Some events are already underway, but the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris officially begin with Fri...

<p>Some events are already underway, but the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris officially begin with Friday's opening ceremonies.</p><p>There's a buzz around the Olympics that wasn't there in 2021, and sportsbooks are looking to add to that excitement by offering a plethora of betting options.</p><p>From archery to weightlifting, nearly every Olympic sport can be bet upon. But here, we'll focus on the overall medal total and touch on some of the Games' marquee events.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Most medals</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Country</th>
<th>Odds</th>
<th>Implied Prob.</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>USA</td>
<td>-2000</td>
<td>95.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>China</td>
<td>+1000</td>
<td>9.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Great Britain</td>
<td>+5000</td>
<td>2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Japan</td>
<td>+5000</td>
<td>2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France</td>
<td>+10000</td>
<td>1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>All odds via theScore Bet. Countries above +10000 are not listed.</em></p><p>In what should be a surprise to no one, the United States is the heavy favorite to lead the Summer Games in medals. With an implied win probability of 95.2%, it will take a massive upset for any other country to top what should be a dominant American group.</p><h3>Most gold medals</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Country</th>
<th>Odds</th>
<th>Implied Prob.</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>USA</td>
<td>-600</td>
<td>85.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>China</td>
<td>+350</td>
<td>22.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France</td>
<td>+6600</td>
<td>1.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Great Britain</td>
<td>+10000</td>
<td>1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Japan</td>
<td>+10000</td>
<td>1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The USA is also a resounding favorite to leave the Summer Games with the most gold medals, but China is given a much better chance of dethroning the States when it comes to standing on the top of the podium. </p><p>Canada was given a pre-Games total of 5.5 gold medals, with the over as a slight -135 favorite. For comparison, the Americans' total was 40.5 with the over at -130 odds.</p><h3>Marquee events</h3><p><strong>Women's 100m</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Runner (Country)</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Sha'Carri Richardson (USA)</td>
<td>-175</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Julien Alfred (LCA)</td>
<td>+400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shericka Jackson (JAM)</td>
<td>+400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Melissa Jefferson (USA)</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (JAM)</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The United States' Sha'Carri Richardson is the odds-on favorite to claim the title of fastest woman in the world. She tops Julien Alfred of St. Lucia and Shericka Jackson of Jamaica. </p><p>Richardson is the reigning world champion after she beat Jackson in Budapest last year.</p><p>Jackson won bronze in Tokyo and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce took home the silver. Elain Thompson-Herah, the two-time defending gold-medal winner who's also from Jamaica, will miss the Olympics due to an Achilles injury.</p><p>All women competing will look to break Florence Griffith-Joyner's world record of 10.49 seconds, set in 1988.</p><p><strong>Men's 100m</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Runner (Country)</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Kishane Thompson (JAM)</td>
<td>+125</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Noah Lyles (USA)</td>
<td>+160</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oblique Seville (JAM)</td>
<td>+750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Letsile Tebogo (BOT)</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marcell Jacobs (ITA)</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Reigning world champion Noah Lyles is not the favorite to win the gold medal. Instead, Kishane Thompson, who ran a 9.77 at Jamaica's Olympic trials, tops the oddsboard. Thompson has never run at the Olympics or World Championships, so this will be his biggest stage yet.</p><p>Lyles won bronze in the 200m at the Tokyo Games and only recently started finding success in the 100m. He won the gold medal in both lengths at the 2023 World Championships in Hungary. Lyles is -350 to win the 200m. </p><p>Defending Olympic gold-medal winner Marcell Jacobs didn't win an individual medal at the 2023 World Championships and is a long shot to defend his crown.</p><p><strong>Women's 4x100m Freestyle Relay</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Country</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Australia</td>
<td>-700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>USA</td>
<td>+550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>China</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canada</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Great Britain</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Men's 4x100m Freestyle Relay</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Country</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>USA</td>
<td>-550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Australia</td>
<td>+550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>China</td>
<td>+800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Great Britain</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Italy</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>France</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canada</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Women's Tennis</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Iga Swiatek</td>
<td>-175</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Coco Gauff</td>
<td>+600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elena Rybakina</td>
<td>+800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mirra Andreeva</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Naomi Osaka</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Qinwen Zheng</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>World No. 1 Iga Swiatek is the favorite to win gold in women's tennis. She lost in the third round at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year but did win the French Open for her fifth grand slam title. </p><p>The tennis competition will be played at Roland Garros, home of the French Open.</p><p><strong>Men's Tennis</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Carlos Alcaraz</td>
<td>-140</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Novak Djokovic</td>
<td>+280</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alexander Zverev</td>
<td>+600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rafael Nadal</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Casper Ruud</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alex de Minaur</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Daniil Medvedev</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Fresh off his Wimbledon title, Carlos Alcaraz is the favorite to win gold. He won the French Open this year, so returning to Roland Garros could bode well for the 21-year-old's Olympic chances.</p><p>Alcaraz is also playing doubles with Rafael Nadal in what will likely be Nadal's final Olympic Games.</p>

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY: August 26: Noah Lyles of the United States and Sha'Carri Richardson of the United States celebrates the team's gold medal wins with teammates after the Women's and Men's 4x100m Relay Finals during the World Athletics Championships, at the National Athletics Centre on August 26th, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary.

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Olympic betting: Odds to win most medals, golds, marquee events

The LPGA Tour is north of the border this week for the CPKC Women's Open from Earl Grey Golf Club...

<p>The LPGA Tour is north of the border this week for the CPKC Women's Open from Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary.</p><p>The field is headlined by 2018 champ - and Canada's own - <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///lpga/players/2708" href="https://thescore.com/lpga/players/2708">Brooke Henderson</a>. World No. 2 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///lpga/players/3607" href="https://thescore.com/lpga/players/3607">Lilia Vu</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///lpga/players/2966" href="https://thescore.com/lpga/players/2966">Minjee Lee</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///lpga/players/3050" href="https://thescore.com/lpga/players/3050">Leona Maguire</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///lpga/players/5011" href="https://thescore.com/lpga/players/5011">Rose Zhang</a>, and defending champion <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///lpga/players/2853" href="https://thescore.com/lpga/players/2853">Megan Khang</a> are a few of the tournament's top contenders. </p><p>There are 17 Canadians in the field, consisting of pros and amateurs. Henderson is the only Canadian to win the event since Jocelyne Bourassa won the inaugural edition in 1973. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Earl Grey is set to host its first CPKC Women's Open as the event returns to Alberta for the first time since 2016. The venue is 7,041 yards from the championship tees, playing as a par 72. The course, which opened in 1919, was redesigned in 2018 to accommodate championship-level golf.</p><h3>How to watch 📺</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Day</th>
<th>Channel</th>
<th>Time (ET)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Thursday July 25</td>
<td>TSN/Golf Channel</td>
<td>6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Friday July 26</td>
<td>TSN/Golf Channel</td>
<td>6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Saturday July 27</td>
<td>TSN/Golf Channel</td>
<td>6 p.m.-9 p.m.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sunday July 28</td>
<td>TSN/Golf Channel</td>
<td>6 p.m.-9 p.m.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Henderson's outlook</h3><p>All eyes will understandably be on Henderson, Canada's most-winning professional golfer. It's been a tale of two seasons for Henderson this year. She started 2024 off great with five top-10 finishes in her first eight starts and no results worse than T27. However, in her last seven events, she's failed to come inside the top 20 and missed her first cut of the year at the U.S. Women's Open.</p><p>Perhaps a return home is exactly what Henderson needs to get her season back on track. She's slipped to 16th in the Women's Golf World Rankings after reaching No. 5 following her T3 result at the Chevron Championship, the year's first major. A top-tier finish this week at Canada's national tournament should move her closer to the top 10, a position she's consistently held for the majority of her career.</p><p>For what it's worth, oddsmakers at <a href="https://thescore.bet/sport/golf/organization/lpga-tour/competition/cpkc-womens-open">theScore Bet</a> like her chances. Henderson is priced at +1400 (6.7% implied probability) as the third favorite behind Vu and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///lpga/players/5533" href="https://thescore.com/lpga/players/5533">Hae Ran Ryu</a>. </p><h3>Past Champions</h3><p>2023: Megan Khang (-9)<br>2022: Paula Reto (-19)<br>2021: Canceled<br>2020: Canceled<br>2019: Jin-Young Ko (-26)<br>2018: Brooke Henderson (-21)<br>2017: Sung-Hyun Park (-13)<br>2016: Ariya Jutanugarn (-23)<br>2015: Lydia Ko (-12)</p><p>Khang's winning score of 279 (9-under) last year was the highest at the CPKC Women's Open since Meena Lee's victory in 2005. Last year's tournament was held at Shaughnessy Golf &amp; Country Club, considered one of Canada's best - and toughest - courses.</p><h3>Odds to win</h3><p>Lilia Vu +1000<br>Hae Ran Ryu +1100<br>Ally Ewing +1400<br>Brooke Henderson +1400<br>Xiyu Lin +1600<br>Hannah Green +2200<br>Rose Zhang +2200<br>Hye Jin Choi +2500<br>Mao Saigo +2500<br>Lexi Thompson +2800<br>Jennifer Kupcho +3000<br>Minjee Lee +3000<br>Allisen Corpuz +3500<br>Lauren Coughlin +3500<br>Alison Lee +4000<br>Jenny Shin +4000<br>Leona Maguire +4000<br>Megan Khang +4000</p>

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, FRANCE - JULY 14: Brooke M. Henderson of Canada tees off on the third hole during the final round of the Amundi Evian Championship at Evian Resort Golf Club on July 14, 2024 in Evian-les-Bains, France.

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CPKC Women's Open preview: All eyes on Henderson in Calgary

For years, Xander Schauffele was included in conversations about the best players without a major...

