Rory McIlroy falls behind Scottie Scheffler as the World No. 1 becomes favorite to win a Major in 2026

Scottie Scheffler has taken the early lead over Rory McIlroy in betting for a Major Championship in 2026. The World No. 1 is now the favorite to win at least one major next season, according to DraftKings Sportsbook odds shared by golf analyst Rick Gehman.

The odds posted on X show Scheffler at -150, making him the top pick, while McIlroy follows at +170. Xander Schauffele is third at +550, followed by Tommy Fleetwood at +600 and Ludvig Åberg at +650.

Other notable contenders include Justin Thomas (+800), Russell Henley (+900), Collin Morikawa (+1000), Cameron Young (+1000), Patrick Cantlay (+1200), Hideki Matsuyama (+1200), Sam Burns (+1400), and Harris English (+1800).

Scheffler’s position at the top of the betting comes after another strong season in 2025. He won two major titles this year, taking the PGA Championship and The Open Championship, and stayed at World No. 1 throughout the season.

Scottie Scheffler now has four major wins, including two Masters titles in 2022 and 2024. The only major missing from his resume is the U.S. Open. If he wins the U.S. Open in 2026, he would join an elite group by completing the career Grand Slam. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy achieved the feat earlier this year with his Masters win, becoming the sixth player and first European to do so since Tiger Woods in 2000.

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John Daly favors Scottie Scheffler over Rory McIlroy for 2025’s best season

Even with Rory McIlroy completing his career Grand Slam this year, John Daly believes Scottie Scheffler had the stronger overall season. Speaking to Hard Rock Bet, Daly explained why he gives the edge to Scheffler.

“I’d have to go with Scottie. I mean, Scottie’s won a few more, and then he won two majors this year. You have to go with Scottie,” Daly said.

Scheffler overcame a late start caused by a palm injury last Christmas to play 20 events, making the cut in all of them. He finished the season with six wins, one runner-up, and 17 top-10 finishes, including his major victories.

McIlroy also had an impressive year, playing 16 events with 15 cuts made. He recorded three titles, one runner-up and eight top-10 finishes. His Masters victory gave him five major titles and completed his career Grand Slam.

McIlroy’s achievements earned him the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award for 2025, making him the sixth man and the first European to achieve the career Slam, joining legends such as Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Gary Player.

Edited by Sonali Verma