2024 Golf Major Predictions: Can McIlroy complete his grand slam

Big news in the world of golf at the back end of 2023 will potentially lead to some changes going forward. World No. 3 Jon Rahm has signed a $450 million deal to move to LIV. Away from that, 2024 will see some top courses hit the major rota. Valhalla and Pinehurst no. 2 return to the schedule for the PGA Championships and US Open, while Royal Troon hosts the Open Championship. As always, the action will start as at the Masters from Augusta in April.

It may be a very smart move by Rahm as he knows his presence at LIV will cause a shift in thinking and the dynamics of the PGA Tour and DP World tour hierarchy. We've already seen Rory McIlroy do a U-turn and Rahm will no doubt still have access to all the best European Tour events and privileges including the Ryder Cup.

The Masters

The Masters is usually the most anticipated major of the season and Jon Rahm bagged the title last year going head to head with now LIV associate Brooks Koepka down the stretch on Augusta Sunday. Can one of these two don the Green Jacket in 2024? We look forward again to seeing the iconic Augusta venue in all its glory. Jon Rahm is the ante-post favourite to win the Masters in April at 9.0 and the 2024 tournament will be played between April 11-14. Koepka is available to win the Masters at around 18.0.

PGA Championship

Justin Thomas relinquished the Wanamaker Trophy last season at Oak Hill, so it’s Koepka who will defend at the special Valhalla venue in 2024 at the PGA Championship. The event will take place from 16-19 May and Scottie Scheffler is the current market leader at 9.0. Nobody reached double digits under par in 2023 with Koepka taking down the PGA Championship on a score of -9. Major golf returns to Kentucky and Valhalla - the venue that staged the Ryder Cup in 2008.

US Open

The US Open is the third of this year’s golf majors and will take centre stage from the 13th to the 16th of June. Pinehurst no. 2 is a lengthy Donald Ross design renowned for its elevated greens and run offs. Martin Kaymer famously used his putter predominantly from the green surrounds to lead him to a runaway victory in 2014. Wyndham Clark defends following his victory at LA Country Club in 2023 and World no.1 Scottie Scheffler again leads the market here at around 10.0 in the betting.

Open Championship

Brian Harman put on a masterclass to blitz the field at Royal Liverpool in 2023 and now the Open Championship moves back up the coast to Royal Troon in Scotland. The Open Championship will wrap up the four majors from the 18th to the 21st of July. Jon Rahm, FedEx Cup winner Viktor Hovland, and Rory McIlroy lead the Open Championship 2024 betting market. Last time Royal Troon was on the rota was memorable as we saw one of the greatest major battles between Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson on the Sunday. Who will grab the Claret Jug this season and will we see more major surprises in 2024?

My ones to watch:  (An ol' major yankee is always fun!)

Masters: Back Rory McIlroy to complete his grand slam 10.0
PGA Championship: Back Justin Thomas 32.0 to return to his home town and bag the win
US Open: Back Viktor Hovland to use his tee to green game to tame Pinehurst no.2 at 10.5
Open Championship: Back Jon Rahm to add to his links pedigree on a Royal Troon course he'll like 10.0