Scottish Open: Why Rory McIlroy is the rightful favourite

Last week, the John Deere Classic gave new meaning to the term “Birdiefest.” Davis Thompson won in a record-breaking performance, finishing the tournament at 28-under par. There were 16 golfers at 20-under or better. Of course, the soft conditions of the rain helped a lot, but this course gets destroyed year after year by the competitors.

Luckily we had faith in Thompson and won by +2200, giving us our seventh win of the season!

Now let’s turn our attention to the Scottish Open, a joint event between the PGA and the DP World Tour.

Scottie Scheffler is not playing this week, but the field is still full.

These are the main stats I used when building my model at the Renaissance Club.

Key statistics:

• Driving distance
• Strokes Gained: From the Tee
• SG: Approach
• SG: Around the Green
• SG: Set
• SG: Par 5
• SG: Par3
• Birdie or better won
• Avoid 3-Putt

Winner of the Scottish Open

Rory McIlroy +850

Sometimes it feels like I’m cheating or lazy to bet on the favorite. My first thought was to bet on one of the two golfers in this tournament. Xander Schaffuele (+850) or Ludvig Aberg (+1600). The price I would bet on Schaffuele would be +1000; it probably would have been if Scheffler had been in the field. And I can’t bet Aberg at +1600. He’s excellent and the stats are right, but I would bet on another short option at this price instead.

The top three of my betting model are McIlroy, Schaffuele and Aberg. A perfect turn towards McIlroy, last year’s champion, was in order. McIlroy is a rightful favorite for the tournament. He is first in SG: APP, SG: Par 3 and BoB Gained. He is second in driving distance, only behind Chris Gotterup. He is the model golfer who has won this event, hence his historic victory last year.

The biggest question for McIlroy is, “Where is his head?” After his brutal, heartbreaking finish at the US Open, is he ready to compete at the highest level? I bet he is!

I expected another great performance from the man who loves National Opens more than anyone on Tour.

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