3 Europeans Favorite To Become Next Men’s First-Time Major Winner

Xander Schauffele’s recent victory at the PGA Championship at Valhalla has finally put an end to the American’s reputation as the “best player yet to win a Major.” His one-stroke win over Bryson DeChambeau, who himself has a solitary Major title from the 2020 US Open, elevated Schauffele to World No.2.

As the 2024 US Open approaches, attention turns to other top players yet to secure a Major victory. Gambling.com Golf Expert Warren Barner has evaluated the leading contenders for their first Major win and provided odds on their chances.

At the forefront is Viktor Hovland, who nearly defeated Schauffele and DeChambeau at Valhalla, finishing third after a strong showing. The reigning FedEx Cup champion is the favorite with odds of +200 (2/1), indicating a 33.3% probability of winning his first Major.

Following closely at +250 (5/2) is Ludvig Aberg, a rising star from Team Europe. The 24-year-old Swede turned professional last June and quickly made a name for himself by winning the European Masters and later the RSM Classic on the PGA Tour. Despite missing the cut at Valhalla, Aberg’s runner-up finish at The Masters earlier in the year has solidified his position as a strong contender.

Tommy Fleetwood, known for his consistent performances at the US Open, is third on the list with odds of +400 (4/1). Fleetwood has three top-five finishes in his last seven US Open starts and has had a strong 2024 season with a win in Dubai and multiple top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour.

Among the American hopefuls, Patrick Cantlay is the most favored, with odds of +500 (5/1). Despite a notable absence from the winner’s circle since August 2022, Cantlay remains a top-10 player and a formidable contender for a Major title.

Max Homa rounds out the top five with odds of +600 (6/1). Homa’s recent performances at Majors have been promising, with a T3 finish at The Masters and a respectable showing at the PGA Championship.

Here are the odds for the next first-time Men’s Major winner:

1. **Viktor Hovland**: +200 (2/1) – 33.3%
2. **Ludvig Aberg**: +250 (5/2) – 28.6%
3. **Tommy Fleetwood**: +400 (4/1) – 20%
4. **Patrick Cantlay**: +500 (5/1) – 16.7%
5. **Max Homa**: +600 (6/1) – 14.3%
6. **Joaquin Niemann**: +700 (7/1) – 12.5%
7. **Will Zalatoris**: +800 (8/1) – 11.1%
7. **Tyrrell Hatton**: +800 (8/1) – 11.1%
9. **Cameron Young**: +900 (9/1) – 10%
10. **Tony Finau**: +1000 (10/1) – 9.1%

With the US Open on the horizon, these players will be looking to break through and claim their first Major, solidifying their place in the history of the sport.