<p>For years, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1213" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1213">Xander Schauffele</a> was included in conversations about the best players without a major championship. </p><p>He's been inside the top 15 on the Official World Golf Ranking since late 2018, he's a multi-time PGA TOUR winner and an Olympic gold medalist, and he's a member of two Ryder Cup and two Presidents Cup teams.</p><p>The unwanted label of "best player without a major" was warranted since the talent was so obvious.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>But Schauffele quickly removed himself from the conversation by hoisting the Wanamaker Trophy in May and adding the Claret Jug to his mantel. He's now in an elite tier in golf alongside fellow two-time major winners <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1111" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1111">Jon Rahm</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/437" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/437">Bryson DeChambeau</a>, to name a few.</p><p>"It's a dream come true to win two majors in one year," Schauffele <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=199525">said</a> in his champion's press conference. "It took me forever just to win one, and to have two now is something else."</p><p>As he alluded to, Schauffele's rapid ascension to two majors was a long time coming. At 30, he's somewhat of a late bloomer in terms of major wins, especially in today's game. Spieth, Scheffler, Rahm, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/3135" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/3135">Collin Morikawa</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1747" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1747">Justin Thomas</a> all claimed their first of two major titles before the age of 27.</p><p>Schauffele's journey to the PGA TOUR was different than theirs, though. He didn't attend a big school like Texas or Alabama, was never a top-ranked amateur, wasn't on an American Walker Cup team (the Ryder Cup-style event for the game's elite amateurs), and he wasn't a prolific winner before turning pro. He only won twice in four years of university. (Three of those years were spent at San Diego State, which isn't exactly a golf powerhouse.)</p><p>Schauffele took a more traditional route to the PGA TOUR, qualifying for the then-Web.com Tour in his first attempt out of school. He played there in his first year as a pro, with four top-10 finishes in 23 starts, but he never won.</p><p>For comparison, Spieth, Rahm, and Morikawa skipped the second-tier circuit thanks to immediate success on the PGA TOUR after earning sponsor's exemptions due to their impressive amateur resumes.</p><p>However, Schauffele quickly found success on the top tour once he got there. He won twice in his debut season, became the first rookie to win the TOUR Championship, and claimed the PGA TOUR's Rookie of the Year honors. Schauffele also came T5 at the 2017 U.S. Open in his first career major championship.</p><p>But his instant success didn't translate into a flurry of early-career victories. Schauffele only won twice on the PGA TOUR over the next four years, both coming in limited-field, no-cut events, while accumulating several close calls.</p><p>He did win the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games, but it's an event that's still trying to figure out where it stands in the sport's hierarchy of prestigiousness.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/737863/cropped_GettyImages-1234377916.jpg?ts=1721673326" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/737863/w220xh124_GettyImages-1234377916.jpg?ts=1721673326 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/737863/w320xh180_GettyImages-1234377916.jpg?ts=1721673326 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/737863/w640xh360_GettyImages-1234377916.jpg?ts=1721673326 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/737863/w768xh432_GettyImages-1234377916.jpg?ts=1721673326 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/737863/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1234377916.jpg?ts=1721673326 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Xinhua News Agency / Xinhua News Agency / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Gold medal aside, many started to question if Schauffele had what it took to win major championships. He had his first taste of disappointment as a runner-up at the 2018 Open Championship after wilting away during the final round to let <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1010" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1010">Francesco Molinari</a> claim victory.</p><p>Schauffele developed more scar tissue after being one of three runners-up to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a> at the 2019 Masters. He also came T3 two years later at Augusta when he made a triple-bogey on the 70th hole to fall three shots shy of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1977" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1977">Hideki Matsuyama</a>.</p><p>But Schauffele was still compiling an incredible major championship resume. Before this year's PGA Championship, he'd recorded 20 top-20 finishes in 27 majors while notching a top-10 result 44% of the time. Despite the doubters, it felt like it was only a matter of when - not if - his first major title would come.</p><p>At the end of 2023, Schauffele found the catalyst for his victories in 2024. After another winless year and a disappointing 1-3-0 showing in the Ryder Cup, Schauffele and his team decided it was time for a different pair of eyes. Schauffele's dad, Stefan, realized he wasn't the one to take his son's game to the next level after being his swing coach his entire life.</p><p>So, Schauffele reached out to Chris Como, a renowned swing instructor who previously worked with Woods and DeChambeau. Como's philosophy is to optimize a player's biomechanics to maximize speed, which is exactly what Schauffele accomplished.</p><p>When Schauffele arrived on TOUR in 2016, his average ball speed was 174 mph. Schauffele only ranked inside the top 30 in ball speed once over the next six years. This year, he's averaging 183 mph to rank 10th on the PGA TOUR.</p><p>He's also gaining the 11th-most strokes off the tee, which is a drastic improvement after he ranked 47th in the same category last season.</p><p>What's remarkable is that this transformation hasn't affected any other parts of his game. Many players who've chased speed in the past, most notably <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a>, have admitted other areas of their game diminished as a result.</p><p>Schauffele remains an exceptional iron player (fifth in strokes gained: approach), possesses a tremendous short game (first in scrambling), and is one of the best putters in the world (10th in strokes gained: putting). A very strong case can be made that Schauffele is the world's most complete player.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/737864/cropped_GettyImages-2162922751.jpg?ts=1721673559" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/737864/w220xh124_GettyImages-2162922751.jpg?ts=1721673559 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/737864/w320xh180_GettyImages-2162922751.jpg?ts=1721673559 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/737864/w640xh360_GettyImages-2162922751.jpg?ts=1721673559 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/737864/w768xh432_GettyImages-2162922751.jpg?ts=1721673559 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/737864/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2162922751.jpg?ts=1721673559 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Tom Dulat/R&amp;A / R &amp; A / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>His new-found speed and power were apparent Sunday at The Open when he bullied Royal Troon's difficult closing holes. He birdied the second-toughest hole on the course, the par-4 11th, when he muscled his approach out of the rough from 172 yards to two feet. He uncorked effortless drives of 329 and 343 yards on Nos. 13 and 15, respectively, with swings that looked like he was playing in a low-pressure practice round rather than trying to close out what would be the most prestigious victory of his career.</p><p>"I think winning the first one helped me a lot today on the back nine," Schauffele <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=199525">said</a> Sunday. "I had some feeling of calmness come, through. It was very helpful on what has been one of the hardest back nines I've ever played in a tournament."</p><p>He added: "All those tough losses in the past or those moments where I let myself slip up and dream too early on that back nine. I was able to reel myself in today and make sure that didn't happen."</p><p>It's easy to be a prisoner of the moment and project a handful more major championships for the most recent winner. Just think of how many majors people thought McIlroy would win after he claimed his fourth back in 2014.</p><p>But Schauffele's scenario is rare. Not only does he have a long track record of performing in golf's most important events, but he's made the necessary changes to improve a key weakness and set himself up to contend at any course.</p><p>It's hard to come up with two more distinctly different major victories: one on a soft, benign Valhalla setup with a winning score of 21-under, and one on a firm links course with extreme weather.</p><p>What's also fascinating is his two major wins were at the tournaments he's had the least success at. Meanwhile, Schauffele is one of the most consistent U.S. Open players of the last decade, and he has four top-10 finishes in his last six Masters appearances. It's not unreasonable to think that the new world No. 2 is well on his way to becoming only the sixth player in the modern era to win the career grand slam.</p><p>With an optimized swing that allows him to perform at any course, a putter that seemingly never goes cold, and a plethora of experience, it's safe to say the floodgates have officially opened for Schauffele.</p>

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How Xander became a 2-time major winner, and why he's far from done

When competitors enter the arena, you want them to compete. It's the most basic expectation in an...

<p>When competitors enter the arena, you want them to compete. It's the most basic expectation in any sport, at any level.</p><p>In golf, though, it's hard to notice when someone has given up. Golfers who have called it quits can still make birdies, and bogeys are equally as likely regardless of a player's mindset. In basketball or football, meanwhile, a player's effort level is far more obvious.</p><p>As a fan, you'd like to think golfers are doing everything possible to shoot the best score, regardless of their standing on the leaderboard. Maybe that's unrealistic and ignores human nature, but it seems like a low standard to hold the best golfers in the world to, especially at a major championship. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>So when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> admitted he gave up in the middle of his second round at the Open Championship, it was disappointing to hear. </p><p>McIlroy put himself in a bad position after an opening-round 78. He had little to no chance of winning the tournament and an uphill battle to make the cut. </p><p>Qualifying for the weekend became a lot steeper of a climb after he made an eight on the par-5 fourth during Round 2. The triple-bogey dropped him to 11-over par, five shots off the eventual cutline.</p><p>That's when McIlroy gave up. </p><p>"I think once I made the eight on the fourth hole, that was it," McIlroy <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=199430">said</a>. "Twenty-two holes into the event and I'm thinking about where I'm going to go on vacation next week."</p><p>He added: "I knew from then I'd sort of resigned myself to the fact that I wasn't going to shoot, whatever it is, 4- or 5-under from there on in to make the cut. ... It was a pretty meaningless 14 holes after that."</p><p>Perhaps these are throwaway comments from McIlroy, who was venting while attempting to make light of another missed opportunity at a major. But he said what he said, and revealing he checked out mentally while describing 14 holes of major championship golf as "meaningless" is a shocking confession.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637635/cropped_GettyImages-2162053606.jpg?ts=1721492605" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637635/w220xh124_GettyImages-2162053606.jpg?ts=1721492605 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637635/w320xh180_GettyImages-2162053606.jpg?ts=1721492605 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637635/w640xh360_GettyImages-2162053606.jpg?ts=1721492605 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637635/w768xh432_GettyImages-2162053606.jpg?ts=1721492605 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637635/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2162053606.jpg?ts=1721492605 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Zac Goodwin - PA Images / PA Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>What makes McIlroy's remarks even tougher to digest is that there were multiple instances on Friday where a player's performance contradicted his way of thinking.</p><p>First, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4424" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/4424">Joaquin Niemann</a> made an eight on the par-3 eighth hole. His round could have been ruined, but he battled back by playing the remaining 10 holes at 4-under par.</p><p>Then there was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4894" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/4894">Robert MacIntyre</a>, who was in a scenario similar to McIlroy's. MacIntyre was 8-over in his first four holes of Round 2 (DataGolf gave him a 1% chance of making the cut at that point).</p><p>He was also days removed from an emotional victory at the Scottish Open. He easily could have taken his foot off the gas, ended his week at Royal Troon early, and continued celebrating the most important victory of his career.</p><p>Instead, MacIntyre played his final 14 holes - the same amount McIlroy called meaningless - at 4-under par to make the cut by one shot. </p><p>Birdies were out there for McIlroy to make. Shooting 5-under on his final 14 holes wasn't impossible, but in his mind it was, and he took himself out of the fight before the fight was over.</p><p>A rebuttal is that made cuts don't mean anything to McIlroy at this point in his career. That could be true, but that's also a sad reflection on the current state of pro golf.</p><p>In a sport where the saying "you eat what you kill" applies, made cuts should mean something. There are almost as many tournaments without a cut as those with one. McIlroy's been a proponent for more events with a cut, but he's also benefited financially from those without one.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a> always prided himself on his ability to play weekend golf, even with his C- or D-game. Tiger's 142 made-cuts streak is a testament to that and remains one of the most untouchable records in professional sports.</p><p>“You can’t win a tournament unless you make the cut," Tiger <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=197219">said</a> at this year's PGA Championship. "That’s the whole idea is get to the weekend so that you can participate and have a chance to win."</p><p>Woods added: "I've been on the cut number and have won tournaments. ... But you have to get to the weekend in order to win a golf tournament."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2071" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/2071">Max Homa</a> channeled this Tiger-like energy in his second round at Royal Troon when he birdied two of his final three holes to make the cut on the number. </p><p>When his 28-footer dropped on 18, Homa celebrated as if he'd won the tournament. McIlroy, coincidentally, had a front-row seat.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is what it means. <a href="https://twitter.com/Maxhoma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Maxhoma</a> with a birdie on the last to keep his Open dream alive. <br><br>Clutch. <a href="https://t.co/ANbcn3iOIc">pic.twitter.com/ANbcn3iOIc</a></p>— The Open (@TheOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheOpen/status/1814383085770756265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"I'm just proud of myself," Homa <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=199429">said</a> Friday. "This is my favourite tournament in the world. So to have the chance to potentially play two more days, I don't know, I had an out-of-body experience. I didn't really expect to yell like I won a golf tournament. It just felt really good. I felt like I fought all day."</p><p>Being prideful and fighting for the weekend - two things McIlroy could have tried to do in the face of adversity. </p><p>But he didn't. And that's disappointing. </p>

