Bearman backs Scheffler for Open repeat, fades DeChambeau ahead of Royal Birkdale
With the tournament set for July 16-19, the expert cites recent form and competitive gaps as key factors in his betting predictions.
Golf analyst David Bearman has released his betting predictions for the 2026 Open Championship, positioning Scottie Scheffler as the leading candidate to secure back-to-back titles at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England. The event is scheduled to take place from July 16 to 19, with Scheffler entering as the +700 favourite according to FanDuel Sportsbook odds.
Scheffler is aiming to become the first player since Padraig Harrington in 2007 and 2008 to win consecutive Open Championships, and the first American since Tiger Woods achieved the feat in 2005 and 2006. The defending champion, who won last year’s event by four strokes over Harris English, recently missed the cut at the Scottish Open. Despite this, he remains the top selection in the latest market pricing.
Bearman, a former ESPN golf researcher and Deputy Editor of ESPN Chalk, is currently up more than 18 units in 2026. He has identified Rory McIlroy as the next strongest contender at +850, followed by English golfers Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood, both priced at +1500, and Jon Rahm at +2000. The odds are subject to change as the tournament approaches.
In a notable deviation from the favourites, Bearman advises against backing Bryson DeChambeau, who is currently listed at +6000. The analyst cites poor recent form and a lack of competitive play since the U.S. Open as primary concerns. DeChambeau, who holds nine PGA Tour wins and five LIV Golf League victories, lost two shots on approach at the U.S. Open and 2.16 strokes around the greens at the PGA Championship in May.
Bearman suggests that DeChambeau’s absence from competitive play and questions regarding his future in LIV Golf could impact his performance. He highlighted a surprising longshot priced at approximately 100-1, describing the player as an elite putter suited to the Royal Birkdale conditions, though the specific name was not disclosed in the source material.
