performances, so course form is a good place to start your search for a winner.

Correlation to last week's venue, Trump National Doral, is also an interesting trend to explore - so perhaps we could see a contender from the Cadillac Championship kick on at Quail Hollow this week.

• Rory McIlroy
• Ludvig Aberg
• Min Woo Lee
• Tommy Fleetwood
• Hideki Matsuyama
• Chris Gotterup
• Adam Scott

Bazza's Best Bets

Top Tip: Rory McIlroy To Win (+600) @ BetMGM

Much of golf betting is a numbers game and for that reason I can't ignore Rory McIlroy despite him being the betting favourite.

Fresh off the back of making history at Augusta National, with a few weeks rest under his belt, McIlroy now heads back to PGA Tour action at a course which arguably has been one of his most fruitful over the years.

If you ignore a couple of pretty average PGA Championship performances at Quail Hollow, when the course is often set up a little differently, McIlroy has four wins and a runner-up play-off defeat in 14 starts here.

That's a third of his starts at Quail Hollow resulting in a top-2 finish, but he also has six other top-10s and has only twice finished outside the top-16 in the field.

If you are looking for a player to fit the profile here, McIlroy does that perfectly. In the last three months, McIlroy ranks 2nd for driving distance and 1st for SG: Tee To Green - but he also ranks in the top-5 for bogey avoidance and par-5 scoring.

If McIlroy can shake off any rust accumulated through his short post-Masters break, he will once again have a great chance and I can't resist siding with him at this venue.

Next Best: Ludvig Aberg To Win (+1400) @ BetMGM

Ludvig Aberg is another player who fits the profile exceptionally well, so I am willing to overlook a lack of course form here.

After banking a fourth Top-5 finish in his last five starts at the RBC Heritage last time out, Aberg is arriving here in fine form. The Swedish star ranks 8th for approaches from inside 200 yards and ranks 8th for driving distance in the field in the last three months.

He plays the par-5s particularly well on the PGA Tour, ranking in the top-10 this season, but he also has the temperament to play tough golf courses well. If he can get to grips with Quail Hollow following a missed cut at the 2025 PGA Championship, I can see him contending again this week.

The Value Bet: Adam Scott To Win (+4000) @ BetMGM

Adam Scott posted his joint-best finish on the PGA Tour this season with a fourth place at the Cadillac Championship on his most recent start, but I have been watching Scott closely for some time now.

Two low scores over the weekend at Trump National Doral peaked my interest, but his course form here also speaks for itself. Scott was 19th at the PGA Championship last year but also has a 3rd, 5th and 8th place finish at Quail Hollow.

He ranks 11th for driving distance and 1st for SG: Approach in this field over the past three months, but he also ranks 5th for approaches inside 200 yards, 6th for par-5 scoring and 13th for bogey avoidance.

At this price, there is plenty to like about Adam Scott - especially if he can carry over his fine work from the Cadillac Championship.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Picks

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Pick One: Rory McIlroy To Win (+600) @ BetMGM

You just can't not pick Rory McIlroy this week. There are question marks against every single one of his direct rivals while McIlroy's priorities are straight after winning The Masters this year.

Plus, I fully expect the six-time Major champion to come out firing at a course which suits him down to the ground as he aims to pick up where he left off. And then for all of the other reasons Baz has already mentioned, McIlroy is my clear favorite pick this week.

Pick Two: Harris English To Win (+4500) @ BetMGM

Of those at a suitable price, I quite like the look of Harris English's chances of being involved come Sunday.

The Ryder Cupper didn't enjoy his best outing last week at the Cadillac Championship (T55th), but he's been playing some steady golf this year and has been an excellent putter.

In addition, if we look back at his record at Quail Hollow, English was T2nd at the 2025 PGA Championship and was T3rd here in 2023.

He's improved at this event as his career has progressed and his stats show he's perfectly comfortable at this course, so I'm quietly optimistic.

Pick One: Xander Schauffele To Win (+1100) @ BetMGM

Since the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Schauffele hasn’t finished outside the top 20, highlighted by four top 12s in his last four starts.

Although he hasn’t played since the RBC Heritage, the two-time Major winner is returning at a course where he has great form, highlighted by two runner-up results in 2023 and 2024.

Combine this with great form, and I think Schauffele will be the nearest challenger to McIlroy and Young.

Pick Two: Kurt Kitayama To Win (+4000) @ BetMGM

Kitayama’s fortnight run of results has gone under the radar, as he finished T8th at the RBC Heritage and T9th at last week’s Cadillac Championship.

Finishing T34th at the Truist Championship when it was last at Quail Hollow Club, the American has had mixed results at the course, but a nice run of form coming into this week has convinced me he’s one to look out for.

Pick One: Tommy Fleetwood To Win (+2200) @ BetMGM

Quail Hollow is a course that should suit the Englishman as one of the game's top ball strikers, and his record is good with a T13 in 2024, T5 in 2023 and T14 in 2021.

He was T41st at the PGA Championship last year on this course. He had one bad round last week at Doral, a third round 75, but closed with a 67 to finish T23rd so I am happy to back him to challenge for the title this week.

Pick Two: Max Homa To Win (+7500) @ BetMGM

Homa won his maiden PGA Tour title here at Quail Hollow in 2019 and then triumphed again in Charlotte three years later.

He has become a course specialist at Quail Hollow, so I'm comfortably picking him to contend, or at least push the top-10, again this week.

The former World No.5 was T9 at The Masters recently and is sharp heading into the event after a T38 at Doral this past week.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Tipping Record

Big events keep coming thick and fast at this stage of the season, with the Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral next on the schedule.

Rory McIlroy skips his second consecutive signature event, but we still have a strong (albeit limited) field to comb through in our search for the next winner on the PGA Tour.

As discussed on this week's episode of Golf Monthly Tour Issue, which you can watch below, Matt and I aren't totally enamoured with no-cut signature events, but from a betting perspective it at least gives our picks four rounds to surge up the board!

Below, I outline my best bets at the Cadillac Championship 2026 and the esteemed betting panel also offer their picks - with one popular name receiving plenty of attention...

Cadillac Championship Betting Tips 2026 - Bazza's Best Bets

The Long List

The Blue Monster course at Trump National Doral is renowned for being long, penal and terribly tricky - which is exactly the kind of course I love to see.

We haven't visited this particular venue on the PGA Tour for 10 years, but with a number of LIV Golf events in recent years held at the course we still have a pretty good idea of what to expect.

Essentially, we are looking for premium ball strikers who can bomb it off the tee and be very precise on approach to avoid the numerous penalty areas. A solid short game is essential, as is proximity from 175 yards+ and bogey avoidance.

A single-figure score under-par could take this, so I'd be looking at the superstars in the field to step up to the plate this week.

• Cameron Young
• Robert MacIntyre
• Min Woo Lee
• Jason Day
• Sepp Straka
• Chris Gotterup

Bazza's Best Bets

Top Tip: Cameron Young To Win (+1500) @ BetMGM

Cameron Young has a fantastic chance to put any disappointment from The Masters behind him with a win at a course which suits his style perfectly.

Young has plenty of length and is one of the best ball strikers around, ranking 3rd for Strokes Gained: Off The Tee and 6th for SG: Tee To Green over the last three months.

He won The Players Championship last month, on a course that I believe holds significant correlation to the Blue Monster, but he has also finished 3rd at Bay Hill (similar correlation) and impressively came second at The Masters - so knows how to contend in stacked fields.

Young ranks 5th for bogey avoidance and has the ability to scramble superbly when on song, so I wouldn't put another strong challenge past the World No.4 ranked player.

Next Best: Min Woo Lee To Win (+4000) @ BetMGM

Min Woo Lee had a bit of a stinker at The Masters, but Augusta National Golf Club can do that to anyone. I am willing to forgive based on his form this season, as he has a runner-up, third place and sixth place finish in his last seven starts.

Lee ranks 12th for driving distance in the last three months and has a great short game, so fits the bill fairly well. He needs a good week on approach to contend here, but at this price I believe he represents great value.

The Value Bet: Sepp Straka To Win (+5000) @ BetMGM

Sepp Straka is someone that we know has the pedigree and skillset to win a signature event of this stature.

