Open Championship predictions: AI picks best bets, sleepers based on 2025 odds
But nobody should ever mistake artificial intelligence for being sappy. USA TODAY Sports canvassed five major AI programs seeking their predictions for the 2025 Open Championship winner and top sleeper picks. The majority went with the pre-tournament favorite, Scottie Scheffler, who is seeking his first Claret Jug.
He wasn't, however, the only choice to win and the sleeper picks varied based on the AI program. An international field featuring the best from the PGA Tour, LIV Golf and the DP World Tour, combined with the unpredictability of links golf, could make for a wide open event.
Here's a breakdown of AI predictions and sleeper picks for the 2025 Open Championship:
Open Championship picks: AI prediction for 2025 British Open winner
All BetMGM odds, AI picks and AI comments were collected by USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday, July 15
"His ability to avoid big mistakes and stay in contention every week makes him a strong favorite, especially in a tournament where consistency is key. While Scheffler is American, his game translates well to links-style courses like Royal Portrush."
"Rahm stands out as the best blend of major pedigree, recent form, and links suitability. His consistent top-15 finishes in 2025 majors, combined with a strong Portrush showing in 2019 (T11), suggest he's ready to contend."
"McIlroy is the hometown favorite (he's from Northern Ireland), and ... he's got the length off the tee, great control, and the mental game to handle a tricky Open setup."
"Scheffler's sustained, dominant form, combined with his exceptional ball-striking and adaptability, makes him the most formidable contender."
"As the world's number one golfer, he's been on a tear, with a streak of 10 straight top-10 finishes, including three in the previous three major championships. His consistency and impressive form make him a strong contender."
POWER RANKINGS: Ranking every golfer at 2025 Open Championship by odds
British Open 2025 sleeper picks
"A past Open winner and a favorite of some experts for his creativity on links courses."
"Straka has a history of performing well at The Open Championship, notably finishing tied for second in 2023 at Royal Liverpool, just one shot behind champion Brian Harman. His ability to handle the unique demands of links courses—firm fairways, pot bunkers, and unpredictable weather — makes him a strong contender."
"He's got the game for links golf — power off the tee, but also a deft touch around the greens. His short game is one of the most underrated, and he's shown that he can compete at the highest level. If the conditions at Royal Portrush get tricky with wind and rain, Lee has the creativity and calm to handle it."
"Henley might not be among the very top tier of favorites, which contributes to his "sleeper" status, but his current form and the strengths in his game make him a serious contender at Royal Portrush.
"This five-time major champion is being underestimated. He's shown incredible resilience in major tournaments, including a T12 finish at the U.S. Open and a T4 finish at Royal Portrush in 2019. ... While his current form might not be the strongest, he's proven time and time again that he can flip the switch on the biggest stages."
Watch the Open Championship with Fubo
The Open Championship 2025: TV, streaming and where to watch
Live coverage of this year's Open Championship will be provided by NBC, USA Network, Golf Channel and Peacock. Live streaming is also available via Fubo, which is offering a free trial for new subscribers.
All times Eastern
2-4 p.m.: Golf Channel live from The Open
Round 4
4-7 a.m.: Watch on USA Network, NBC Sports app and Fubo
7 a.m.-2 p.m.: Watch on NBC, Peacock and Fubo
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