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Rory admitted he gave up at The Open, and that's disappointing

Shane Lowry holds a two-shot lead going into the weekend at the Open Championship and is the +180...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/325" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/325">Shane Lowry</a> holds a two-shot lead going into the weekend at the Open Championship and is the +180 favorite to win the tournament.</p><p>However, pre-tourney favorite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a> is next up on the oddsboard despite being five shots back of Lowry.</p><h3>Odds to win</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
<th>Score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Shane Lowry</td>
<td>+185</td>
<td>-7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>+325</td>
<td>-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justin Rose</td>
<td>+725</td>
<td>-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xander Schauffele</td>
<td>+1000</td>
<td>-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Cantlay</td>
<td>+1800</td>
<td>-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Daniel Brown</td>
<td>+2000</td>
<td>-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Collin Morikawa</td>
<td>+2500</td>
<td>+1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Billy Horschel</td>
<td>+2800</td>
<td>-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corey Conners</td>
<td>+2800</td>
<td>-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brooks Koepka</td>
<td>+2800</td>
<td>+1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>Odds via theScore Bet. Players +3000 and above are not listed. </em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Lowry's odds imply a winning probability of 35.1%, while Scheffler's equates to a 23.5% chance of winning. The Irishman was priced at +4500 before Round 1, much longer than Scheffler's +500.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1013" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1013">Justin Rose</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2367" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/2367">Daniel Brown</a>, who share second place, are +725 and +2000, respectively. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1213" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1213">Xander Schauffele</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1451" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1451">Patrick Cantlay</a> trail Lowry by six shots but sit fourth and fifth on the betting board, a sign of respect from oddsmakers.</p><p>Saturday's weather forecast looks calm compared to Rounds 1 and 2, meaning there could be some low scores to help chasers narrow the gap.</p>

TROON, SCOTLAND - JULY 19: Shane Lowry of Ireland reacts as he just misses an eagle on the 16th hole on day two of The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on July 19, 2024 in Troon, Scotland.

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Lowry slightly favored over Scheffler heading through 36 hole at The Open

Royal Troon showed no mercy toward some of the game's top players, especially those who played du...

<p>Royal Troon showed no mercy toward some of the game's top players, especially those who played during Friday afternoon's difficult scoring conditions.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/437" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/437">Bryson DeChambeau</a> were among that unlucky group and headline the notables to miss the cut at the Open Championship. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5384" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/5384">Ludvig Aberg</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/678" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/678">Tommy Fleetwood</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2172" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/2172">Tony Finau</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5297" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/5297">Viktor Hovland</a> also failed to get inside the 6-over cutline. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Those six aforementioned players were near the top of the oddsboard before the tournament started and part of the less favorable tee-time wave.</p><p>The scoring average for the field in the Thursday morning-Friday afternoon wave was 74.9, two shots more than the late-early wave.</p><p>The average score for the Friday afternoon wave was 75.3. Royal Troon is a par 71.</p><p>McIlroy, who entered the tourney as the second favorite behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a>, finished the week at 12-over, only three shots ahead of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a>. It's McIlroy's third missed cut at The Open in his career and second since 2013.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4240" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/4240">Sahith Theegala</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4453" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/4453">Wyndham Clark</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5772" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/5772">Tom Kim</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/891" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/891">Cam Smith</a> are a few of the other top golfers heading home early from Scotland.</p><p>Ten of the top 20 players in the Official World Golf Ranking missed the cut.</p>

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy reacts on the 17th green during his second round, on day two of the 152nd British Open Golf Championship at Royal Troon on the south west coast of Scotland on July 19, 2024.

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McIlroy, DeChambeau headline notables to miss cut at Royal Troon

Tiger Woods shot 79-77 over two rounds at Royal Troon to tie his worst career 36-hole score in a ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a> shot 79-77 over two rounds at Royal Troon to tie his worst career 36-hole score in a major championship, according to the <a href="https://x.com/JustinRayGolf/status/1814293230676242594">Twenty First Group's Justin Ray</a>.</p><p>"Well, it wasn't very good," Tiger said after his Friday round. "I made a double there at 2 right out of the hopper when I needed to go the other way. Just was fighting it pretty much all day. I never really hit it close enough to make birdies and, consequently, made a lot of bogeys."</p><p>Woods' total of 156 tied his performance from the 2015 U.S. Open and put him ahead of only five players on the leaderboard when his day was over. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Despite the forgettable score, Woods, who received a standing ovation from the Scottish fans as he walked up the 18th fairway, remained positive about his progress. </p><p>"I've gotten better, even though my results really haven't shown it, but physically, I've gotten better, which is great," Tiger said. "I just need to keep progressing like that and then eventually start playing more competitively and start getting into kind of the competitive flow again."</p><p>But it'll be a while before we see Tiger tee it up again. He confirmed the next time he'll play a competitive round will be at the Hero World Challenge - the December tournament he hosts in the Bahamas. He then plans to play in the PNC Championship with his son, Charlie.</p><p>His lack of competitive reps is a large reason why he struggled in majors this season. Woods played five times this year, made one cut at the Masters, missed the cut at the three other majors, and withdrew from the Genesis Invitational. </p><p>Even though he said he wouldn't play if he didn't think he could win, Tiger admitted he was looking to catch lightning in a bottle for a week. </p><p>"I was hoping that I would find it somehow, just never did," he said. "Consequently, my results and scores were pretty high."</p>

TROON, SCOTLAND - JULY 19: Tiger Woods of the United States reacts on the 18th green during day two of The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on July 19, 2024 in Troon, Scotland.

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Tiger ties worst 36-hole total in major championship career

Round 1 of the Open Championship is in the books, and boy did it deliver.  With the help of Mothe...

