Xander Schauffele appreciated the toilet humor.
The literal toilet humor.
“It was nice to see my photo out by the toilet,” Schauffele last week at the Scottish Open. “That was heartwarming.
“Summed up how I feel about what’s going on right now.”
What’s going on right now was almost unfathomable a year ago. Schauffele won the PGA Championship for his first major championship victory. Two months later, he won the Open Championship for his second major. Schauffele was surging. Only then he injured a rib, missed eight weeks of play, and has been somewhat searching ever since. He hasn’t missed a cut in 11 events this year, but hasn’t finished better than a tie for eighth.
Injuries and recoveries happen, though, and Schauffele gets that. At the Scottish Open, he said he remains positive, and that should give you reason to be optimistic about his chances to defend this week at the Open. Then there’s this, too:
The event at Royal Portrush may be just what he needs. As he’s been recovering, Schaufele said an issue has been overthinking; he said “the hardest part has been taking the hands off the wheel and feel like I’m just swinging and playing golf.”
The Open and its links style of play force that, though, he said.
“I was just thinking when I came over here, how just coming off of nine holes, just being a little bit more creative, tapping into that other side of your brain,” Schauffele said.
“I was really beating up on myself for quite some time to try and get myself to play like I did last year, things of that nature, which isn’t really how you’re supposed to do it. But victim of that, and something about being here, you start taking your hands off the wheel, and that’s how I played my best.”
Looking for some other ideas for the Open? Friend, you’ve clicked on the right article, where members of our staff have each made a to-win bet. The hope is, of course, we help you with your own weekly picks, whether those are for a low-stakes office fantasy league, or (legal!) big-bucks bets with a sportsbook.
On to our picks.
2025 Open Championship picks to win
Alan Bastable
To-win: Matt Fitzpatrick, +5,500. Just a couple of months ago, Fitzpatrick described his game as “rubbish.” But at the Masters and, a week later, at Harbour Town, he said he found something. He didn’t get into specifics, but whatever Fitzy has unearthed, it’s working. In his past five starts, he has three top-20 finishes, including a T8 at the PGA, and he played beautifully at the Scottish Open. He’s primed for a big week in Portrush.
Josh Berhow
To-win: Robert MacIntyre, +2,400. Karma is coming for Robert MacIntyre. The good kind, that is. He was the runner-up at the U.S. Open last month but warmed our hearts with his genuine reaction to J.J. Spaun’s winning putt. Now it’s his turn, and it’s at a place where he tied for sixth in his major debut back in 2019. He’s had a great season but hasn’t been able to win yet. Maybe that first victory (and first major) comes this week.
Dylan Dethier
To-win: Tommy Fleetwood, +2,200. Feels like the ultimate square play this week; he finished second the last time the Open was at Portrush, he finished second in his final start before heading over the pond and there’s a massive cohort of people who’d absolutely love for him to win. But he’s also an incredibly well-rounded player, one of the best in the world, and although he’s known in the states for not having a win, he’s done plenty of winning on other continents. The sentimental play may also be the right one. (Sidenote: I’ve been told by several friends to stop picking Xander every time, as it looks lazy, but just assume we’re tipping him every major, too. Also intrigued by Sepp Straka (66-1) and Daniel Berger (100-1) as Sunday contenders.)
Jack Hirsh
To win: Rory McIlroy, +650. It seems as though McIlroy has been searching for a new dream to chase for the past few months after he finally got over the hump at the Masters to complete the career grand slam. If there was ever something to motivate him to win another major, it would be playing one at Portrush. It really just comes down to whether his iron play is like it was at Augusta and the start of the year, or like it was at Oakmont.
Kris McCormack
To-win: Rory McIlroy, +650. Rory’s back at Portrush, and this time, he’s got a ton of momentum. He finally got the Masters, he’s playing with confidence, and the crowd will be behind him. Feels like the stars might actually line up for a second major win this season.
Zephyr Melton
To-win: Scottie Scheffler, +480. Not overthinking this one. Scottie may not be the best value pick, but he’s the most sensible. If he’s on the correct side of the draw, he’ll be in the mix come Sunday.
Nick Piastowski
To-win: Tommy Fleetwood, +2,200. Fleetwood bags his first major. He was runner-up at Portrush in 2019, and his form suggests he’ll at least contend this week.
Josh Schrock
To-win: Jon Rahm, +1,200. We saw signs of life from Rahm at Quail Hollow and he is still one of the best players in the world. Add in his great Open record and I think we’re ripe for a weekend that sees Rahm thrust himself back into the spotlight.
Josh Sens
To-win: Scottie Scheffler, +480. It’s been a few weeks since Scheffler won a big event. He’s due.
Johnny Wunder
To-win: Jon Rahm, +1,200. The Apex Predator is starting to look comfy again with this new putter, and if he can get into the final group come Sunday, nobody beats him.
Matt Ziance
To-win: Viktor Hovland, +2,300. History doesn’t lie. Ten of the past 11 Open champs have finished T3 or better in at least one of their five previous events. Hovland finished third at Oakmont last month, and the Oslo native is ready to add ‘Major Champion’ to his resume.