He secured two wins in 2025, including the Truist Championship, but he was also 8th at The Players and 13th at the API this season - so ticks a lot of the correlation boxes.

Straka was also tied 2nd at Pebble Beach earlier this year and despite a couple of less appealing efforts recently, I still believe there is a lot to like.

The four-time PGA Tour winner ranks 3rd for proximity from 175-200 yards and 2nd for scrambling inside 30 yards, so at this price I am giving him another chance.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Picks

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Pick One: Cameron Young To Win (+1500) @ BetMGM

He's the form horse right now and it makes sense that three of us have picked him.

This golf course is extremely long and very difficult to boot with similarities to TPC Sawgrass evident.

With that in mind, it makes sense to pick the guy who's playing well, hits it miles, has great control with his irons and is a strong putter. My only reservation with Young is his putter can go a little cold at key times, but there are too many upsides not to pick him

Pick Two: Jacob Bridgeman To Win (+4000) @ BetMGM

With a view on outsiders, here's a guy who still doesn't seem to be given due respect at these Signature Events.

But having already won the Genesis this year and possessing all of the traits I'd like to see this week (long hitter, fantastic iron control and strong putter) I don't see any reason why he can't contend once again.

Bridgeman has been in good form of late - with two minor dips in the past two weeks - but I think he'll have recalibrated following a week off and he'll be ready to hit the ground running once more.

Pick One: Jake Knapp To Win (+3500) @ BetMGM

Knapp is enjoying a fine season on the PGA Tour in 2026, registering seven top 11s in nine starts, with his best result a T5th at the Farmers Insurance Open.

Regarded for his length off the tee, the American ranks highly in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green, as well as Putting, key metrics for success at a Blue Monster course that suits his game down to the ground.

Pick Two: Corey Conners To Win (+8500) @ BetMGM

A tie for 13th at The Players Championship has been the highlight of Conners' season, with the Canadian looking to replicate that form in Florida this week.

Like previous seasons, Conners possesses an incredible long game and, as of writing, is 24th in SG: Approach the Green. His short game does let him down but, for this week, I'm hoping it'll fire for his first top 10 of the season.

Pick One: Cameron Young To Win (+1500) @ BetMGM

Pick Two: Rickie Fowler To Win (+4000) @ BetMGM

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Tipping Record

Our run of top-10s since picking Matt Fitzpatrick at the Valspar Championship continued last weekend as Baz's tip, Ludvig Aberg, ended T4th at the RBC Heritage - which was won by the aforementioned Englishman.

Despite the relative disappointment, it has been a strong start to the year for our expert panel with three outright wins between us and more top-10s than we can count.

In a bid to go one better at this week's team event, each of our tipsters have pulled their socks up and gone back to the process which has served us so well since we began these columns back in 2024.

TPC Louisiana once again hosts the PGA Tour's only pairs tournament of the season, and it's a course which offers some of the up-and-coming stars the chance to make that vital breakthrough on the biggest stage.

We expect this one to be all about great ball-striking and top putting, so let us know in the comments who you're backing this week. In the meantime, find out who the team have selected to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in 2026.

Zurich Classic of New Orleans Betting Tips 2026: Bazza's Best Bets

• Brooks Koepka/Shane Lowry
• Haotong Li/Jordan Smith

Top Tip: Team Koepka/Lowry To Win @ BetMGM

I had previously been skeptical about the immediate success of Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour, mainly due to his LIV Golf performances in 2025, but after a run of impressive finishes I believe now is the time to side with him. Both Lowry and Koepka impressed at Augusta National in spells, but this will be markedly easier.

Lowry has already won this event with McIlroy, and Koepka will see this as an opportunity to get a first PGA Tour title since his return.

Koepka ranks second for SG:Approach and 24th for par-5 scoring, two important stats for success at TPC Louisiana, while Lowry has the gritty knack of avoiding bogeys (ranked 19th) so they are a dangerous pair.

Next Best: Team Yellamaraju/Gerard To Win @ BetMGM

Ryan Gerard is someone I have been keeping tabs on for some time now, but Sudarshan Yellamaraju has catapulted himself into my attention with a recent run of impressive results.

After finishing T5th at The Players, the Canadian golfer followed up with a T6th and T14th in Texas over back-to-back starts, so is clearly playing great golf. Gerard was runner-up in the opening event of the 2026 PGA Tour season, and then again at the American Express the week after, but has gone a little quiet since then.

In this type of format, having two solidly dependable players that can both get hot is a great combination, which is what I believe these two have. Gerard and Yellamaraju rank 12th and 26th for SG: Approach respectively, and both rank in the top-30 for par-5 scoring, so profile well at TPC Louisiana. I like this selection a lot!

Value Bet: Team Li/Smith To Win @ BetMGM

I was extremely impressed with Haotong Li at The Masters, despite a pretty torrid final round, and I believe this is exactly the kind of event that could help him (and Jordan Smith) get a first PGA Tour win.

Smith was excellent at the RBC Heritage last week, in a strong Signature Event field, eventually finishing T16th thanks to a closing 66.

Li started the year on fire, with back-to-back top-11 finishes, but had gone quiet until catching fire at Augusta National.

The pair seem to compliment each other well, with Smith being the steady calming presence that can hit GIR for fun and Haotong Li being the aggressive, swashbuckling partner that Smith needs.

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Golf Monthly Expert Betting Panel Picks

Pick One: Team Brennan/Keefer To Win @ BetMGM

Brennan has produced three strong results in his last three starts, including top-28 finishes at The Masters and Houston Open, with his game trending nicely.

Although Keefer has struggled of late, a pairs event is a great way to change the fortunes and, with Brennan in good form, I can see the duo going well this week in New Orleans.

What I like about this pair is that their strengths lie in off the tee and approach play, so if either of them gets the flatstick working then I expect them to go low.

Pick Two: Team Hoey/Lipsky To Win @ BetMGM

Both Hoey and Lipsky have shown glimpses of good form lately, with Lipsky finishing solo second at the Valspar Championship, while Hoey has two top-30 finishes in his last three starts.

Although with a different partner in 2026, Lipsky has history at this tournament, registering a T4th finish last year, showing me he knows how to play pairs golf well. Offering quite generous odds, I feel that this pair will be one to watch come Sunday.

Pick One: Team Yellamaraju/Gerard To Win @ BetMGM

Sudarshan Yellamaraju has been flying under the radar as one of the form players on the PGA Tour of late, and an event like this might allow him the chance to make that all-important breakthrough.

A fantastic ball-striker who possesses a suitable arsenal of power behind him as well, the Canadian's partner is another steady pro whose approach game is among the best around.

Gerard is often a fantastic putter as well, and that will be vital this week. He hasn't been dynamite here in the past, but he was a different player back then. Hopefully aided by super Sudarshan, I'm hopeful for the pair's prospects this week.

Pick Two: Team Rai/Theegala To Win @ BetMGM

Two of the best ball-strikers in the business have teamed up together for this one, and they both have so many plus points that I'm willing to hope for a good week on the greens from Rai to make them by second picks.

Theegala has enjoyed something of a real resurgence this season while Rai has a wonderful record at this tournament, having finished no worse than T23rd and recording a best result of T4th.

In a slightly weaker field than normal, these two should really be competing and I fully expect them to be in the mix come Sunday.

Golf Monthly Expert Betting Panel Winning Picks (Since Start Of 2025)

We roll on to the RBC Heritage on the PGA Tour, following a very exciting week of action at The Masters, and despite not picking the eventual winner Rory McIlroy we have plenty of optimism heading to a course with a clear model and profile of winner.

Rory McIlroy has decided to skip the upcoming signature event, perhaps unsurprisingly, but the strong field this week leaves us with plenty of great options.

Harbour Town Golf Links is a course that demands precise approach play and a strong short game, posing a unique challenge with it's small and difficult to access greens.

My best bets this week fit that profile perfectly, evidenced by their Strokes Gained data over the course of 2026, so I am confident of getting back on track after tipping two winners in the last five events...