<p>Round 1 of the Open Championship is in the books, and boy did it deliver.</p><p>With the help of Mother Nature, Royal Troon presented a strong test to the field with wind, rain, and cool air wreaking havoc. Only 17 players finished Thursday under par, with relative unknown <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2367" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/2367">Daniel Brown</a> holding a one-shot lead over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/325" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/325">Shane Lowry</a>.</p><p>Here are the biggest takeaways from Day 1, setting the stage for what should be three more rounds of thrilling entertainment. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Lowry shines, Brown shocks</strong></p><p>It's certainly not a surprise to see Lowry near the top of the leaderboard at the Open Championship. Exactly five years ago to the day, the Irishman fired a brilliant opening round at the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush to sit one stroke off the overnight lead. He went on to claim his first major title with a comfortable victory in front of a raucous local crowd on the coast of Northern Ireland.</p><p>Lowry will certainly be hoping history repeats itself this week as he's in the exact same position after an outstanding bogey-free round on Thursday. It looked like he would hold the solo lead following a birdie on the 18th hole, but Brown just edged him out with a closing three of his own on the par-4 finisher. Lowry's putter was red-hot on the day, as he holed 126 feet of putts and led the field on the greens.</p><p>While Lowry's standing isn't a shock, Brown's is completely unexpected. The 29-year-old is making his major championship debut this week and entered the week having missed seven of his last eight cuts. However, the World No. 273 performed like a seasoned veteran in difficult conditions with six birdies and zero bogeys on the card. Perhaps most impressive is that he was in the second-to-last group of the day. That meant his birdie on the 18th hole came in near darkness as the sun slipped behind the crowds.</p><p><strong>More of the same</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637401/cropped_GettyImages-2162557816.jpg?ts=1721333883" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637401/w220xh124_GettyImages-2162557816.jpg?ts=1721333883 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637401/w320xh180_GettyImages-2162557816.jpg?ts=1721333883 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637401/w640xh360_GettyImages-2162557816.jpg?ts=1721333883 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637401/w768xh432_GettyImages-2162557816.jpg?ts=1721333883 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637401/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2162557816.jpg?ts=1721333883 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It was the same old story for <a href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a> on Thursday, as the 15-time major winner showed a brief flash of brilliance before it all came crashing down. Woods sparked interest early, as he's done many times in recent majors, with a long birdie putt on the third hole. But that was the lone bright spot of his day.</p><p>He limped his way to an opening-round 79, ranks outside the top 140 in both strokes gained: approach and putting, and only beat 12 golfers. Somewhere, Colin Montgomerie is saying, "I told you so."</p><p><strong>Big dogs lurking</strong></p><p>It doesn't take a lot of scrolling to find standout names on the leaderboard. </p><p><a href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1213">Xander Schauffele</a>, <a href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a>, and <a href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1461">Brooks Koepka</a> are all within five of the lead and are three of the top four favorites to win the tournament.</p><p>Schauffele and Scheffler are attempting to add a second major title to their season count. Schauffele relied on his well-rounded game to record a 2-under opening round, while Scheffler was sensational tee-to-green but struggled with the flatstick once again.</p><p>Koepka flew under the radar in the lead-up to the event, with betting odds ballooning as high as +4000. After two early bogeys, Koepka rattled off four straight birdies to remind everyone he still needs to be taken seriously at major championships.</p><p>It appears this trio caught the better side of the draw with early tee times Friday morning in what will likely be more scorable conditions. Don't be shocked if one of them is leading heading into the weekend.</p><p><strong>Postage Stamp delivers</strong></p><p>It's the shortest hole in major championship golf, but the signature 118-yard "Postage Stamp" par 3 once again flummoxed the world's best on Thursday at Royal Troon. Despite the hole being just a wedge from the tee box, just over half the field was able to find the green in regulation. That yielded 33 bogeys and 20 double-bogeys or worse as it played to a stroke average of 3.28 on the day. That made it the fifth-toughest hole at Troon for Round 1.</p><p>Three of the world's top six players double-bogeyed the hole, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/3135" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/3135">Collin Morikawa</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4453" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/4453">Wyndham Clark</a> all undone by one of the suffocating bunkers.</p><p>To make matters worse, the pin position on Thursday was among the easiest on the narrow green. Things can only get worse the rest of the week if the wind stays stiff on the west coast of Scotland.</p><p><strong>Baffled Bryson</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637315/cropped_GettyImages-2161909237.jpg?ts=1721312410" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637315/w220xh124_GettyImages-2161909237.jpg?ts=1721312410 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637315/w320xh180_GettyImages-2161909237.jpg?ts=1721312410 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637315/w640xh360_GettyImages-2161909237.jpg?ts=1721312410 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637315/w768xh432_GettyImages-2161909237.jpg?ts=1721312410 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637315/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2161909237.jpg?ts=1721312410 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Owen Humphreys - PA Images / PA Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It was a miserable Thursday morning for the reigning U.S. Open champ, who may have been the wind's most notable victim. <a href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/437">Bryson DeChambeau</a> played the first six holes - the ones that played into the wind - at 5-over par, a stretch that includes two usually scorable par 5s. He made the turn at 42 but managed to steady the ship as he headed back toward the clubhouse. </p><p>DeChambeau eventually signed for a 76, going even par on his final 12 holes. He'll need to carry that form into Friday - which has a similar forecast - to have any chance of making the weekend, or he'll be adding another disappointing Open Championship finish to his resume.</p><p><strong>Troon shows its teeth</strong></p><p>With a very wet summer thus far in Scotland, the usual firm conditions we've grown accustomed to at Royal Troon were nowhere to be seen. That caused most people on site to predict excellent scoring for the season's final major. While there's still plenty of golf to be played, the early returns say that won't be the case. A switch in wind direction from the practice rounds this week befuddled most of the morning wave, with the prevailing wind essentially flipping and hitting the players in the face over the opening six holes.</p><p>"It was definitely tricky. It was difficult," McIlroy <a data-in-app-uri="" href="">said about the wind</a> after his round Thursday. "You play your practice rounds, and you try to come up with a strategy that you think is going to get you around the golf course. Then when the wind is like that, you start to - you know, other options present themselves, and you start to second guess yourself a little bit."</p><p><strong>JT might be back</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637316/cropped_GettyImages-2162499945.jpg?ts=1721312571" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637316/w220xh124_GettyImages-2162499945.jpg?ts=1721312571 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637316/w320xh180_GettyImages-2162499945.jpg?ts=1721312571 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637316/w640xh360_GettyImages-2162499945.jpg?ts=1721312571 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637316/w768xh432_GettyImages-2162499945.jpg?ts=1721312571 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637316/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2162499945.jpg?ts=1721312571 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Warren Little / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><a href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1747">Justin Thomas</a> grabbed the early lead thanks to a 3-under 68, a round capped with back-to-back birdies. His first-round score was 13 shots better than the one he posted at last year's Open, showing how far his game has come in 12 months. </p><p>The fast start shouldn't be that much of a surprise, though, since his game has been trending for a few months. Thomas finished fifth at the RBC Heritage, eighth at the PGA Championship, and fifth at the Travelers - all tournaments with elite fields. He was also the first-round leader at the Scottish Open last week before three rounds in the 70s plummeted him down the leaderboard. </p><p>Thomas has thrived in windy conditions throughout his career - the 2021 Players stands out specifically - making his lackluster results at Open Championships even more puzzling. But if he embraces the conditions and continues to show discipline after he hits a bad shot, he'll have his best chance at winning his first Claret Jug on Sunday. </p><p><strong>Rory's disaster</strong></p><p>The two most famous holes at Royal Troon turned a decent day to disaster for McIlroy in his first major round since his heartbreaking second-place finish last month at Pinehurst.</p><p>The short par-3 8th, known as the "Postage Stamp," requires just a wedge to a tiny green framed by bunkers, but it can be treacherous for anything off-line. McIlroy's tee shot got caught up in the wind and finished in one of the cavernous bunkers near a steep wall. He couldn't get out on his first attempt and blew his second past the hole before two-putting for double-bogey.</p><p>The other iconic hole at Troon is the long par-4 11th with out-of-bounds in the form of a railway line down the right side of the fairway and deep gorse bushes on the left. McIlroy's tee shot never stood a chance, ending up halfway to the next town on the rail line. The driver was an issue all day as McIlroy finished his day ranked 120th in strokes gained: off the tee - a staggering number considering he's second on the PGA TOUR in that stat for the season.</p><p>Forget contending for the championship, McIlroy now faces an uphill battle just to play the weekend and avoid just his second missed cut in a major in his last 15 starts.</p>

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Takeaways from Day 1 at The Open

Of the four major championships, The Open tends to provide long shots with the best opportunity a...

<p>Of the four major championships, The Open tends to provide long shots with the best opportunity at glory. The nature of links golf - the wind, rain, unpredictable terrain, and deadly pot bunkers - helps level the playing field and can create lucky bounces that ultimately decide who hoists the Claret Jug.</p><p>Players like Ben Curtis, Todd Hamilton, and last year's winner, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1171" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1171">Brian Harman</a>, were all well down the betting board before they etched their names in history. </p><p>Here are four players who could follow in Harman's footsteps with a surprise major victory this week at Royal Troon.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Aaron Rai (+6000)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635876/cropped_GettyImages-2160627614.jpg?ts=1720228442" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635876/w220xh124_GettyImages-2160627614.jpg?ts=1720228442 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635876/w320xh180_GettyImages-2160627614.jpg?ts=1720228442 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635876/w640xh360_GettyImages-2160627614.jpg?ts=1720228442 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635876/w768xh432_GettyImages-2160627614.jpg?ts=1720228442 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635876/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2160627614.jpg?ts=1720228442 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Dylan Buell / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>If you've been paying attention to PGA TOUR golf over the past few weeks, you'd have seen Rai's name near the top of the leaderboard on multiple occasions. </p><p>The Englishman is playing as well as anyone in the field. He's recorded five straight top-20 results, including a runner-up at the Rocket Mortgage Classic and a T4 last week at the Scottish Open.</p><p>Rai is one of the most accurate drivers of the ball in the field, which goes a long way in avoiding the thick fescue or fairway bunkers. He's also a fantastic iron player.</p><h3>Akshay Bhatia (+8000)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5671" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/5671">Bhatia</a> is in the midst of a breakout campaign on the PGA TOUR. He earned his second title in April, nearly won the Rocket Mortgage Classic, finished T5 at the Travelers Championship (a signature event), and recorded his first career top-20 finish. He's also projected to make the 2024 Presidents Cup team.</p><p>All that's left is for him to contend in the year's final major, and Royal Troon should allow him to do so. He hits a ton of fairways and is a great long-iron player - two strengths that play anywhere, not just major championship venues.</p><h3>Russell Henley (+15000)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/586794/cropped_GettyImages-1592068284.jpg?ts=1691190832" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/586794/w220xh124_GettyImages-1592068284.jpg?ts=1691190832 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/586794/w320xh180_GettyImages-1592068284.jpg?ts=1691190832 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/586794/w640xh360_GettyImages-1592068284.jpg?ts=1691190832 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/586794/w768xh432_GettyImages-1592068284.jpg?ts=1691190832 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/586794/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1592068284.jpg?ts=1691190832 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Logan Whitton / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Henley is stringing together a consistent season and came T7 at the U.S. Open. He ranks 16th in DataGolf's rankings, which use strokes-gained data across all tours to compare players. That's much higher than name-brand players such as Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, and Cam Smith.</p><p>The comps between Henley and Harman are almost too convenient. They both have last names that start with "H," are former Georgia Bulldogs, and are shorter hitters with exceptional iron games. Plus, Henley is +15000 to win, the same odds as Harman's last year.</p><h3>Tom McKibbin (+20000)</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637127/cropped_GettyImages-2162218629.jpg?ts=1721160557" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637127/w220xh124_GettyImages-2162218629.jpg?ts=1721160557 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637127/w320xh180_GettyImages-2162218629.jpg?ts=1721160557 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637127/w640xh360_GettyImages-2162218629.jpg?ts=1721160557 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637127/w768xh432_GettyImages-2162218629.jpg?ts=1721160557 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637127/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2162218629.jpg?ts=1721160557 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Stuart Franklin/R&amp;A / R &amp; A / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>There always seems to be a younger player who pops up on the Open Championship leaderboard that North American fans learn plenty about in the early rounds.</p><p>McKibbin, who plays exclusively on the DP World Tour, could be that golfer this year. The 21-year-old lost in a playoff two starts ago at the Italian Open and is playing great golf this season. He ranks 10th in the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai rankings. </p><p>McKibbin made the cut and came T41 in his first career major championship start at Pinehurst, which isn't the easiest venue to play. The Northern Irishman should feel right at home playing links golf in cool, likely wet conditions. Plus, playing practice rounds with Open Championship winners Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke can only help his preparation.</p>

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 30: Akshay Bhatia (USA) drives the ball off the tee during the fourth round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic on June 30, 2024 at Detroit Golf Club in Detroit, Michigan.

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4 long shots who could replicate Harman's Open Championship win

The All-Star festivities got underway Monday night with the Dodgers' Teoscar Hernández winning th...

