Jon Rahm is 7/1 favourite for the Scottish Open this week – and the raging bull will be heading the betting in every tournament he plays for the time being.
The Spaniard has taken over at the top of the world rankings, establishing himself as the new king in spectacular fashion at Torrey Pines, and it will be interesting to see how he reacts to his US Open triumph.
The 26-year-old had long been touted the best player without a Major title to his name, so the floodgates may open now he has finally got over the line in front in one of the four biggest tournaments on the calendar. Next week’s Open is obviously the priority for Rahm, though, and taking short prices about him for the Scottish Open seems more of a gamble.
Who doesn’t love a @JonRahmpga fist pump
pic.twitter.com/4gUtwOk7zg
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) March 24, 2021
There have been two Scottish Opens at the Renaissance – and Rahm did not play in either – so he is giving up an experience advantage to most of the field. And who knows how much rust is in his system? He surely downed tools to properly celebrate the greatest moment of his career, so could take a while to rediscover his groove.
Schauffele Seeking to End Long Victory Drought
Xander Schauffele has finished second an astonishing eight times since his last victory – becoming the nearly-man of the PGA Tour – so the Californian will be hoping a change of scenery and a trip to Europe can revive his fortunes. The Scottish Open 12/1 chance provides a tricky conundrum for punters.
Schauffele is ultra-consistent and features on the leaderboard almost every time he tees up, but nerves near the finish line have become a serious issue. Anyone backing Schauffele win-only is taking a major gamble, so maybe an each-way investment (quarter the odds the first five places) is the most sensible course of action for those desperate to support him. Schauffele was seventh in the US Open last time out and will fancy his chances this week in a field which lacks strength in depth. Like Rahm, he is making his Renaissance debut.
Dubuisson May be Ready to Show his Class
The 110/1 for Victor Dubuisson is worth a second glance. If the market leaders flop, it could be the flashy Frenchman who takes advantage. Scottish golf fans know all about the enigmatic 31-year-old, who starred in the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in 2014. Dubuisson scored two-and-half points for Europe from three matches and looked destined to become a superstar.
Physical and mental problems hampered the career of Dubuisson in the wake of that Ryder Cup glory, but there have been some encouraging signs of late, with fourth spot in the BMW International last time out a particularly morale-boosting performance.
Despite seven months away from competition, Dubuisson turned up at the Renaissance last year and finished ninth, so he clearly relishes the venue. Victory for two-time Tour champ Victor on Sunday seems entirely feasible.
*All odds correct at time of writing