RBC Heritage Betting Tips 2026 - Bazza's Best Bets

The Long List

In terms of correlation, looking at other Pete Dye courses like TPC Sawgrass and TPC River Highlands would be a great place to start.

There is also some links between Harbour Town and Colonial, particularly around the necessity for a strong short game.

This long list is made up of players that fit that model, but also blends a great balance of recent form, correlating course form and a few hunches based on another important aspect - feels!

• Ludvig Aberg
• Viktor Hovland
• Matt Fitzpatrick
• Jason Day
• Jordan Spieth
• Chris Gotterup
• Patrick Cantlay
• Xander Schauffele

Bazza's Best Bets

Top Tip: Ludvg Aberg To Win (+2000) @ BetMGM

Ludvig Aberg perhaps should have won at The Players Championship last month, which has great correlation this week's event, but it was not to be on that occasion.

He has, however, put that quickly behind him and followed up his eventual 5th place finish with a tie for 5th in Texas and a top-25 finish at The Masters.

He fits this profile perfectly, ranking 29th for SG: Approach and 13th for SG: Around The Green in the last three months - but to be honest he really doesn't have a weak area of his game.

The putter can sometimes go a little cold, but with a T10 at Harbour Town in the past and plenty of great performances on his resume recently, I like his chances again.

Next Best: Viktor Hovland To Win (+4500) @ BetMGM

Viktor Hovland had a storming final round at Augusta National to secure a T18 finish at The Masters, making it three top-20 finishes in his last four events.

He also has a T13 at The Players Championship and has finished 11th and 16th at TPC River Highlands and Colonial County Club, respectively.

Hovland is another player who models well, ranking 18th for SG: Approach and 23rd for SG: Around The Green in the last three months, plus his putter has started to heat up a little over the past two events.

At this price, I like the value on him at an event where he was tied for 13th in 2025.

The Value Bet: Jordan Spieth To Win (+4500) @ BetMGM

Former RBC Heritage winner Jordan Spieth seems to have found something in his game recently - banking four top-12 finishes in his last six events including a T12 at Augusta National last week.

As well as winning at Harbour Town, Spieth has also claimed victories at Colonial Country Club, TPC River Highlands and the Copperhead Course, all of which have a strong correlation to success here.

Spieth also ranked 2nd for greens in regulation last week at The Masters - suggesting his ball striking is in a good place to take on the test at Harbour Town.

If Spieth is starting to move back in the right direction, he is an incredibly dangerous player considering his course history - which also includes a runner-up finish.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Picks

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Pick One: Russell Henley To Win (+2500) @ BetMGM

The putter went a bit cold on the back nine for Henley on Sunday at Augusta, but it didn't stop him shooting a four-under-par 68 to finish in T3rd.

The underrated Georgian is not one of the game's longest hitters, but he's one of the most consistent, and that's why I like him around Harbour Town. He has a good record here, too, with a T8 last year, a T12 in 2024 and a T19 in 2023.

Pick Two: Shane Lowry To Win (+5000) @ BetMGM

Lowry carded a surprising 80 on Sunday at Augusta National, and that can go both ways.

I'm banking on him starting afresh this week and continuing the excellent form that saw him begin the final round just two back of Rory McIlroy's lead.

He has come close to victory twice this year in Dubai and at PGA National, and after his superb start at Augusta it's clear his game is still firing.

His record here is very good with a T18 last year, a T3 in 2022, a T9 in 2021 and another T3 in 2019.

Pick One: Xander Schauffele To Win (+1400) @ BetMGM

Typically, Harbor Town Golf Links tests all area of a pro's game and the list of recent winners there proves you have to be great to get it done.

With that in mind, I can see Xander Schauffele possessing the high-quality all round game to win this week. He had a solid week at Augusta but was never in contention, so mental exhaustion shouldn't be a problem.

He's been in excellent form and is due another win. I'm thinking it could be this week.

Pick Two: Maverick McNealy To Win (+4000) @ BetMGM

McNealy has been going along OK recently and took another step forward in terms of his form via a T18th finish at The Masters.

The big-hitting American is an excellent putter - key at Harbor Town - and is capable in all other areas, too. I'm not sure he'll win, but a good week with his irons should see him feature in the top-10 at an event he finished T3rd at last year.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Tipping Record

Picking a first rounder leader at The Masters is no easy task - but one man is arriving on cloud nine with an old adversary still to slay... his historically poor opening round performance.

To contend in the first 18 holes you need to be able to control your nerves, expertly navigate your way around Augusta National and build a score while avoiding significant errors - which is something that defending champion Rory McIlroy has struggled with in the past.

The Northern Irishman possesses the experience to navigate Augusta successfully, and has done for some time, but the pressure of chasing a first Green Jacket and an apparent inability to keep big numbers of his first round card means that he holds a rather undesirable day one record.

However, despite not picking him in my betting tips for the Masters, I do believe his first round woes could be about to disappear.

If your looking for a different angle to get involved in the early stages of the first men's Major of the season, Rory McIlroy represents the best first round leader pick at the Masters in 2026...

The Masters First Round Leader Betting Tips 2026

Let's start by addressing the elephant in the room.

Since shooting 69 in 2018, McIlroy has failed to break 71 in the first round of The Masters - including when shooting 72 en route to completing the Career Grand Slam last year.

Now, let's have it right, McIlroy should have seen out a comfortable opening round when four under through 14 holes in 2025, but a terrible error from the back of the 15th green essentially caused the wheels to fall off.

That's been a pattern that has marred Rory's start to the Masters over the years, meaning he has only been able to shoot an opening round in the 60s twice - in 2011 (65) and 2018 (69).

However, with a huge weight now lifted from him and the freedom to express himself around Augusta National as a champion, I believe that is all about to change.

I believe the slow starts that we have become used to at Augusta when watching Rory were grounded in apprehension and an uncontrollable desire to get over the line.

My colleague Matt Cradock is on the ground at The Masters this year for Golf Monthly, meaning he had the pleasure to watch Rory McIlroy complete his Tuesday practice round in person.

His feedback was glowing, expressing that McIlroy really turned it on for the patrons, playing some incredible golf.

Nearly holing his tee shot on the famous 12th hole at Augusta National and reaching the green in two on the par-5 13th is one thing, but Matt also discussed how the putter seemed to be hot which is a great sign for Rory's chances this week.

I'm almost certain Rory will have enjoyed the pomp and ceremony the comes with being the defending Masters Champion, like hosting the Champions Dinner earlier in the week, but now he is able to focus on doing something only three people have ever achieved - defending the Green Jacket.

Based on the history books, his recent injury scare and the strength of claim from other contenders - I am not sure we see that this week.

But, I do see a fast start and a strong bid from McIlroy who will essentially be playing with little to no pressure.

The tee times for round one and two at the Masters have now been released, placing McIlroy in the early-late wave. I believe that helps Rory's chances in this market, allowing him to go out early in decent conditions and post a number.

He also has a better scoring average when going out early (68.57) vs going out late (69.43) on the PGA Tour this season.

Encouragingly, McIlroy also ranks 1st on the PGA Tour for bogey avoidance this season - so we could be about to see a reformed Rory who keeps his card clean while posting a few birdies to rapturous applause from the adoring patrons.

He has already achieved legendary status and answered a lot of questions which have lingered for some time, so I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him come out and shoot a 66 on Thursday to lead the Masters.

It's finally here! The first Major of the year is about to get under way as The Masters 2026 tournament tees off at Augusta National.

As the the most hyped-up Major of the four there's always plenty of betting action to be had, and we've got you covered here at Golf Monthly with our staff picks for the the Green Jacket.

We also have Baz Plummer's best bets and some sleeper picks for those looking outside of the main favorites to win The Masters.

And now it's time for some Masters special bets outside of just the winner or each-way markets to get your teeth into, with odds from BetMGM.

Back Justin Rose (again!) in first round leader betting

One of the most popular specials and no doubt a popular pick here in Justin Rose, who led The Masters last year to make it a record five first-round leads for the Englishman.

It's an astonishing stat that shows just how the much the 45-year-old loves it around Augusta National - and with a wire-to-wire victory at Torrey Pines this year he's still in great form.