<p>The All-Star festivities got underway Monday night with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/26" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/26">Dodgers</a>' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4472" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/4472">Teoscar Hernández</a> winning the Home Run Derby as a +1000 longshot - the sixth-longest odds of the eight contestants.</p><p>Now it's time for the main event.</p><p>The American League is a slight -120 favorite over the National League in the 2024 Midsummer Classic. Last year, the NL snapped a nine-game winless streak that dated back to 2013 with a 3-2 victory at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The AL will send the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/1" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/1">Orioles</a>' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9580" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/9580">Corbin Burnes</a> to the mound to take on rookie sensation <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a>, who will become the first rookie to start an All-Star Game since Hideo Nomo in 1995.</p><p>Here are the starting lineups for both sides: </p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>American League</th>
<th>National League</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>LF - Steven Kwan (CLE)</td>
<td>2B - Ketel Marte (ARI)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SS - Gunnar Henderson (BAL)</td>
<td>DH - Shohei Ohtani (LAD)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RF - Juan Soto (NYY)</td>
<td>SS - Trea Turner (PHI)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CF - Aaron Judge (NYY)</td>
<td>1B - Bryce Harper (PHI)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DH - Yordan Alvarez (HOU)</td>
<td>C - William Contreras (MIL)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3B - José Ramírez (CLE)</td>
<td>RF - Christian Yelich (MIL)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1B - Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR)</td>
<td>3B - Alec Bohm (PHI)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C - Adley Rutschman (BAL)</td>
<td>CF - Teoscar Hernández (LAD)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2B - Marcus Semien (TEX)</td>
<td>LF - Jurickson Profar (SD)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Despite two loaded lineups and plenty of pop coming off the bench, All-Star Games were low-scoring in recent years. Six of the past seven games had fewer than 7.5 runs, the current betting total for Tuesday's game. The under is the slight favorite at -120.</p><p>If you thought betting on the Home Run Derby was a crapshoot, how about the All-Star Game MVP?</p><p>With limited at-bats, predicting which player will win the award is difficult. You're banking on a player to hit a key home run or cash in a few runners with a timely double. Good luck calling that. </p><h3>MVP odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Shohei Ohtani</td>
<td>+800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aaron Judge</td>
<td>+950</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryce Harper</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gunnar Henderson</td>
<td>+1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Juan Soto</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trea Turner</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yordan Alvarez</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adley Rutschman</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bobby Witt Jr.</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christian Yelich</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elly De La Cruz</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>José Ramírez</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ketel Marte</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>William Contreras</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>Odds via theScore Bet. Players above +2500 are not listed. </em></p><p>Ohtani is the slight favorite over Judge, but it's evident given the condensed prices that oddsmakers have little idea who will win the award. If anything, backing a starter with longer odds, since they are likely to get two or maybe three at-bats, is the most valuable route to take.</p><p>If you are thinking about backing a pitcher to win the award, keep in mind that only two pitchers (Shane Bieber in 2019 and Mariano Rivera in 2013) have earned the honor since 2000.</p>

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 15: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves speaks with Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Globe Life Field on July 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

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MLB All-Star Game odds: AL slight favorites, Ohtani tops MVP board

The final major of the year is here.  The Open Championship at Royal Troon is set to begin early ...

<p>The final major of the year is here.</p><p>The Open Championship at Royal Troon is set to begin early Thursday morning, with World No. 1 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1540" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1540">Scottie Scheffler</a> the betting favorite once again.</p><p>The last time Troon hosted the Open Championship, in 2016, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/568" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/568">Henrik Stenson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1308" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1308">Phil Mickelson</a> went toe-to-toe in an epic final-round duel. Stenson claimed the top spot with runner-up Mickelson finishing a whopping 11 strokes clear of third place.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Scheffler was still at the University of Texas when Stenson hoisted the Claret Jug. Now, the former is the +500 favorite to win his second major of the year and becomes the first player to be favored in all four majors since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a> in 2013. </p><p>However, if he's going to win from the top position on the oddsboard, Scheffler will have to snap a nearly decade-long drought: No favorite has won The Open since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> was a co-favorite in 2014.</p><p>Of the four major championships, Scheffler's results across the pond have been his worst. He's only played the event three times and collected one top-10 finish. The other two results were a T21 in 2022 and a T23 from last year.</p><h3>The favorites</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td>+800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ludvig Aberg</td>
<td>+1300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xander Schauffele</td>
<td>+1300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryson DeChambeau</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Collin Morikawa</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>McIlroy is Scheffler's stiffest competition, according to <a href="https://thescore.bet/sport/golf/organization/majors/competition/open-championship">theScore Bet</a>. This will be the Northern Irishman's second start since he had the U.S. Open title in his grasp last month before a couple of short putts derailed his chances.</p><p>His history at The Open is strong, and McIlroy is coming off a solid T4 showing at the Scottish Open. The question is whether or not he'll be able to rebound quickly following a major championship collapse. That said, he did just that with a U.S. Open victory after blowing a massive final-round lead at the 2011 Masters.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/437" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/437">Bryson DeChambeau</a> is also among the favorites after claiming his second U.S. Open title. He's put together the strongest major season of anyone so far with a T6 at the Masters, a runner-up result at the PGA Championship, and, of course, his win at Pinehurst. But The Open has given DeChambeau trouble in the past: He only has one top-10 finish in six attempts and no other results inside the top 30.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/3135" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/3135">Collin Morikawa</a>, who won the 2021 Open, is trending toward his third major title. In his last nine starts, which include three majors and four elevated events, he hasn't finished outside the top 20 and has five top-five results. He'll likely be in the mix come Sunday.</p><h3>The contenders</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Jon Rahm</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tommy Fleetwood</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyrrell Hatton</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert MacIntyre</td>
<td>+2800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Viktor Hovland</td>
<td>+2800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cam Smith</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brooks Koepka</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shane Lowry</td>
<td>+3500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sahith Theegala</td>
<td>+4500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tom Kim</td>
<td>+4500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Adam Scott</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hideki Matsuyama</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Louis Oosthuizen</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Cantlay</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tony Finau</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cameron Young</td>
<td>+5500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Min Woo Lee</td>
<td>+5500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sungjae Im</td>
<td>+5500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joaquin Niemann</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justin Thomas</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt Fitzpatrick</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wyndham Clark</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Harman</td>
<td>+6600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corey Conners</td>
<td>+7000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jordan Spieth</td>
<td>+7000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Max Homa</td>
<td>+9000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>This group boasts former World No. 1s, major winners, a handful of LIV players, and elite talent still searching for their first career major victory. What's more, only two players priced below +2000 have won the Open Championship since 2010, so there's a good chance the winner comes from the list above and isn't one of the favorites.</p><h3>Previous Open Championship winners: </h3><p>2023: Brian Harman (+15000)<br>2022: Cam Smith (+2000)<br>2021: Collin Morikawa (+4000)<br>2019: Shane Lowry (+7000)<br>2018: Francesco Molinari (+3300)<br>2017: Jordan Spieth (+1600)<br>2016: Henrik Stenson (+3300)<br>2015: Zach Johnson (+11000)<br>2014: Rory McIlroy (+1400)<br>2013: Phil Mickelson (+2000)<br>2012: Ernie Els (+4500)<br>2011: Darren Clarke (+20000)<br>2010: Louis Oosthuizen (+25000)</p><p>Tiger is making just his fifth start of the year and is priced at +20000 to win at Royal Troon. He missed the cut in his two most recent major starts, finished T60 at the Masters, and withdrew from the Genesis Invitational in February. It's been a nightmare of a year for Tiger on the course, but a solid result this week could be a step in the right direction for 2025.</p>

TROON, SCOTLAND - JULY 14: Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays a shot from a bunker during a practice round prior to The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on July 14, 2024 in Troon, Scotland.

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Open Championship odds: Scheffler looks to end favorites' drought

Two-time champ Pete Alonso is the betting favorite to win the 2024 Home Run Derby after MLB final...

<p>Two-time champ <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8674" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/8674">Pete Alonso</a> is the betting favorite to win the 2024 Home Run Derby after MLB finalized the field Wednesday.</p><p>This will be Alonso's fifth time participating in the All-Star break competition. He won his first two appearances but failed to reach the finals in the past two derbys.</p><p>If the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/17" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/17">Mets</a> slugger wins a third, he'll tie Ken Griffey Jr. for the most derby titles.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Home Run Derby odds" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-RF5Sh" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/RF5Sh/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8821" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/8821">Adolis García</a> is the second favorite. He participated in the Home Run Derby last season but lost in the first round to the eventual runner-up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9644" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/9644">Randy Arozarena</a>. García will look to excite the hometown <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/14" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/14">Rangers</a> crowd with a deeper run this time around.</p><p>Two of the game's best young shortstops, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12258" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/12258">Gunnar Henderson</a> (+550) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12336" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/12336">Bobby Witt Jr.</a> (+600), will compete in their first Home Run Derby. Henderson has the most dingers out of anyone in the field this year with 27, which ranks third behind MLB leader <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a>.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3034" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/3034">Marcell Ozuna</a>, switch-hitting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4066" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/4066">José Ramírez</a>, and derby debutants <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4472" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/4472">Teoscar Hernández</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10702" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/10702">Alec Bohm</a> round out the eight-man field.</p><p>Last year's champ, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vlad Guerrero Jr.</a>, opted out of defending his title. </p><p>It's worth noting the change to the competition's format. All eight players will now participate in a round-robin instead of the single-elimination bracket, in which seeding was based on how many home runs the player had hit in the season.</p><p>From there, the top four performers will be seeded in two head-to-head semifinals, with the winners advancing to the finals.</p><p>The Home Run Derby goes Monday at 8 p.m. ET.</p>

DENVER, CO - JULY 12: Pete Alonso celebrates after defeating Trey Mancini of the Baltimore Orioles during the MLB Home Run Derby at Coors Field on Monday, July 12, 2021.

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Alonso favored to win record-tying 3rd Home Run Derby crown

With training camp right around the corner, the Steelers quarterback room looks very different th...

<p>With training camp right around the corner, the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/11" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/11">Steelers</a> quarterback room looks very different this year: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/12258" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/12258">Russell Wilson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161671" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/161671">Justin Fields</a> are in, and 2022 first-rounder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/173994" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/173994">Kenny Pickett</a> is out. </p><p>Pittsburgh picked up both new quarterbacks for cheap this past offseason. They signed Wilson to a one-year, $1.2-millon deal after the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/5" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/5">Broncos</a> cut him and sent the Bears a conditional sixth-round pick for Fields.</p><p>Head coach Mike Tomlin said Wilson is the leading candidate to start Week 1 but didn't completely close the door on Fields grabbing the QB1 title.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Rest assured when it's time to compete, Justin (Fields) will be given an opportunity to compete, and we'll allow those guys to sort themselves out," Tomlin <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2876507" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2876507">said</a> in March. </p><p>Oddsmakers at <a href="https://thescore.bet/sport/football/organization/united-states/competition/nfl/section/player_futures">theScore Bet</a> reacted accordingly. </p><p>Wilson is priced at -1000 (90.9% implied probability) to be under center when the Steelers head to Atlanta to take on the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/29" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/29">Falcons</a> in Week 1. Fields is +550 (15.4 implied probability) to beat out Wilson in training camp.</p><p>It makes sense for Fields to spend some time behind Wilson in a backup role. The 25-year-old is still an unpolished NFL quarterback despite playing 40 games for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/25" href="https://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/25">Bears</a> over three seasons and showing flashes of brilliance, mainly with his legs.</p><p>But the argument in favor of Fields is also understandable. After the Broncos gave up a lot to acquire him, Wilson's two years in Denver were a disaster: He posted the two lowest QBRs of his career in the Mile High City. He now enters his first year with the Steelers at 35 years old. </p><p>Regardless of the direction Tomlin decides to move in, there's reason for both optimism and concern under center in Pittsburgh. </p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 6: Russell Wilson #3 looks on alongside Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Pittsburgh Steelers OTA offseason workout at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 6 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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What the odds say: Does Fields have a chance to start in Week 1?

