After securing a commanding victory at The Open held at Royal Portrush, Scottie Scheffler has reinforced his status as the world‘s top-ranked golfer and emerged as the clear Scottie Scheffler major favorite for upcoming championships. This recent performance, marking his second major win in three tournaments, came as the 2025 season’s final major wrapped up, setting the stage for Scheffler’s dominance in 2026’s biggest golf events.

Scheffler Positioned as Top Contender for All 2026 Major Championships

With his latest triumph, Scheffler is poised to be the standout favorite heading into the 2026 major golf tournaments. Earlier this year, Rory McIlroy was widely regarded as a leading contender, particularly given his Masters victory and strong history at Quail Hollow. However, Scheffler’s recent impressive form has shifted betting markets substantially in his favor.

FanDuel Sportsbook has already released futures odds for the next three majors, including the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, where Scheffler will pursue completing his career Grand Slam. His odds range between +380 and +470 for these events, leading all competitors, with McIlroy remaining the closest challenger, particularly at the PGA Championship scheduled for Aronimink Golf Club near Philadelphia.

While the landscape of golf can change rapidly over a year, few scenarios suggest that Scheffler will not lead pre-tournament discussions and betting lines for the upcoming majors if he maintains his health and form.

American Golfers Show Renewed Mastery of Links Courses

Scheffler’s victory signifies a striking resurgence of American dominance in links-style golf. Over the past five years, players like Collin Morikawa, Brian Harman, and Xander Schauffele have also captured The Open title, marking the best American run since the mid-2000s, when Tiger Woods and others secured consecutive wins. This pattern contrasts with a period dominated by international competitors between 2007 and 2019, where American victories became more sporadic.

Recently, Americans have adapted their game adeptly to the challenging conditions presented by links courses in the United Kingdom, a fact underscored by titles collected by the world’s top-ranked American golfers. This trend highlights deeper strategic and technical growth among U.S. players regarding links golf.

Xander Schauffele Continues to Excel in Major Championship Leaderboards

Though Schauffele did not retain his Champion Golfer of the Year title, his consistency at majors remains remarkable. This season, while quieter compared to his previous major wins, he finished tied for seventh in his Open title defense. His record is impressive, with six top-10 finishes over his last eight major appearances and a streak of 15 consecutive majors with top-20 placements, save for a single result at the PGA Championship.

Since launching his major championship career with a top-five finish in 2017, Schauffele has amassed 17 top-10 finishes in 34 major starts. This consistency, particularly in majors, makes him a perennial contender to watch, especially as the Masters approaches next spring, where he boasts four top-10 finishes in five years.

Emerging U.S. Ryder Cup Squad Gains Momentum with New Talent

The U.S. Ryder Cup team, favored to reclaim the trophy in September at Bethpage, looks stronger than ever thanks to both established veterans and rising stars. Harris English has secured his place after two runner-up finishes in majors this year, but newcomer Chris Gotterup’s performance has also caught attention. Gotterup, turning 26 recently, impressed with a third-place finish in his Open debut following his recent win at the Genesis Scottish Open.

Gotterup’s playing style, characterized by powerful drives and confident course management, combined with his connections to the northeast U.S. through his college career at Rutgers, provide captain Keegan Bradley additional options for the team. Although not anticipated until recently, Gotterup’s form could secure him a Ryder Cup spot.

American golfers dominated the Royal Portrush leaderboard, occupying the top three positions, and currently hold six of the top seven world rankings. FanDuel’s odds reflect this dominance, listing the U.S. as -145 favorites against Europe’s +155 odds, with a tie considered a longshot at +1100. While roster finalizations are underway, the Americans are clearly positioned as frontrunners to win on home soil for a third consecutive time.

Jordan Spieth’s Reliable Performances at The Open Showcase His Links Golf Strength

Though Jordan Spieth’s career has featured fluctuations, he has demonstrated remarkable consistency specifically at The Open Championship. Since his debut at Muirfield in 2013, Spieth has made the cut in all 12 Open appearances. His steady performances contrast with more variable results in the other three majors, where he has missed the cut multiple times.

As a past champion of The Open and the player with a runner-up finish as recently as 2021, Spieth clearly thrives in links conditions. His dependable track record makes him a strong pick in betting markets focusing on making the cut, particularly with The Open set to return to Royal Birkdale, where he claimed the title in 2017.

Scheffler Rejects Comparisons to Tiger Woods Despite Fourth Major Title

Following his fourth major win at The Open, Scheffler addressed comparisons to Tiger Woods, dismissing them as unfounded. While Woods’s legacy remains monumental in golf history, Scheffler emphasized his intention to forge his own path rather than be measured against previous legends.

Prize Earnings and Point Details from The Open Highlight Player Success

The distribution of points and prize money at The Open reflects the intense competition and rewards for top performances. Scheffler’s victory not only boosts his status as a major favorite but also adds significant FedExCup points and earnings, positioning him advantageously as the playoffs approach.

Reactions from top competitors underline respect for Scheffler’s major achievements

Leading players in the field have acknowledged Scheffler’s remarkable consistency and competitive edge, reinforcing his role as the player to beat in the near future. Their reflections add context to the impact his recent successes have had on the game, signaling a period where Scheffler could dominate the sport’s biggest stages.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What was Scottie Scheffler upset about?

A. Scottie Scheffler scored 69 on Thursday at Quail Hollow, but he got frustrated by mud on the balls, which he believes affected his performance. Known for his skill with irons, Scheffler ended up with a double bogey on the 16th hole at the 2025 PGA Championship because of a ball covered in mud.

Q. What does Tiger Woods think of Scottie Scheffler?

A. A key figure in the clip was Tiger Woods, who shared high praise and valuable insights about what makes Scheffler unique.

He mentioned that they both approach shots into the greens in a similar way and aim to place misses in the right areas.

According to Woods, it isn’t always about looking perfect now but focusing on the overall strategy.