Going back-to-back isn't a concern as Jordan Spieth did it in 2015 and 2016 while one other player has held at least a share of the lead in consecutive Masters in the last 25 years.

That man is Justin Rose - who did it back in 2007-08 - and after his play-off loss to Rory McIlroy last year he'll be desperate to make a flying start this year.

For those wanting a bit more security then Rose can also be backed at +750 (15/2) to be in the top five after the opening 18 holes but I think he'll bring enough juice with him to top the leaderboard once again.

Back Justin Rose first-round leader at +2800 (28/1) with BetMGM

Bryson DeChambeau to lead The Masters anytime

You have to get Bryson DeChambeau onside in some form as he could easily win The Masters if he maintains the form that's seen him win back-to-back LIV Golf titles.

I'm still not sure his iron play and wedge game can win him a Green Jacket though, but he'll surely challenge as he did the last two years finishing sixth and fifth.

Capable of going low at any point, it's easy to see DeChambeau at least having a share of the lead after any of the first three days really - even if I'm not confident he can complete the job.

So backing him to top the leaderboard at some point after one of the rounds makes sense, which also covers you for him proving me wrong and getting over the line.

Back Bryson DeChambeau to lead/share the lead after any completyed round at +450 (9/2) with BetMGM.

Ludvig Aberg the pick for top five

It could be sink or swim time for Ludvig Aberg if he finds himself in contention again at Augusta having squandered his final-round lead at The Players Championship.

He finished fifth at the Valero Texas Open though so his 5-5-3 form guide for his last three tournaments makes impressive reading - not as impressie as finishing second and seventh in his first two Masters appearances though.

Aberg certainly has the game to win a Green Jacket, but does he have the nerve? We'll find out this week but even if he doesn't win it this year he'll surely go close, so is well worth a top-five bet.

Back Ludvig Aberg top-five Masters finish at +335 (10/3) with BetMGM.

Top left hander

With Brian Harman missing three cuts in four at Augusta I've got this down as a match bet with Robert MacIntyre - who is favorite in the market after just missing out on winning the Valero Texas Open on Sunday.

The Scotsman has finished second and fourth in his last two starts while Bhatia made the long trip to India only to miss the cut there, but he does have a win this season at a tough Bay Hill and I think he could have the edge here.

Bhatia has made both cuts in his two previous Masters but can't better MacIntyre's 23rd and 12th here, although he missed the cut 12 months ago, but two things point to Bhatia for me.

Mainly it's his iron play, which has been much better this season, ranking eighth in Strokes Gained: Approach on the PGA Tour while MacIntyre is way down in 123rd. Add the emotions of going close but not winning in Texas for Bob and I think Bhatia should take this one.

Back Akshay Bhatia top left-hander at The Masters at +225 (9/4) with BetMGM.

One of LIV's big boys to win The Masters

The form they've been in and the form they've shown at Augusta National means Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are rightly among the tournament favorites.

And when you consider their PGA Tour counterparts have question marks against them then they have even stronger cases - with Scottie Scheffler just welcoming his second child and having a dip in form while Rory McIlroy has to handle defending champion duties.

They are both +1000 (10/1) so you could double your stakes and back them both at that price, or back a double chance on DeChambeau or Rahm slipping on the Green Jacket and save half your money to use elsewhere.

Back Rahm or DeChambeau to win The Masters at +500 (5/1) with BetMGM.

Jason Day the pick for top Australasian

I like Jason Day for a bit of a dark horse at Augusta National and I love him in this market as we take on the favorite here Min Woo Lee - who has been simmering nicely with two top-three finishes this year.

His record isn't the best at Augusta though and Day finished eighth last year to notch his fifth top-10 at The Masters - including when he finished runner-up on debut back in 2011.

Day came sixth in his last PGA Tour start and here has to beat Lee and Adam Scott, a former champion of course with solid claims but he missed the cut last year.

Cameron Smith has brilliant Augusta form with five top-10s in eight years, but he also missed the cut last year and may not be in the best touch. If he is he could be the danger but the course and recent form edge goes to Day.

Back Jason Day top Australasian at The Masters at +350 (7/2) with BetMGM.

A hole-in-one at The Masters?

The bookmakers fancy a hole-in-one at Augusta National this year and I agree with them pricing this one up as an odds-on shot at -150 (4/6).

We've gone three Masters tournaments now without one so I reckon we're due as we had at least one in six of seven years between 2016 and the last one in 2022, which was Stewart Cink at the 16th.

And it's the 16th and that Sunday pin where it's likely to happen - with that hole yielding THREE aces (just one short of a LIV Golf team) in 2016 and then two in 2019.

Shane Lowry hit one of those in 2016 and he's had one already this season, while there were 25 on the PGA Tour last season so given the right conditions we could be in for a treat again.

And it has to be on 16 really, there's been 24 holes-in-one on that hole and just the 10 combined on the other three par-3s at Augusta National.

Back a hole-in-one at The Masters at -150 (4/6) with BetMGM

So you've looked through The Masters field in 2026 and decided all of the favorites hold too short a price? Or perhaps you've backed one or two of them as a safety net and now you're looking for a little more value from another genuine contender?

Well, you've come to the right place as we've picked out eight different players who sit outside the top-10 in terms of most bookmakers' list of odds and we've outlined our reasons for picking them.

Just in case you still haven't locked in your top names for the 2026 Masters, check out our comprehensive list of Golf Monthly staff picks right here or check out our expert tipster Barry Plummer's Masters betting picks.

But if you're ready to move on and scan a bit farther down the list, we can help you out.

From a past champion who could easily rise again to a number of pros with a very good record around this special golf course, these are our sleeper picks for The Masters in 2026.

THE MASTERS SLEEPER PICKS 2026

Robert MacIntyre

The two-time PGA Tour winner has taken his game to the next level in the past few years to the point where I now consider him a Major contender - especially as a left-hander at Augusta National.

MacIntyre was brilliant at Oakmont last year in finishing second at the US Open, and he has made every cut since last year's Masters. In that spell, the Scot has a win and three runners-up finishes - including at last week's Valero Texas Open - and he was recently fourth at TPC Sawgrass in The Players Championship.

He has a best finish of T12th at Augusta and I think he can go much better than that this time around.

Si Woo Kim

The four-time PGA Tour winner has a very good Masters record, with seven consecutive cuts made at Augusta. The Korean had his best ever Major finish with a T8th at last year's PGA Championship, too, and he arrives at the 2026 Masters as one of the best ball-strikers in the world.

Kim ranks second in Strokes Gained: Tee to green and fifth in Approach this season on the PGA Tour, so he will almost certainly find lots of fairways and greens - meaning as ever it's about the putter.

Statistically, putting is the worst part of his game so I would hedge this tip with an each-way element, but there is no doubt that Kim is among the best in the world right now.

Patrick Reed

So it's not the bravest selection you'll see, but Reed is certainly not among the outright favorites for The Masters, so I'm having him as a sleeper.

The fact that I've seen Reed priced as high as +4000 this close to the tournament and given all of the evidence is wild to me, but 2026 at Augusta National could be a great chance to back Captain America.

Having won this great championship once already, Reed is playing his way back to the PGA Tour in 2026 via two wins on the DP World Tour as well as a runner-up and T10th finish last time out.

More pertinent to his chances at The Masters, Reed finished third last year and fourth in 2023, with two further top-10s elsewhere in his past six starts at Augusta. His game is perfect for this course and he's in the right type of form to take advantage.

Jason Day

If you've read our Golf Monthly staff picks for The Masters, you'll know I've already listed Jason Day as one of my picks there.

But, to be honest, if I have to pick outside of the top-10, I'm really struggling. Either way, the Australian keeps cropping up in my research, so I'm just going to pick him again here as well.

Day has a strong overall record at Augusta and he cracked the top-10 once more following a barren spell last year.

With a tweak to his Avoda irons having already proved to work at the Houston Open, I can see Day sneaking onto the first page of the leaderboard once more. And at the price he's at, it's got to be worth a punt.

Maverick McNealy

Making his Masters debut last year, the American finished T32nd, which is impressive given that debutants have the tendency to struggle around Augusta National.