To say the selection of Keegan Bradley as Team USA's captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup was surprisin...

<p>To say the selection of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/796" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/796">Keegan Bradley</a> as Team USA's captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup was surprising is an understatement.</p><p>It was so shocking that even Bradley was caught off guard when he was offered the position. In Tuesday's introductory press conference, Bradley said he wasn't aware he was under consideration until he was told the job was his.</p><p>He was never on anybody's radar. And why would he be?</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ever since Bethpage Black was announced as the host venue for 2025, Phil Mickelson was pegged as the obvious choice. It was a perfect fit given his experience and the mutual love between New Yorkers and "Lefty." Plus, everyone drooled over the potential for a Mickelson-versus-Ian Poulter Ryder Cup.</p><p>But Mickelson's - and Poulter's, for that matter - bridge-burning departure to LIV forced the PGA of America to go elsewhere.</p><p>It was thought Tiger Woods would be the next man up. After a successful run as the 2019 Presidents Cup captain and numerous stints as an assistant, Tiger seemed like an ideal option, especially since it's only a matter of time before he leads a Ryder Cup.</p><p>But it doesn't appear the timing was right for Woods. He turned down the opportunity, unable to commit the time and energy required as he takes on a larger role in attempting to mend the relationship between the PGA TOUR and LIV.</p><p>With Tiger out of the picture, the attention immediately turned to a far more traditional name - Stewart Cink.</p><p>Cink fits the mold of past captains. He's a major winner, a member of eight Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams, and he recently served as an assistant captain - a key prerequisite for prospective captains.</p><p>Cink is also from the same era as recent captains Steve Stricker, Davis Love III, Jim Furyk, and, most recently, Zach Johnson.</p><p>No one would have batted an eye had the PGA of America gone with Cink, or even decided to run things back with Stricker or Love. Those selections wouldn't have given the event the same juice as Mickelson or Woods, but they would have made sense. </p><p>Bradley's name never came up in speculation, and there are obvious reasons why.</p><p>He'll only be 39 in September next year, is still a highly competitive golfer, and has no experience in an assistant role. He was in the mix to make the 2023 team and openly discussed his goals of playing in future Ryder Cups.</p><p>Why would he want to take the position while it's believed he still has a good chance to make it as a player? </p><p>Let's face it - he doesn't have the stature within the game to pick himself as a playing captain as Tiger did in 2019. So, the slim possibility remains that Bradley automatically qualifies for the team and has to relinquish some - or all - of his captain duties to someone else.</p><p>Maybe he's accepted that his best playing days are behind him and, with the deep crop of American players, he'll unlikely have as good of a shot as he had in 2023. If Bradley is at peace with that, everyone else should be, too.</p><p>But even though the Bradley selection was shocking - and somewhat forced upon the PGA of America due to a lack of options - it couldn't have been a better choice.</p><p>Going with Bradley signals a much-needed philosophical change for an American group searching for answers after a disastrous loss in Rome. </p><p>Bradley's omission in 2023, which came to the forefront during Netflix's second season of "Full Swing," highlighted a big problem. The U.S. team was turning into a closed-door program, and if you weren't "in" with those on the team, you didn't have a chance.</p><p>"I've always been an outsider in the sport, but I have tried to get closer to the guys I thought would be on the team," Bradley <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2701961" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2701961">said</a> after not being picked last year. "I feel like moving forward, I'm going to have to automatically qualify for the Ryder Cup."</p><p>Being friends with certain players shouldn't increase your chances of being picked. Bradley's captaincy should put an end to the buddy-buddy system that failed miserably in Rome. </p><p>The issues surrounding America's team didn't go away after Johnson made his picks, either. A dark cloud hung over the group when rumors about some players' discontent with their compensation - or lack thereof - surfaced during the event.</p><p>You know who would have loved to represent the USA without asking for a penny in return? The man who won't open his 2012 Ryder Cup bag until he wins one.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwkhtB2s8u4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwkhtB2s8u4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwkhtB2s8u4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Keegan Bradley (@keeganbradley1)</a></p>
</div></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Bradley will undoubtedly bring pride and passion to a team that sometimes seems to lack those immeasurables - especially compared to the tight-knit European side. </p><p>Perhaps a captain who cares too much is meaningless and won't transfer to on-course success, but at least we know Bradley will pour his heart into leading his players and do everything he can to help them win. </p><p>Let's not discredit Bradley's resume, either. He's a major champion, has participated in two Ryder Cups and a Presidents Cup, and is a six-time PGA TOUR winner. It wouldn't have been nearly the same surprise had this captaincy been announced 10 years from now. </p><p>Plus, who doesn't love a good underdog story? From Ryder Cup snub to the team's next captain. What a difference a year makes.</p>

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American team gets it right with surprise Bradley captaincy

Amateur Luke Clanton is the betting favorite at this week's ISCO Championship, the PGA TOUR's alt...

<p>Amateur <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/7706" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/7706">Luke Clanton</a> is the betting favorite at this week's ISCO Championship, the PGA TOUR's alternate-field event in Kentucky.</p><p>It's the only known occasion where an amateur has been atop a PGA TOUR oddsboard.</p><p>Clanton, who's entering his junior year at Florida State, is +1200 at <a href="https://thescore.bet/sport/golf/organization/pga-tour/competition/isco-championship">theScore Bet</a>. He's priced ahead of former collegiate competitor <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5813" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/5813">Michael Thorbjornsen</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Clanton was a runner-up at last week's John Deere Classic and finished T10 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic a week prior. His back-to-back top-10 results mark the first time an amateur has accomplished the feat on the PGA TOUR since 1958.</p><p>The 20-year-old vaulted up to No. 212 in the Official World Golf Ranking despite having only three starts in professional tournaments.</p><p>If he pulls off the victory as the favorite, Clanton will become the second amateur to win the PGA TOUR this year. Nick Dunlap won the American Express in January to become the first amateur to win on the PGA TOUR since Phil Mickelson in 1991. </p>

SILVIS, ILLINOIS - JULY 07: Amateur Luke Clanton of the United States walks off the second tee during the final round of the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run on July 07, 2024 in Silvis, Illinois.

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Amateur Clanton betting favorite at Kentucky's PGA TOUR event

An advertisement for the 2024 Presidents Cup recently surfaced featuring Jordan Spieth and Justin...

<p>An advertisement for the 2024 Presidents Cup recently surfaced featuring <a href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/55">Jordan Spieth</a> and <a href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1747">Justin Thomas</a>.</p><p>For most people clicking through Instagram, there's nothing to this. Spieth and Thomas are two of the most recognizable players on the PGA TOUR and have been the faces of American golf for nearly a decade. Using them to drive ticket sales makes sense.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635601/cropped_IMG_5211.jpg?ts=1720033100" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635601/w220xh124_IMG_5211.jpg?ts=1720033100 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635601/w320xh180_IMG_5211.jpg?ts=1720033100 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635601/w640xh360_IMG_5211.jpg?ts=1720033100 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635601/w768xh432_IMG_5211.jpg?ts=1720033100 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635601/w1080xh607_IMG_5211.jpg?ts=1720033100 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Presidents Cup Instagram</span></figcaption></figure><p>However, there's a problem with the picture choice. Not only does it show the two buddies having fun together (we'll get to that in a moment), but it also implies that both players will represent Team USA in Montreal.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Right now, that's a <em>big</em> assumption.</p><p>Thomas ranks 14th on the American points list, while Spieth is much further down at 24th. The top six at the conclusion of the BMW Championship on Aug. 24 automatically qualify for the team, leaving captain Jim Furyk with six picks to complete his 12-man roster.</p><p>If there aren't any changes and Furyk sticks with the next six on the points list, neither Thomas nor Spieth will be in Montreal.</p><p>But that seems unlikely based on recent team events, and there's a non-zero chance both will be on Team USA if Spieth shows any signs of life late in the season.</p><p>It's become a common occurrence for American captains to prioritize team-room chemistry over on-course performance. </p><p>"Buddy ball" was a term coined to describe the 2023 American Ryder Cup squad captained by Zach Johnson, who picked PGA champ <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1461" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1461">Brooks Koepka</a> (a no-brainer), Spieth, Thomas, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/924" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/924">Rickie Fowler</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1319" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1319">Sam Burns</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/3135" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/3135">Collin Morikawa</a>.</p><p>Everyone in golf knows how close Spieth, Thomas, and Fowler are, and it's believed the trio's friendship played a factor in Johnson's decision.</p><p>In Spieth's defense, he was eighth on the Ryder Cup points list and deserving of a spot. Fowler and Thomas, who ranked 13th and 15th respectively, were selected over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5830" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/5830">Cameron Young</a> (ninth) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/796" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/796">Keegan Bradley</a> (11th), which opened up Johnson's captaincy to criticism.</p><p>Thomas was the best performer of the three - none overly impressed - with a 1-2-1 record in Rome. Spieth earned a single point by going 0-2-2, and Fowler came up empty-handed.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/594465/cropped_GettyImages-1701275868.jpg?ts=1696349692" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/594465/w220xh124_GettyImages-1701275868.jpg?ts=1696349692 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/594465/w320xh180_GettyImages-1701275868.jpg?ts=1696349692 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/594465/w640xh360_GettyImages-1701275868.jpg?ts=1696349692 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/594465/w768xh432_GettyImages-1701275868.jpg?ts=1696349692 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/594465/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1701275868.jpg?ts=1696349692 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Davies - PA Images / PA Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>While Johnson's picks were understandably scrutinized, he wasn't the first American captain to lean on chemistry over performance. </p><p>Kevin Kisner was picked in 2022 over Tom Hoge and J.T. Poston, who were both above Kisner in the points list. Kisner runs in the same circle as the cool kids on TOUR, whereas Hoge and Poston don't.</p><p>In 2021, Patrick Reed was left off in favor of Daniel Berger and Scottie Scheffler. That decision was far more understandable given Reed's disruptive antics following the USA's 2018 Ryder Cup loss.</p><p>For the most part, the USA's captain's picks in Presidents Cups don't matter much. The American team is blessed with a deep talent pool, and anyone within the top 20 on the points list could hold his own against the outmatched Internationals.</p><p>But Ryder Cup success is the ultimate goal. After the disastrous 2023 result, Team USA needs to change its philosophy.</p><p>The 2024 Presidents Cup is the perfect opportunity.</p><p>As of Friday, Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Morikawa, Wyndham Clark, Patrick Cantlay, and Sahith Theegala are the American team's automatic qualifiers.</p><p>The next two on the list are Max Homa and Tony Finau, and Furyk has no business leaving them off the team.</p><p>That leaves four spots for the following group (listed in order of current standings): Brian Harman, Akshay Bhatia, Chris Kirk, Russell Henley, Burns, Thomas, Hoge, Bradley, Poston, and Young. (Remember: LIV Golf members aren't eligible to participate in the Presidents Cup because the event is run by the PGA TOUR)</p><p>First, Bhatia has to be on the team, even if he slips a bit in the standings from his current 10th position. The 22-year-old's having a breakout season on the PGA TOUR, earning a victory and a near miss at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. All signs point toward Bhatia becoming a Ryder Cup member in the future, so it makes sense to get his feet wet while the Americans are heavy favorites on enemy territory.</p><p>Furyk's Bhatia decision will be a telltale sign as to whether or not the U.S. team is altering its captain's pick strategy.</p><p>Harman proved worthy of his place on the American team in Rome by earning two points alongside Homa. It's hard to imagine Furyk leaving Harman at home despite his lack of recent high-end finishes. </p><p>Henley also deserves a spot. He's been a model of consistency on the PGA TOUR this season, and <a href="https://datagolf.com/datagolf-rankings">DataGolf</a> has him ranked 13th in the world, four spots ahead of Thomas.</p><p>Henley's never been on a Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup team in his career. Inserting him into this loaded group is an ideal situation to figure out what he's capable of in a team setting - maybe the U.S. side is sitting on a hidden gem.</p><p>Furyk could also go with Bradley and make up for his 2023 snub. Perhaps Burns gets picked since he's partnered with Scheffler in the past - providing the world's No. 1 player with his preferred partner isn't a bad idea. Or maybe one of the bubble players ends the year on a high note with a FedEx Cup playoff win or a major title.</p><p>There are plenty of scenarios where Thomas and Spieth find themselves on the outside looking in.</p><p>How Furyk handles his selections will tell American golfers one thing: These coveted spots are for friends only, or the chance to represent the U.S. can still be earned.</p><p>The latter's the obvious route to take.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27712165/related

