Scottie Scheffler has put himself in contention at the biggest tournaments in the world, finishing in the top 10 at four of the seven major championships he’s played in during his young career. He even won the 2020 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award. But Scheffler is still seeking his first tour victory, something he could rectify this weekend at the RSM Classic.
Scheffler will head into Sea Island Golf Club as the favorite to win this week after coming close to breaking his drought last weekend.
Scheffler comes close to winning in Houston
The 25-year-old Scheffler held a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Houston Open, but he ultimately came up two shots behind Jason Kokrak. Scheffler bogeyed four holes during the final round, and though he finished strong, it wasn’t enough to make up for his earlier struggles.
“I really felt uncomfortable with my ball striking going into the week, but I gave myself a chance to win here in the end,†Scheffler told reporters after the tournament. “I’d say today I just probably didn’t make enough putts. Outside of that, I definitely played good enough to win.â€
Scheffler now enters the RSM Classic as the +1000 favorite to win the tournament, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. He’ll have an extra reason to think that he can win this weekend, as he has enlisted longtime caddie Ted Scott, who previously caddied for Bubba Watson for nearly 15 years.
“I’ve gotten to know Teddy decently well the last couple years on Tour,†Scheffler told reporters. “He’s obviously a fantastic guy and it was definitely a great partner for me out on the course, and I’m looking forward to getting things started this week. We’re getting used to each other and seeing how things work.â€
Oosthuizen, Smith among RSM Classic favorites
Scheffler will tee off Thursday morning in a threesome that also includes Louis Oosthuizen. The 2010 Open Championship winner has never won a tournament on American soil, but figures to be in the mix in a relatively weak field. Oosthuizen rates as a +1600 pick to win the RSM Classic.
RSM Classic Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook) | |
Scottie Scheffler: +1000 | Cameron Smith: +1400 |
Louis Oosthuizen: +1600 | Webb Simpson: +1800 |
Corey Conners: +2000 | Russell Henley: +2500 |
Harris English: +2500 | Alexander Noren: +3000 |
The other leading contender heading into the event is Cameron Smith. The Australian ranks 23rd on the Official World Golf Ranking, and finished tied for 15th at the Houston Open last weekend. He comes into the RSM Classic as the +1400 second choice, just ahead of Oosthuizen.
Other top contenders at the RSM Classic include Webb Simpson (+1800), Corey Conners (+2000), Russell Henley (+2500), and Harris English (+2500).