Looking at his form in 2026, McNealy has also kept that consistency which makes him a great player. Aside from a missed cut at the Genesis Invitational, he has finished no worse than T32nd, making him a good shout for a top-25 or even a top-10 at The Masters this year.

Ryan Fox

Like McNealy, Fox has been very consistent in terms of the golf he's played in 2026, earning four straight top-25s, including a T7th at the Genesis Invitational back in February.

Although he didn't feature at The Masters last year, the New Zealander has two previous appearances, finishing T26th and T38th. Good course form and a game that suits Augusta National has me thinking Fox is another player who could have a strong week in Georgia.

Corey Conners

Conners is one of the best ball-strikers in the world and if he finally has a great putting week in a Major - which I concede isn’t as likely as some other scenarios - he won’t be far away from the top of the leaderboard.

The Canadian has four career top-10s at The Masters, too, including a T8th finish last year which suggests Augusta National is a course that he likes and is one that suits him.

Nicolai Hojgaard

The Hojgaard twins have threatened to make a mark on the world stage, but so far haven’t quite delivered the stand-out performance their talent suggests they have in the locker.

Nicolai played well in Texas a couple of weeks ago and has a game that seems well suited to Augusta National. Could this be the week he announces himself to a global audience?

This is the greatest week of the year, bar none, and I can hardly contain my excitement as we rapidly approach the start of the Masters.

The majesty of Augusta National is unrivalled, but before we can enjoy everything this special tournament has to offer - we need to get down and dirty with the data in order to find the best bets for the Masters 2026.

I've spent weeks trawling through recent form, course history, correlation, trends and everything in between - which has allowed me to emerge with a set of Masters betting tips that I believe have the perfect balance of value and true winning upside.

Interestingly, in my deep dive into the field, I emerged with the name of player in red hot form who actually outranks Scottie Scheffler in a few key measures.

Last year, I successfully tipped Rory McIlroy to win the Green Jacket and secure the Career Grand Slam, so I am bidding to go back-to-back with my best bet at the Masters 2026...

The Masters Betting Tips 2026

The Masters Long List

For anyone who tuned into the Kick Point Tour Issue Masters 2026 preview this week, which you can also watch above, you will already know that I have been drawing up a Masters long list for a while now.

This process has essentially seen me whittle the Masters field down to just 10 players, one of which I believe will walk away with the Green Jacket this week.

Now, further condensing that list is going to be tricky. They all have genuine chances to take this esteemed Major Championship title, but how did I draw up the list in the first place?

First and foremost, we need to focus on elite ball strikers. Strokes Gained: Approach is a key measure that links to success at Augusta National, but pairing that with a sharp short game is also essential.

Everyone tends to find putting difficult at the Masters, so I am inclined to rely less on that to steer me, but as one of the most predictive prior form events we have on the calendar it's definitely worth looking at previous Masters performances.

In terms of course correlation, I'd be focusing on players who have previously played well at tournaments like the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, The Players at TPC Sawgrass and The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village.

Par-5 scoring is also a super important stat at the Masters, especially considering only one winner since 1974 has won the event without scoring under-par on the par-5s.

So, now that I've explained my rationale and given an insight into how I built my model, here is my long list for The Masters 2026...

• Jon Rahm
• Xander Schauffele
• Bryson DeChambeau
• Patrick Reed
• Tommy Fleetwood
• Matt Fitzpatrick
• Viktor Hovland
• Ludvig Aberg
• Hideki Matsuyama
• Collin Morikawa - demoted due to injury

The Masters Betting Tips: Best Bets

Top Tip: Jon Rahm (+1200) To Win @ BetMGM

This was a close call between Jon Rahm and one other player, but I had to side with the Spaniard after being incredibly impressed by his performances in 2026.

Rahm has been on fire at the start of the LIV Golf season, with one win, three runner-up finishes and a 5th place finish in his five starts this year.

He is also a former champion at the Masters, winning his Green Jacket in 2023, and his wider form in this event puts a big tick in his box.

He was 5th in 2021 and 14th last year at Augusta National, but he also ranks statistically as the best golfer in the planet in 2026.

Across 20 rounds of golf, spanning five events, he has gained strokes throughout the bag and has a true Strokes Gained: Total of +2.69, which is +0.01 better than World No.1 Scottie Scheffler.

He also outranks Scheffler by 58 places in Strokes Gained: Approach (12th vs 70th) since the turn of the year, Strokes Gained: Tee To Green (4th vs 6th) and driving distance (27th vs 30th) - all of which tend to play a significant part in determining the winner at Augusta National.

His approach play is the strongest area of his game this year, gaining almost a stroke on the field, so I am expecting a strong charge from Rahm at the Masters this year.

Next Best: Xander Schauffele (+1400) To Win @ BetMGM

Xander Schauffele was the closest pursuer to Jon Rahm in my estimations this year, but, while I leant more towards the Spaniard in the end, I still love Xander in this event at his current price.

Schauffele has been going about his business in style this season without really catching the eye of many, so I believe he is a dangerous option who is arriving slightly under the radar.

Xander was 3rd at The Players Championship, which is a great sign for a strong Masters effort, but he was also 4th on the start following that at the Valspar.

A 7th place finish at the Genesis Invitational adds weight to his claim via the correlating course form trend and statistically he suits this test perfectly.

In the 12 month period since the last Masters Tournament, Schauffele ranks 11th for SG: Approach and 7th for SG: Tee To Green, but he has impressed throughout the bag this season so far.

His Masters record is also exemplary. Schauffele has finished in the top-10 in his last three appearances at Augusta National, and was 3rd in 2021, so considering how important prior performances at this event are in determining success... that's a great sign.

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Masters Betting Tips: Value Bets

The Value Bet: Min Woo Lee (+4500) To Win @ BetMGM

It's time to let him cook at Augusta National, as Min Woo Lee is arriving in fantastic form.

In his last five starts, the Australian has finished runner-up, 6th, 12th and 3rd most recently at the Houston Open.

That 12th place finish came at Riviera Country Club, a strongly correlating course, where he shot an impressive pair of 65s.

Min Woo Lee also has a 6th place finish at TPC Sawgrass and has a couple of decent efforts at Augusta National.

His best effort was a 14th place finish at the Masters, but after four attempts at playing the tournament I now believe he is ready to step up and contend.

In 2026, he ranks 9th for SG: Tee To Green and has an incredible short game, ranking 19th for SG: Around The Green and 26th for SG: Putting. His distance and relative accuracy can set him apart from the field off the tee, so watch this space at a big price!

The 'Heart Over Head' Bet: Tommy Fleetwood (+2200) To Win @ BetMGM

I would love to see Tommy Fleetwood win the Masters. He might just be the coolest man on the planet, and I bet he'd look dashing in a little green number to go with his new sponsor on the hat.

Tommy has already banked a 7th place finish at the Genesis Invitational and an 8th place finish at the Players Championship this season, in addition to a 4th place finish at Pebble Beach.

He is now a PGA Tour winner, having broken his duck at the 2025 Tour Championship no less - so has now proven he can get it done on the biggest stage against strong opposition.

The next big hurdle is winning a Major, and I truly believe that comes this year for Fleetwood.

He has a great blend of distance and accuracy off the tee, meaning he'll find plenty of fairways (which is essential here), plus he is an absolute flusher with a great short game (ranks 2nd in 2026 for SG: Around The Green).

If he can have a week with the putter, which has always been his achilles heel, I can see him contending again and improving on a best Masters finish of 3rd in 2024.

Masters Betting Tips: First Round Leader Bet

The First Round Leader Bet: Rory McIlroy To Lead After Round One (+2000) @ BetMGM

Despite a woeful first round record, I fancy Rory McIlroy to lead after 18 holes this year.

Apart from decent scores of 65 in 2011 and 69 in 2018, Rory has failed to break 70 in the opening round of The Masters every year, but with the Green Jacket secured and the Career Grand Slam claimed I feel he is going to turn up full of confidence in 2026.

He ranks 1st for bogey avoidance on the PGA Tour this season and has a favourable early draw with his round one tee time at the Masters, as he tends to play better golf in the early wave as opposed to the late wave.