Team USA must change its philosophy for 2024 Presidents Cup

Two intriguing Rookie of the Year races are developing in MLB, with Paul Skenes trying to pull aw...

<p>Two intriguing Rookie of the Year races are developing in MLB, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a> trying to pull away in the National League and a potential five-horse race taking shape between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11752" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/11752">Luis Gil</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17244" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/17244">Wyatt Langford</a>, and three others in the American League.</p><p>Skenes burst onto the scene when he was called up for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/24" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/24">Pirates</a> in May, racking up seven strikeouts in his first start and then pitching a six-inning, 11-strikeout gem in his second outing. The 22-year-old holds a 2.02 ERA in nine starts with 70 strikeouts in 52.1 innings pitched.</p><p>Those incredible numbers from the 2023 first overall pick have landed him atop the oddsboard for National League Rookie of the Year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><em>All odds via theScore Bet. </em></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player (Team)</th>
<th>Odds</th>
<th>Implied probability</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Paul Skenes (PIT)</td>
<td>-275</td>
<td>73.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jackson Merrill (SD)</td>
<td>+375</td>
<td>21.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shota Imanaga (CHC)</td>
<td>+1100</td>
<td>8.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gavin Stone (LAD)</td>
<td>+2200</td>
<td>4.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joey Ortiz (MIL)</td>
<td>+2200</td>
<td>4.3%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/27" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/27">Padres</a>' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14111" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/14111">Jackson Merrill</a> is Skenes' closest competition. Merrill is hitting .293 with 12 homers and 43 RBIs in his rookie campaign. The 21-year-old centerfielder was the second youngest player on an Opening Day roster behind the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/20" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/20">Brewers</a>' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14481" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/14481">Jackson Chourio</a>.</p><p>Both Skenes and Merrill were +3000 to win NL ROY before the season.</p><p>The American League has an ongoing duel between Gil and Langford, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13841" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/13841">Colton Cowser</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16437" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/16437">Mason Miller</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13925" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/13925">Wilyer Abreu</a> all within reach.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player (Team)</th>
<th>Odds</th>
<th>Implied probability</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Luis Gil (NYY)</td>
<td>+200</td>
<td>33.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wyatt Langford (TEX)</td>
<td>+225</td>
<td>30.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Colton Cowser (BAL)</td>
<td>+550</td>
<td>15.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mason Miller (OAK)</td>
<td>+650</td>
<td>13.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wilyer Abreu (BOS)</td>
<td>+650</td>
<td>13.3%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Gil wasn't even listed on the oddsboard at the beginning of the season, and when he was, his opening odds were +2200 in the middle of May. Thanks to a 9-4 record and an ERA of 3.41, Gil's rocketed up the board to claim the favorite position. The 26-year-old leads the stout <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/3" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/3">Yankees</a>' rotation with 102 strikeouts.</p><p>Langford entered the year as the third favorite at +800 to win AL ROY behind teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14466" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/14466">Evan Carter</a> and Baltimore's Jackson Holliday. He dropped all the way to +3000 at one point but has climbed back thanks to a .309 average in June. </p><p>Cowser and Abreu were long shots before the season began. Cowser was +3000 at the beginning of the season and at one point jumped into the favorite spot at +105. Abreu wasn't listed before the season, and his longest odds of the campaign were +1400.</p><p>There was also some early-season confusion surrounding Miller's rookie eligibility since he pitched 33.1 innings in 2023. However, once it was determined he was still eligible to win this year's award, he entered the market at his current price of +650 and was also the favorite for a brief period.</p><p>With plenty of drastic swings atop the AL ROY betting board through the first three months of the season, it's safe to expect there will be more movement unless someone begins to separate from the pack.</p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 29: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on May 29, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27706825/related

MLB Rookie of the Year odds: Skenes pulling away, AL remains wide-open

Now that the calendar has flipped to July and both the NBA and NHL playoffs are over, it's offici...

<p>Now that the calendar has flipped to July and both the NBA and NHL playoffs are over, it's officially baseball season. </p><p>Let's get caught up with each team's odds to make and miss the postseason for those who haven't been locked into MLB so far.</p><h3>AL East</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>July 2 Record</th>
<th>To Make</th>
<th>To Miss</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Yankees</td>
<td>54-32</td>
<td>-50000</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Orioles</td>
<td>53-31</td>
<td>-50000</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Red Sox</td>
<td>44-39</td>
<td>+260</td>
<td>-425</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rays</td>
<td>42-42</td>
<td>+475</td>
<td>-1100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blue Jays</td>
<td>38-46</td>
<td>+750</td>
<td>-3000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>All odds via theScore Bet</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/3" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/3">Yankees</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/1" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/1">Orioles</a> are basically locked into a playoff spot, as they have implied odds of 99.8% to make the postseason. Baltimore narrowly holds the division lead, with New York seven games up for the top wild-card spot.</p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/2" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/2">Red Sox</a> are the first team out of the third wild card, with oddsmakers giving them a 27.8% chance of erasing their 1.5-game deficit.</p><p>As for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/5" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/5">Rays</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/4" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/4">Blue Jays</a>, they'll likely be sellers at the deadline given their bleak chances of playing meaningful baseball this fall.</p><h3>AL Central</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>July 2 Record</th>
<th>To Make</th>
<th>To Miss</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Guardians</td>
<td>52-30</td>
<td>-2000</td>
<td>+650</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Twins</td>
<td>47-37</td>
<td>-350</td>
<td>+230</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Royals</td>
<td>47-39</td>
<td>-110</td>
<td>-120</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tigers</td>
<td>38-46</td>
<td>+2000</td>
<td>-20000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>White Sox</td>
<td>24-62</td>
<td>+3300</td>
<td>-50000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/7" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/7">Guardians</a> have a commanding six-game lead in the division and implied odds of 95.2% to make the postseason. </p><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/10" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/10">Twins</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/9" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/9">Royals</a> hold the final two wild-card spots, giving the AL Central a chance of having three playoff teams. Kansas City is one of MLB's biggest surprises. It was +460 (17.9% implied probability) to make the postseason at the beginning of the campaign.</p><h3>AL West</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>July 2 Record</th>
<th>To Make</th>
<th>To Miss</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Mariners</td>
<td>47-39</td>
<td>-275</td>
<td>+190</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Astros</td>
<td>43-41</td>
<td>-180</td>
<td>+140</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rangers</td>
<td>38-46</td>
<td>+500</td>
<td>-1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Angels</td>
<td>35-47</td>
<td>+3300</td>
<td>-50000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Athletics</td>
<td>30-56</td>
<td>+3300</td>
<td>-50000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/13" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/13">Mariners</a> have a three-game lead over the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/23" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/23">Astros</a>, but the 2022 World Series champions are closing the gap. Houston is 9-1 in its last 10 games to climb out of a sub-.500 record and into the AL West race.</p><p>The defending champion <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/14" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/14">Rangers</a> are on the outside looking in. They have a 16.7% chance to make the playoffs and only a 1.6% chance (+6000 odds) of defending their title.</p><h3>NL East</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>July 2 Record</th>
<th>To Make</th>
<th>To Miss</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Phillies</td>
<td>55-29</td>
<td>-50000</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Braves</td>
<td>46-36</td>
<td>-3500</td>
<td>+900</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mets</td>
<td>41-41</td>
<td>+130</td>
<td>-165</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nationals</td>
<td>39-45</td>
<td>+3300</td>
<td>-50000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marlins</td>
<td>30-54</td>
<td>+3300</td>
<td>-50000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/18" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/18">Phillies</a> have a stranglehold on the NL East and are the third favorites to win the World Series behind the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/26" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/26">Dodgers</a> and Yankees. </p><p>Meanwhile, the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/15" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/15">Braves</a> are still in a great position to make the playoffs despite losing preseason MVP candidate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8292" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/8292">Ronald Acuña</a> for the season. </p><h3>NL Central</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>July 2 Record</th>
<th>To Make</th>
<th>To Miss</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Brewers</td>
<td>50-35</td>
<td>-1200</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cardinals</td>
<td>43-40</td>
<td>+135</td>
<td>-180</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pirates</td>
<td>40-43</td>
<td>+700</td>
<td>-2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Reds</td>
<td>39-45</td>
<td>+500</td>
<td>-1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cubs</td>
<td>39-46</td>
<td>+450</td>
<td>-1000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Milwaukee stands atop one of baseball's worst divisions as the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/20" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/20">Brewers</a> are the only team with favorable odds of making the postseason out of the NL Central. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/25" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/25">Cardinals</a> hold the final wild-card spot but have the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/17" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/17">Mets</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/30" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/30">Diamondbacks</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/28" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/28">Giants</a> hot on their tails.</p><h3>NL West</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>July 2 Record</th>
<th>To Make</th>
<th>To Miss</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Dodgers</td>
<td>52-33</td>
<td>-50000</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Padres</td>
<td>46-42</td>
<td>-165</td>
<td>+125</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Diamondbacks</td>
<td>41-43</td>
<td>+300</td>
<td>-500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Giants</td>
<td>41-44</td>
<td>+250</td>
<td>-400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rockies</td>
<td>29-55</td>
<td>+3300</td>
<td>-50000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Finally, the World Series favorite Dodgers are very likely to claim the NL West crown according to the odds. They are -20000 (99.5% implied probability), with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/teams/27" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/teams/27">Padres</a> their closest competitors at +2500.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees in action against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on June 20, 2024 in New York City. The Orioles defeated the Yankees 17-5.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27694962/related

MLB playoff odds: Who's likely in, who's likely out as All-Star break nears

The 2024 NHL Draft gets underway Friday, only four days after the Panthers hoisted the Stanley Cu...

