As the calendar turns to the 2024 major championship season, golf fans and pundits are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating year in golf. The iconic tournaments on the schedule—the Masters, the PGA Championship at Valhalla, the U.S. Open at Pinehurst, and The Open at Royal Troon—each possess a rich history and a unique challenge, setting the stage for high drama and the emergence of new legends in the sport.
### Fresh Faces and Veteran Ambitions
One of the most intriguing storylines heading into any major championship season is the potential for first-time major winners. According to historical data, 156 golfers have broken through to win their first major in the last 78 years, a statistic that fuels speculation about who might join this elite group in 2024. The anticipation is palpably heightened by the fact that only four seasons since the conclusion of World War II have concluded without a first-time major winner. Among those considered poised for a breakthrough are Viktor Hovland, Will Zalatoris, Xander Schauffele, Ludvig Åberg, Patrick Cantlay, and Max Homa, each bringing a blend of talent and tenacity that could very well lead to victory on golf's grandest stages.
### Scottie Scheffler: The Man to Beat
Entering the season, all eyes are on Scottie Scheffler, who is the bookmakers' favorite to lift major silverware in 2024. Scheffler's odds sit at an impressive +125, a nod to his extraordinary performance throughout the season that has yet to see him card an over-par round. Even more telling are his odds for the lowest aggregate score across all four majors, standing at a formidable +350.
At the heart of the Masters, Scheffler's odds narrow further to a tantalizing +400, accentuating his reputation and form as significant factors in the lead-up to the fabled event. Furthermore, his prospects of clinching two major titles in the year are pegged at +800, a testament to the confidence in his ability to dominate at the highest level. Moreover, the likelihood of Scheffler making the cut in all four majors is set at -175, indicating a strong expectation of consistent performances across the board.
### Betting Beyond the Winner's Circle
For those looking to delve into the nuances of the sport through wagering, the upcoming major championship season offers a plethora of unique betting options. Among these is the proposition that no 2024 major will conclude with a playoff, carrying odds of +150. Similarly, the chances of any player securing two or more major titles in 2024 are also valued at +150.
The prospect of an English player emerging victorious in any of the majors stands at +200, while the odds of either Patrick Cantlay or Xander Schauffele securing a major are slightly higher at +225. Additionally, the possibility of witnessing a hole-in-one in all four majors has been set at +600, offering a tantalizing opportunity for those inclined to bet on the rarest of golfing feats.
In the realm of long shots, the odds of a player achieving the Grand Slam—winning all four majors in a single calendar year—have been slated at a whopping +8000, highlighting the monumental difficulty of this achievement. Notably, Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth have come close to immortalizing themselves in golf folklore, both finishing in the top five of all four majors in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
Lastly, Scheffler's own journey this season is further anticipated with odds of +150 for him to finish in the top 20 of all four majors, underscoring the consistent excellence required to achieve such a feat in the unpredictable and challenging terrain of major championship golf.
As the 2024 major championship season unfolds, the narrative is ripe with potential heroics, heartbreaks, and history-making moments. With the stage set and the players ready, all that remains is for the drama to commence on the lush fairways and manicured greens of golf's most hallowed grounds.