My colleague Matt Cradock, who is on the ground at Augusta National this week, watched Rory in a practice round and was thoroughly impressed, so I am prepared to back McIlroy to buck the trend and contend after 18 holes.

Masters Betting Tips: Special Bets

The Win Or Top-5 Finish Bet: Bryson DeChambeau To Finish Top-5 (+225) @ BetMGM

I'm almost certain Bryson DeChambeau wins the Masters at some point in his career. That could well be this year, which wouldn't surprise me, but I am instead going to take him in an alternate market this time around.

Bryson has been steadily improving his performances at The Masters, recording a 6th place finish in 2024 and a 5th place finish when in the final group in 2025.

He is truly elite off the tee, ranking 1st for distance and strokes gained in this area over the last 12 months. His approach play and short game can sometimes let him down, which is why I went for Rahm over him, but I do see him challenging again.

DeChambeau has a brilliant mind, which is something a tour coach said amateurs could learn from him, so when it appears like he is working Augusta National out I only expect his efforts to get stronger over time.

Top-5 for DeChambeau behind a victorious Jon Rahm and a placed Min Woo Lee - yes, please!

The Top Debutant Bet: Jacob Bridgeman (+450) @ BetMGM

I've been on Jacob Bridgeman a few times this year already and he has continued to put up strong efforts.

Bridgeman was superb when winning the Genesis Invitational this season, but the American has also posted two further top-5 finishes, a top-10 finish and four top-20 finishes.

That's eight consecutive top-20 finishes including a win in 2026, so I would argue you can't find a man in better form (other than Rahm, of course) heading into this event.

The tradition tells us that debutants don't tend to win the Masters. Nobody has done it since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979, so backing him to win might be a stretch.

I do, however, like him in the top debutant market. He is statistically the best putter in the world this season, he ranks in the top-25 for SG: Approach and has a decent blend of distance and accuracy off the tee.

If he can continue anything like his fine form at the start of 2026, he will be well in with a shout in this market.

Golf Monthly Betting Tips Record

The year's first Major is finally upon us as the best from the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf, along with a number of amateurs, tee it up at The Masters.

World No.1 and two-time champion Scottie Scheffler enters the week as overwhelming favorite once again, with defending champion Rory McIlroy also highly fancied as well as in-form LIV Golf stars Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.

I asked the Golf Monthly team for their winner as well as an outsider to pick to assist you with your pre-Masters betting. A number of names popped up multiple times as you'd expect - with Bryson DeChambeau and Xander Schauffele looking like our favorites, and Tyrrell Hatton also selected multiple times as an outsider.

So which players do our staff members fancy for the Green Jacket?

Take a look at our predictions, and let us know your picks in the comments section...

Masters Predictions: Who will win the Green Jacket?

Jon Rahm

The Spaniard looks to be in the form of his life. So far this season, he has one win, three runner-up finishes and a 5th on LIV. More importantly, he is the man for the big occasion (remember how he played at last year's Ryder Cup).

With the dust well and truly settled on his move LIV, and the bit between his teeth, I'm fully expecting strong showing from this past champion.

Tyrrell Hatton

The Englishman is one of the most consistent performers in the game and is looking every inch like a major champion in waiting.

Importantly, every area of his game from tee-to-green is solid and having come close at last year's US Open, he now knows what it takes to get over the line.

Bryson DeChambeau

The two-time US Open champion is in unbelievable form with two straight LIV Golf wins and has a point to prove at Augusta, where he's had top-tens the last two years despite falling away in the final round on both occasions.

Tyrrell Hatton

He's not playing his best golf, but he's a player for the big occasion and has been inside the top 15 the last two years.

He's also one of the best iron players in the game and a prolific putter, two skills that are crucial in conquering Augusta National.

Xander Schauffele

I've liked what I've seen of Xander Schauffele so far in 2026. He looks to be playing much better golf after an injury-affected 2025 and he's produced top-five finishes in his last two events, including The Players at TPC Sawgrass. He also recoded a top-seven at the Genesis Invitational, so his performances in the big events have been encouraging.

He also got back in the winners' circle towards the back end of last year at the Baycurrent Classic, so all signs point to at least one Major challenge this season.

Corey Conners

If Corey Conners has a good week on the greens, he will contend at Augusta National. It's that simple given how prodigious his long game is.

He's a supreme ball-striker and he's notched four top-ten finishes in the last six years at Augusta. He looks generously priced to me.

Bryson DeChambeau

With all the bravado and silly statements over the years, it’s easy to overlook Bryson’s terrific recent form at The Masters. He’s finished T6 and T5 in his last two outings and is coming off the back of two LIV Golf wins in March.

His Major record has been brilliant since joining LIV, with one win and two second-place finishes in the last two seasons. He finally seems to have worked out Augusta, which should be a concern for the rest of the field.

Tyrrell Hatton

Hatton is the first to admit his Major record should be better than it is, but his T4th finish at last year’s US Open may be a sign of better things to come. He got his first top ten at The Masters in 2024 and backed that up with a T14th last year.

His strong all-round game seems perfectly suited to Augusta, and if it all clicks at the right time, he could be a serious contender.

Rory McIlroy

I’m going for Rory to make it back-to-back titles. Perhaps my heart is ruling my head because we all know his Masters build-up has not been ideal due to his recent back injury.

But last year he finally got the monkey off his back, and if he can bring his A-game, with the quality of his ball striking, he’s got every chance of doing the double.

Jason Day

The Australian has made a solid start this season with four top-ten finishes, and it’s great to see this former World No.1’s game is back on track.

He’s also had multiple top-ten finishes at Augusta, so with his high ball flight and experience in Major pressure, he should be a big threat if he stays healthy.

Xander Schauffele

I was toying between Schauffele and Koepka, but I've chosen the two-time Major-winning Californian. He struggled with injury last year but reminded us all of his talent at the Baycurrent Classic, and his 2nd-place at The Players Championship shows he is close to his best.

His Masters record is very good, with five top-10s in his last seven appearances.

Russell Henley

I believe Henley is one of the most underrated golfers in the world, and at odds of +6600 I think he's a very astute outsider.

The World No.10 was T6 at Bay Hill and then T13 at TPC Sawgrass so he's in fine form, and he has plenty of experience at Augusta with a best finish of T4 in 2023 from nine starts.

Xander Schauffele

I can just see Xander putting the Green Jacket on at some point in his career, why not 2026? He clearly has form at the moment coming close to winning The Players and a T4 at the Valspar.

Not to mention he also plays well at Augusta. He has five top-ten finishes in his last seven starts at The Masters, so I wouldn't put it past him to collect his third Major win.

Shane Lowry

A thoroughly consistent performer at Augusta, (he hasn't missed a cut there since 2019 and his worst finish is T43), Lowry is a player you can get good odds on for a top-ten finish at the moment.

He may have missed the cut at Bay Hill and TPC Sawgrass, but if not for a couple of bad holes down the stretch he would've won the Cognizant so clearly has some form.

Bryson DeChambeau

Rather worryingly (as someone who is not a fan of hitting over houses and calling my friends bro) my top pick for the Masters is Bryson DeChambeau.

His form of late on LIV has been exceptional and his power game, sprinkled with his analytical brain is perfect for Augusta National.

Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen

My dark horse is going to be Australian Open champion Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen. The Dane is talked about amongst his peers as one of the best ball strikers in the game already.

I can see him being good for an each-way bet.

Ludvig Aberg

Honestly, I'd love it to be Justin Rose, but I'm not sure he's perfectly primed to have a run at it. On the other hand, Ludvig Aberg has all the right ingredients to win.

His record in 2024 and 2025 reads 2nd and 7th and he gains strokes in all areas at Augusta National, so there's really no weak part to his game here.

Jason Day

Jason Day has a strong overall record at Augusta and he cracked the top-10 once more following a barren spell last year.

With a tweak to his Avoda irons having already proved to work at the Houston Open, I can see Day sneaking onto the first page of the leaderboard once more. And at the price he's at, it's got to be worth a punt.

Xander Schauffele

I think The Masters is quite open this year, given that a number of players are either in-form, or slightly out of it.

In terms of those in-form, Schauffele has been under the radar and, although he hasn't won in 2026, his recent run of results, combined with his love of Augusta National (five top-tens in eight starts), means he's my favorite pick.

