​Golf’s final major begins Thursday from Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England. It feels like it was barely a moment ago we previewed The Masters. Some of my predictions were good!Birkdale is a classic Open course, not overly long (7,156 yards), fairly generous fairways and bunkers all over the place. Throw in a little weather (wind, rain and maybe some cool temps) and the course will show it’s teeth.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis will be the 11th time the course has hosted the men’s version of this championship. The Women’s Open has been contested here as well. Jordan Speith won the Claret Jug back in 2017 while hitting the ball all over the place, his usual style.Birkdale is very much a shotmaker’s course. The favorites for the week reflect that. The usual suspects are the betting favorites so we will give them the attention they deserve, current form notwithstanding. A few new names are getting some traction.Odds courtesy of Caesar’s Sportsbook.SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: A detailed view of the Claret Jug on the 18th green at Royal Birkdale on April 27, 2026 in Southport, England. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)Getty ImagesScheffler was the second betting favorite Monday. The sportsbooks may have taken a look at Rory McIlroy’s tough week (relatively speaking) at the Scottish Open and adjusted accordingly. More on Rory in a minute. Scottie’s week last week wasn’t so great either.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementScheffler may look upon this as a lost year if he doesn’t get this one. His game has been noticeably shaky. Just when he seems to be putting it together something goes haywire. Driver, putter, you name it. A missed cut last week doesn’t help either. He is still the best player in the world, however, so even as the favorite this is a good value bet. A top five finish (+160) is a good hedge against him not winning the championship.AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 12: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts on the 18th green during the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)Getty ImagesMcIlroy looked frustrated more often than not at the Scottish Open. A good final round landed him at T-7 but he was free wheeling it most of the weekend. Thursday’s opening round may tell the tale for Rory. Beware the bad round. McIlroy has a history of blowing his chances on any given day. Any round of 75 or worse could derail him. Imagine how many more majors he would have if some of those rounds were salvaged. Fairways and greens all week will have McIlroy at or near the top of the leaderboard when it’s over.NEW DELHI, INDIA – OCTOBER 19: Tommy Fleetwood of England poses with the trophy following victory on day four of the DP World India Championship 2025 at Delhi Golf Club on October 19, 2025 in New Delhi, India. (Photo by Prakash Singh/Getty Images)Getty ImagesIt could finally be his time. He’