<p>The 2024 NHL Draft gets underway Friday, only four days after the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/13" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/13">Panthers</a> hoisted the Stanley Cup. </p><p>Boston University's Macklin Celebrini is already penciled in as the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/25" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/25">Sharks</a>' choice with the first overall pick. Sportsbooks aren't even offering odds on what seems to be a lock.</p><p>But the draft gets interesting after Celebrini's name is called with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/16" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/16">Blackhawks</a> at No. 2. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>2nd overall pick</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Artyom Levshunov</td>
<td>-250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ivan Demidov</td>
<td>+185</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cayden Lindstrom</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anton Silayev</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>All odds via theScore Bet</em></p><p>Oddsmakers believe Chicago is leaning toward picking Michigan State defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaah/players/14586" href="https://www.thescore.com/ncaah/players/14586">Artyom Levshunov</a> to bolster its blue line rather than taking a forward to complement <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13829" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/players/13829">Connor Bedard</a>.</p><p>Levshunov played one season for the Spartans, recording 34 points in 38 games. If he goes second to the Blackhawks, Levshunov would become the first Belarusian selected inside the top five in the draft.</p><h3>3rd overall pick</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Anton Silayev</td>
<td>+135</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Artyom Levshunov</td>
<td>+300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Beckett Sennecke</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ivan Demidov</td>
<td>+550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cayden Lindstrom</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sam Dickinson</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/21">Ducks</a> could go anywhere with this pick, according to oddsmakers, who've priced four players below +600. </p><p>Anton Silayev is the favorite at +135, while Levshunov is at +300. With two defensemen as the top favorites, oddsmakers believe the Ducks will take the best blue-liner available.</p><p>Additionally, Ivan Demidov, who's +185 to go second overall, is +550 to end Friday evening as a Duck. The discrepancy in odds suggests Anaheim will likely take a defenseman over the Russian forward.</p><h3>4th overall pick</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cayden Lindstrom</td>
<td>-185</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ivan Demidov</td>
<td>+350</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Beckett Sennecke</td>
<td>+700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anton Silayev</td>
<td>+850</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/17" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/17">Blue Jackets</a> will likely take a forward with the fourth overall pick, according to the odds. Cayden Lindstrom is a big -185 favorite to land in Columbus after recording 46 points in 32 games for the Medicine Hat Tigers last season.</p><h3>5th overall pick</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ivan Demidov</td>
<td>+175</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cayden Lindstrom</td>
<td>+225</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Beckett Sennecke</td>
<td>+260</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anton Silayev</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zeev Buium</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/teams/3" href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/teams/3">Canadiens</a> hold the fifth pick and also appear likely to take a forward early. Oddsmakers have priced three forwards close to each other, signaling how evenly scouts view Demidov, Lindstrom, and Beckett Sennecke while suggesting Montreal hasn't provided any hints as to whom it prefers.</p><p>The draft starts at 7 p.m. ET from The Sphere in Las Vegas.</p>

SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY - MAY 07: NHL Draft Lottery positions are seen during the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery at NHL Network Studio on May 07, 2024 in Secaucus, New Jersey.

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NHL Draft odds: What names will be called after Celebrini?

Three majors and all of the signature events have come and gone, and we've entered what can be du...

<p>Three majors and all of the signature events have come and gone, and we've entered what can be dubbed the PGA TOUR's "sleepy season."</p><p>While only two weeks long, this week's Rocket Mortgage Classic and next week's John Deere Classic will not have the strongest fields. Many top players on TOUR are taking two weeks off to rest in preparation for the Scottish Open and the Open Championship.</p><p>But for the diehards - and even those who consider themselves casual golf fans - there are still plenty of names on which to keep tabs during these quieter weeks.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Cam Young</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5830" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/5830">Cam Young</a> is struggling to find consistent results this season and enters the Rocket Mortage Classic as the tournament's second favorite after a 59 at the Travelers last week helped him finish T9. </p><p>Young is expected to contend in Detroit - he's +200 to finish inside the top 10. Perhaps last week's hot round was the kickstart his season needed, or maybe it was an anomaly and he'll slip back into his inconsistent ways.</p><h3>Will Zalatoris</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570116/cropped_GettyImages-1479763778.jpg?ts=1680802298" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570116/w220xh124_GettyImages-1479763778.jpg?ts=1680802298 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570116/w320xh180_GettyImages-1479763778.jpg?ts=1680802298 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570116/w640xh360_GettyImages-1479763778.jpg?ts=1680802298 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570116/w768xh432_GettyImages-1479763778.jpg?ts=1680802298 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570116/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1479763778.jpg?ts=1680802298 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andrew Redington / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>In his return from injury this season, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1622" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1622">Will Zalatoris</a> got off to a nice start. He was a runner-up at the Genesis Invitational and came T4 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. It looked as though Zalatoris was back. </p><p>But after his T9 at the Masters, he failed to crack the top 40 in six straight events, including a missed cut at the U.S. Open. Inconsistent iron play and below-average chipping and putting have derailed his early-season success. He's one of the most talented players in the Rocket Mortgage Classic fields, so his finish this week will be indicative of where the remainder of his season is headed.</p><h3>Daniel Berger</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/499504/cropped_GettyImages-1372790724.jpg?ts=1645833247" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/499504/w220xh124_GettyImages-1372790724.jpg?ts=1645833247 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/499504/w320xh180_GettyImages-1372790724.jpg?ts=1645833247 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/499504/w640xh360_GettyImages-1372790724.jpg?ts=1645833247 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/499504/w768xh432_GettyImages-1372790724.jpg?ts=1645833247 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/499504/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1372790724.jpg?ts=1645833247 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Like Zalatoris, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1917" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/1917">Daniel Berger</a> is also back from injury after missing a year. His putter has been holding him back from high-end finishes this season, but he's starting to hit the ball with confidence. He had 10.7 strokes gained: tee-to-green at the U.S. Open, arguably the toughest tee-to-green test these players face all season.</p><p>Berger will likely also play next week at the John Deere Classic, where he's had plenty of success during his career. It would be a surprise if he doesn't record at least one top-10 finish over these next two weeks.</p><h3>Jordan Spieth</h3><p>While not playing this week in Detroit, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/55" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/55">Jordan Spieth</a> will be at the John Deere Classic for the first time since 2015. He's a two-time winner of the event, and it's where he enjoyed his first career PGA TOUR victory way back in 2013.</p><p>Perhaps returning to his early-career happy place is exactly what Spieth needs to break out of another mini-slump. He has three top-10 finishes on the season but none since the first week of April. Spieth's iron game is in shambles. However, he's quietly becoming one of the best drivers of the ball on TOUR and may have a shot at contending if he can tighten things up in the approach game.</p><h3>Miles Russell</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634531/cropped_GettyImages-2150208380.jpg?ts=1719414320" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634531/w220xh124_GettyImages-2150208380.jpg?ts=1719414320 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634531/w320xh180_GettyImages-2150208380.jpg?ts=1719414320 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634531/w640xh360_GettyImages-2150208380.jpg?ts=1719414320 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634531/w768xh432_GettyImages-2150208380.jpg?ts=1719414320 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634531/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2150208380.jpg?ts=1719414320 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Sam Hodde / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Teenage phenom Miles Russell is making his PGA TOUR debut this week at the age of 15.</p><p>You read that correctly. Russell, a high school sophomore, will tee it up in Detroit this week after he turned heads by finishing T20 during his first start against pros on the Korn Ferry Tour in April. </p><p>Russell has a junior golf pedigree that rivals few. He won both the Junior PGA Championship and Junior Players at 14, then won the AJGA’s Player of the Year Award shortly after turning 15, passing Tiger Woods as the youngest to win the AJGA's top accolade. </p><h3>Neal Shipley</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634532/cropped_GettyImages-2157456520.jpg?ts=1719414408" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634532/w220xh124_GettyImages-2157456520.jpg?ts=1719414408 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634532/w320xh180_GettyImages-2157456520.jpg?ts=1719414408 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634532/w640xh360_GettyImages-2157456520.jpg?ts=1719414408 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634532/w768xh432_GettyImages-2157456520.jpg?ts=1719414408 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/634532/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2157456520.jpg?ts=1719414408 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Neal Shipley earned low-amateur honors at this year's Masters and U.S. Open. He turned pro ahead of last week's PGA TOUR Americas and finished T9 in his pro debut. </p><p>Now he gets his first PGA TOUR start in a field far weaker than what he's used to seeing in major championships. Shipley is clearly ready to compete with the pros, and a high finish this week in Detroit could accelerate his journey to becoming a full-time PGA TOUR member.</p><h3>Michael Thorbjornsen</h3><p>The former Stanford Cardinal earned full-time membership by finishing first in the PGA TOUR U standings, much like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5384" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/5384">Ludvig Aberg</a> did last year.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5813" href="https://www.thescore.com/pga/players/5813">Michael Thorbjornsen</a> finished T39 in his pro debut at the Travelers last week. His career-best finish on the PGA TOUR was a T4 as an amateur at the 2022 Travelers.</p><p>Thorbjornsen, Shipley, and Russell aren't the only fresh faces in the Rocket Mortgage Classic field. Three more future stars worth monitoring, who all sit inside the five in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, include Ben James, Jackson Koivun, and Luke Clanton.</p>

CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 22: Cameron Young smiles with Jordan Spieth on the 18th hole green after making a par putt to card an 11-under 59 round during the third round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands on June 22, 2024, in Cromwell, Connecticut.

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7 players to watch during PGA TOUR's quiet 2-week stretch

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Eric Patterson

Betting Supervisor

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