Robert MacIntyre

Left-handers love Augusta National, and MacIntyre enjoyed an excellent first two results when he teed it up in The Masters, finishing T12th and T23rd.

He may have missed the cut last year, but the Scot is showing excellent form this season, highlighted by a solo forth at The Players Championship and no missed cuts.

I'll say it again... this column is on fire! Not only did we predict the winner of the Players Championship three weeks ago, but we also predicted Matt Fitzpatrick to win the Valspar Championship and were on runner-up Nicolai Hojgaard last week.

Four of the seven names that made my long list as part of Bazza's Best Bets for the Houston Open lat week returned a top-10 finish, so the model is clearly on the money.

Now we turn our attention to the Valero Texas Open, where despite tirelessly searching for a favorite I can side with... I decided to drop deeper down the odds board in search of value.

There is a strong field confirmed for the final PGA Tour event before the Masters, but I could find a reason to oppose many of the big names.

After crunching the numbers and following the trends, I have instead come up with three great picks to extend our fine run of form into Major season...

Valero Texas Open Betting Tips 2026 - Bazza's Best Bets

The Long List

In terms of correlation, Texas is a great place to start.

Strong performances at TPC San Antonio often link well with solid efforts at other Texas-based PGA Tour events, like the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and the Houston Open, so that's a great place to start.

The course form at TPC San Antonio is also some of the most predictive on tour, so look for strong finishes in this event when looking to make your selections.

Aside from that, we are looking for a consistent driver who can match power with accuracy, but also someone who can navigate their way around the green. Green in regulation percentages are lower here than average, so a creative and reliable short game is a must for those hoping to contend.

Par-5 scoring is also a good measure to dive into, as is following the trends of performances on wind-affected courses like Port Royal and Open Championship-style venues.

• Tommy Fleetwood
• Robert MacIntyre
• Alex Noren
• Ryo Hisatsune
• Denny McCarthy
• Sepp Straka
• Keith Mitchell

Bazza's Best Bets

Top Tip: Alex Noren To Win (+3800) @ BetMGM

Alex Noren might not have broken his PGA Tour duck, but he is a prolific winner around the world.

Noren has solid form in Texas, with two top-15 finishes in two starts at the Valero Texas Open. He has also banked a 3rd place finish at TPC Craig Ranch, a 4th place finish at Memorial Park and a runner-up finish at Port Royal - which is a particular wind-affected track.

Five top-20s at Open Championship venues suggest he can cope with conditions, plus he also ranks 9th for Strokes Gained: Around The Green this season. His prowess around the greens and his consistency off the tee make him dangerous in this event.

Next Best: Keith Mitchell To Win (+3700) @ BetMGM

Kieth Mitchell is another player who seems to play some of his best golf in Texas. Mitchell has four consecutive cuts in four appearance at TPC San Antionio, finishing inside the top-26 on each occasion.

In fact, his position has improved year-on-year, finishing T26, T17, T14 and then T12 in 2025. That's particularly encouraging when you consider he also has a top-20 finish at TPC Craig Ranch and two top-10 finishes at the Texas Children's Houston Open.

He closed with a 65 to secure a T14 finish at Memorial Park last week, making it nine consecutive cuts made this season and three top-15 finishes, so I like his chances at a decent price.

The Value Bet: Ryo Hisatsune To Win (+5000) @ BetMGM

Ryo Hisatsune has been in great form this season, with eight consecutive cuts made and four top-15 finishes including when runner-up at the Farmers Insurance Open.

Hisatsune was 5th in this event last season, highlighting an ability to cope with the test posed by TPC San Antonio, but he also has a T13 at TPC Craig Ranch and a T29 in Bermuda.

The Japanese star ranks 11th for Strokes Gained: Tee To Green in the last three months, demonstrating the quality of his ball striking and he seems to blend a nice balance of power and accuracy off the tee.

Ranking 25th for SG: Around The Green, he has the short game to get himself out of trouble and this could be the spot for him to finally get over the line on the PGA Tour after weeks of threatening to do so.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Picks

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Pick One: Ludvig Aberg To Win (+1600) @ BetMGM

The Swede is one of the top players in the field this week and I'm confident backing him after his recent strong showing at TPC Sawgrass, where he finished T5th despite a poor back nine on Sunday.

He was also T3 in his previous start at Bay Hill, so I like him this week back in his 'home' State of Texas where he attended university. Aberg has played this event twice as a pro and was T14 in 2024 before missing the cut last year.

Pick Two: John Keefer To Win (+8500) @ BetMGM

Last year's Korn Ferry Tour number one John Keefer has had a difficult start to the year but a T3 finish last week out of nowhere was a fantastic result.

His long game has been great this year but his short game and putting have really let him down, but that changed last week in Houston - particularly around the greens.

Keefer won three times last year and lives in San Antonio so should feel very comfortable this week to go and contend again.

Pick One: Russell Henley To Win (+1600) @ BetMGM

There are a lot of top players involved this week who have significant reasons not to pick them, but I can't really see one for Russell Henley who has once again flown under the radar somewhat this season.

The Georgian has only missed one cut and been inside the top-20 in five of his other six starts. The reason I'd pick him this week is because accuracy is really at a premium at TPC San Antonio and he's one of the most accurate players in the world.

He might not have the distance of others, but he's long enough and the rest of his game more than makes up for a lack of distance off the tee. Plus, his strong record in Texas and in these kinds of conditions make me believe he can walk away on top.

Pick Two: Sepp Straka To Win (+3300) @ BetMGM

Sepp Straka is coming off the back of a T8th at The Players and two more top-20s in 2026, plus a T2nd at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

The Austrian's approach game has been sublime this year as well and has been a big reason why he's performed so well.

Capable of combining accuracy and good distance, Straka appears to have been somewhat overlooked in the betting market, but his reemergence from a brief break may remind fans what a world-class player he is.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Tipping Record

There is plenty riding on our Houston Open 2026 betting tips, as this expert column is currently chasing a hat-trick of winning bets.

Bazza's best bets for the Valspar Championship successfully flagged Fitzpatrick as the winner at the Copperhead Course, thanks to tipster Jonny Leighfield's all-knowing wisdom, adding to Bazza's +4000 winner at The Players Championship the week before (courtesy of Cam Young).

This week we head to Memorial Park, a tough track that requires a very specific skillset to succeed. Past champion Scottie Scheffler ramps up his Masters prep at the Houston Open, leading a strong field of contenders and highlighting the level of quality needed to lift this trophy.

Searching for a player with a strong short game and consistently accurate approach play, Baz has drawn up a long list of contenders then whittled it down to three that he likes the look of in the betting markets at the Houston Open...

Houston Open Betting Tips 2026 - Bazza's Best Bets

The Long List

Here we are looking for players that rank well in four key stats - Strokes Gained: Approach, approach from outside 200 yards, Strokes Gained: Around The Green and Bogey Avoidance.

These stats correlate nicely with previous winners and create a model profle of a player that can cope with the challenges of Memorial Park.

In terms of course correlation, I am interested in performances at the Riviera Country Club, Quail Hollow, Yas Links, The Renaissance Club, Trinity Forest, Le Golf National and, to an extent, Augusta National.

The links between these clubs may not appear obvious, but essentially they all either require elite short game on tightly cut grass around greens with run offs and heavy undulation or solid approach play that requires you to hit specific quadrants of greens to set up scoring opportunities (or both).

The long list for the Houston Open 2026, based on their season statistics and performances on correlating courses, is therefore:

• Chris Gotterup
• Jake Knapp
• Sahith Theegala
• Adam Scott
• Ryan Fox
• Nicolai Hojgaard
• Patrick Rodgers

Bazza's Best Bets

Top Tip: Chris Gotterup To Win (+2200) @ BetMGM

If we are going to oppose the clear favourite, Scottie Scheffler, I am taking the man who has already lit up the PGA Tour this season with two quick-fire wins - Chris Gotterup.

Gotterup has won the Scottish Open and the WM Phoenix Open on correlating courses in his career, but it's his strong play on approach and around the green that really got me over the line on this tip.

