2024 Open Championship: Best bets and expert picks - ESPN

The 2024 Open Championship marks the fourth and final golf major of the year, and it begins Thursday with the first round at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland.

Scottie Scheffler (+500) is the favorite, followed by Rory McIlroy (+800), Xander Schauffele (+1300), Ludvig Åberg (+1400), Collin Morikawa (+1500) and Bryson DeChambeau (+1600).

So where is the betting value? Will the favorites prevail? ESPN's golf and betting experts break down everything thing you need to know to bet the 2024 Open Championship.

Mark Schlabach: Collin Morikawa. The two-time major champion hits it straighter than most off the tee, which is going to be a priority at Royal Troon. It's been a wet summer on Scotland's west coast, and the native areas are thick and nasty. Morikawa ranks second on the PGA Tour in driving accuracy (72%) and is 12th in strokes gained: around the green (.386). His putter has been more reliable this year than in the past. Morikawa tied for third at the Masters, fourth at the PGA Championship and 14th at the U.S. Open. It's time for him to add a second Claret Jug.

Tory Barron: Brian Harman. Harman was built for this. The conditions at Royal Troon aren't expected to be great, which means Harman — who ran away from the field for a six-shot victory at Royal Liverpool in England last year — will thrive like the Tom Brady-led New England Patriots in a snow game. Weird analogy for a Georgia guy, I know, but just go with it.

Elizabeth Baugh: Tony Finau. Where he be now? T-18 or better in his past five starts is where. He's performed well in six of his past seven Open Championships and his short game is a good fit for Troon. It's his time.

Michael Collins: Ludvig Åberg. He's ready to take the next big step toward superstardom.