Looking Ahead: Analyzing the Odds for Golf’s Next Major Championships

As the dust settles on the current golf season, the focus inevitably shifts to the future. For the world`s elite players, this means setting sights on golf`s most coveted prizes: the four major championships. And for those with a keen interest in predicting who might hoist those trophies, the betting markets offer an early, albeit sometimes optimistic, glimpse into the expected pecking order.

Currently, two names dominate the conversation and the odds boards for the next four majors spanning 2025 and 2026: Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. According to these early lines, Scheffler is poised to build upon his collection of green jackets and Wanamaker Trophies, while McIlroy, having reportedly completed his career Grand Slam with a Masters victory in 2025, enters this period with the weight of that particular pursuit finally lifted. Bryson DeChambeau stands out as the only other player consistently ranked within striking distance with odds better than 10-1 across these future marquee events.

The Anticipated Major Schedule and Key Details

Let`s break down the venues and dates for these future battles, alongside a look at who the early betting favorites are:

The 2025 Open Championship

The Open Championship in 2025 is set to return to Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, scheduled for July 17-20. This venue holds recent major history, having hosted The Open in 2019, where Shane Lowry famously triumphed. Xander Schauffele claimed the Claret Jug in the most recent 2024 edition at Royal Troon, adding another layer of intrigue to the field preparing for Portrush.

The 2026 Masters Tournament

Golf`s beloved spring classic, The Masters, remains anchored at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. The 2026 tournament will take place from April 9-12. The narrative heading into this event, according to the current outlook, features Rory McIlroy returning as the reigning champion, having secured his first green jacket here in 2025 to achieve the career Grand Slam. His defense will undoubtedly be a major storyline.

The 2026 PGA Championship

The PGA Championship in 2026 is slated for May 14-17 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. Scottie Scheffler is projected to be the defending champion, following his anticipated victory in 2025. This historic course, while not a frequent major host, previously welcomed the PGA Championship back in 1962, where golf legend Gary Player emerged victorious.

The 2026 U.S. Open

The national championship heads to the challenging Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, in 2026. This iconic links-style course on Long Island last hosted the U.S. Open in 2018, a championship won by Brooks Koepka, marking his second consecutive U.S. Open title. The 2025 U.S. Open winner, J.J. Spaun (who sits at 70-1 odds to repeat), will look to add another national title to his resume.

Analyzing the Early Odds Landscape

The betting market provides a dynamic snapshot of expectations. While these are subject to change as players` form shifts and new talents emerge, the current lines clearly identify the perceived top contenders:

• Scottie Scheffler
  Open: +475, Masters: +500, PGA Champ.: +450, U.S. Open: +400
• Rory McIlroy
  Open: +500, Masters: +600, PGA Champ.: +550, U.S. Open: +750
• Bryson DeChambeau
  Open: 12-1, Masters: 12-1, PGA Champ.: +900, U.S. Open: +800

Beyond this leading trio, a strong contingent of proven major champions and rising stars populate the next tier. Players like Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele (the 2024 Open winner), Ludvig Åberg, and Collin Morikawa consistently appear high on the lists, typically in the 12-1 to 20-1 range depending on the specific event. The depth of talent is evident, with many notable names carrying odds of 25-1 or longer across the various majors, including past champions like Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, and Jordan Spieth.

Predictions vs. Reality

It`s worth remembering that these odds are just predictions, aggregated from the wagering public and sportsbook models. Golf, perhaps more than any other sport, routinely produces outcomes that defy expectations. The unpredictable bounces, the mental pressure of a Sunday back nine, and the sheer depth of talent mean that while Scheffler and McIlroy are the clear theoretical favorites, the path to major championship glory is fraught with variables. The beauty of these events lies precisely in that uncertainty – the possibility that someone further down the list could catch fire at the perfect moment.

Anticipation for the next wave of major championships is already building. Whether the favorites live up to the hype or new heroes emerge from the pack, the journey through The Open in 2025, followed by the Masters, PGA Championship, and U.S. Open in 2026, promises compelling drama and memorable moments on golf`s grandest stages.