The American ranks 6th for SG: Approach and 19th for SG: Around The Green in this field, gaining strokes throughout the bag and showing very few weaknesses.

He hits a long ball off the tee, which will help on this tough track, so I fancy him to make it three before The Masters.

Next Best: Jake Knapp To Win (+2700) @ BetMGM

Jake Knapp has looked like winning almost every week this season, finishing in the top-8 four times as well as banking a T11 at the season opener in Hawaii.

He did miss the cut at The Players Championship, which I can forgive considering the volatility of TPC Sawgrass, but he fits the statistical bill nicely.

He is the best putter in this field over the past three months, ranks 8th for driving distance and has gained strokes on approach and around the green in 2026.

With strong form on correlating courses and a solid start to the year under his belt, I can see him going close this week.

The Value Bet: Ryan Fox To Win (+8000) @ BetMGM

Ryan Fox is an interesting option this week, coming in at a big price with plenty of value but also measuring well against the profile.

Fox has won twice on the PGA Tour already and has banked four consecutive top-24 finishes in 2026.

His best was a T7 at the Genesis Invitational a few weeks ago, on a course that correlates well with success here, so that angle looks promising. Fox has form at Quail Hollow and the Renaissance Club, but his stats also put a big tick in the box.

Fox ranks 4th for proximity from 200 yards+, 24th for bogey avoidance , 17th for SG: Around The Green and 12th for driving distance in 2026 - so keep an eye on a decent charge.

Golf Monthly Betting Panel Picks

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Pick One: Jake Knapp To Win (+2700) @ BetMGM

I've picked Knapp twice in recent weeks (with good reason) but he's withdrawn before the tournament even started and then missed the cut at The Players.

I'm willing to overlook those two anomalies as his season has largely been outstanding otherwise and his profile perfectly fits this tournament in terms of what you need to win.

A monster driver who is also dynamite on the greens, Knapp finished T27th here last year thanks to some modest stats all around. He ranks highly for SG: Off The Tee and SG: Putting, so as long as he makes the cut, I feel like he should contend.

Pick Two: Nicolai Hojgaard To Win (+4000) @ BetMGM

For similar reasons, I like Nicolai Hojgaard this week. Although he missed the cut after a poor performance last year, I'm backing the Dane to come back strongly in 2026.

He's managed three top-10s this term (one of which I backed him on) and most of his stats suggest his all-round game is in a great place.

Another huge driver who is an excellent putter - highlighted by 1.51 strokes gained on the greens at The Players - Hojgaard should stand an excellent chance of being involved down the stretch on Sunday.

Well, what an incredible week at TPC Sawgrass that was.

I successfully tipped Cameron Young in my Bazza's Best Bets at The Players Championship column, which when added to my two second placed tips in the first seven events of the 2026 PGA Tour season makes this a great start to the year.

With confidence high, I have once again crunched the numbers and ran the strong field at the Valspar Championship through my model to try and make it back-to-back winning tips... and I think I've found the correct selections in my three top picks!

Valspar Championship Betting Tips 2026 - Bazza's Best Bets

Top Tip: Jacob Bridgeman To Win (+2200) @ BetMGM

Jacob Bridgeman is playing the golf of his life right now, winning the Genesis Invitational and finishing in the top-5 at The Players Championship among other incredibly impressive results.

In fact, he has seven consecutive top-20 finishes to kick off his 2026 PGA Tour season, which highlights his consistency as well as his undeniable talent.

This course is a Jacob Bridgeman course, in my opinion, rewarding strong ball strikers who can putt well on small, undulating greens.

Bridgeman ranked 1st for SG: Putting at TPC Sawgrass last week, and with plenty of crossover between Copperhead and last week's track that is a big tick in his box.

To further evidence his claim, the American finished 3rd in this event last year. His stats profile well against my model, ranking 5th for putts from 10-15 feet, 9th for bogey avoidance and 5th for three-putt avoidance.

Next Best: Nick Taylor To Win (+4000) @ BetMGM

Nick Taylor is a five-time PGA Tour winner with a top-10 finish in this event and seven consecutive cuts made in the 2026 season, so there is plenty to like here.

This is a weaker field than last week, so a great chance to add a sixth title to his resume, especially as his profile fits that of a winner at this course.

Taylor ranks 5th for scrambling, 11th for three-putt avoidance, 14th for par-3 scoring and 3rd for bogey avoidance this season, so has the steely, gritty game to content on this tough track.

At a decent price, I wouldn't be surprised to see him produce his best performance of the season and contend.

The Value Bet: Taylor Moore To Win (+5500) @ BetMGM

Taylor Moore is a former champion at the Valspar Championship, but he is also having a pretty good start to his 2026 PGA Tour season.

Moore was runner-up at the Cognizant Classic just three starts ago, but he has also made five consecutive cuts this year and opened with a 68 at TPC Sawgrass last week.

Moore also has a T12 finish at the Copperhead Course to go alongside his win in 2023, so clearly manages the challenge posed by the track, but he also ranks in the top-8 for scrambling, three-putt avoidance and par-3 scoring this season - so profiles well for another strong challenge.

Golf Monthly Expert Betting Panel Picks

Pick One: Ryo Hisatsune To Win (+4500) @ BetMGM

The Japanese youngster finished T13 at TPC Sawgrass and could have been much better had it not been for three late bogeys.

Hisatsune was T2 at Torrey Pines and T8 at Pebble Beach so he is having a fantastic season so far.

The 2023 French Open champion finished T4th here last year and T33rd in his 2024 debut so has good course form too. Could it be his week for a maiden PGA Tour trumph?

Pick Two: Zach Bauchou To Win (+10000) @ BetMGM

Viktor Hovland's former ASU roommate has had a very solid start to life on the PGA Tour with seven consecutive cuts made in 2026, with a best result of T13 at the AmEx so far.

He may even get a practice round in with Hovland, the defending champ, for some course intel.

He made the weekend at TPC Sawgrass last week to finish T50th despite a triple-bogey on 17 in the final round, and anyone who made the weekend clearly has very good control of their golf ball. I like him as an each-way at these odds.

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Pick One: Justin Thomas To Win (+2200) @ BetMGM

I feel that the winner will come from the top 10 or 12 in the odds, which is why I'm opting for Thomas, who enjoyed an excellent result at The Players Championship after a poor return to competitive action at the Arnold Palmer Invitational the week prior.

Thomas finished runner-up at the Valspar Championship last year, finishing one back of Hovland after an excellent weekend performance.

Showing good course form, as well as a returning competitive edge, makes me think the two-time Major winner will be raring to go on Thursday morning.

Pick Two: Bud Cauley To Win (+8000) @ BetMGM

Going on last year's results and, thanks to a T4th finish that included a five-under-par final round 66, Cauley is my second pick with very eye catching odds.

What is turning my head particularly is that the American obviously likes golf at this time of year. In 2025, following a T6th at The Players Championship, he finished T4th at this week's event and then claimed a T5th in Texas shortly after.

In 2026, he came T18th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and T32nd at last week's Players Championship, signifying his game is trending in the right direction for another strong performance.

Pick One: Matt Fitzpatrick To Win (+1400) @ BetMGM

Matt Fitzpatrick's record at the Valspar is a bit strange given it goes MC-T5th-MC, but the one time he played the weekend was the same year he won the US Open (2022).

So when Fitzpatrick is on song, the Copperhead Course is one that he can take advantage of.

The stats show the Englishman is gaining strokes in every area most weeks, and a close finish at The Players will have done his confidence no harm either. With small greens that require excellent approach play, Fitzpatrick should be the man for the job.

Pick Two: Brooks Koepka To Win (+2500) @ BetMGM

I picked Koepka on his first start of the year, if only for the story, but now I think he could genuinely contend at this week's Valspar Championship.

His game from tee to green has largely been quite impressive since returning to the PGA Tour, with a tough time on the putting surfaces holding him back.

But now working with Phil Kenyon and wielding a mallet putter, Koepka could be back to somewhere near his best.

After a T13th result at The Players and involved in a far weaker field at the Copperhead course, I wonder if the former LIV man can write the next fascinating chapter in the story of his career...