Rory McIlroy's victory at the 2023 Scottish Open has reset the odds board at The Open, and the world No. 2 is now the clear favorite to raise the Claret Jug. Nine years removed from his Open victory on these very grounds, McIlroy will look to break through and add the fifth major title to his already stellar playing résumé.

Ahead of the 2014 Open, McIlroy was clearly the best driver of the golf ball in the world. He was averaging +1.52 strokes gained off the tee per round the three months prior to his victory. With Royal Liverpool receiving its fair share of rain in recent weeks — and even Monday — the driver will need to be on a string as internal out of bounds and pot bunkers lurk.

This should be music to the ears of a number of the betting favorites, including world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who continues to excel from tee to green. On pace to put together a statistical season not seen since Tiger Woods — a winner here in 2006 — Scheffler has thrived no matter the setting. He comes off yet another top-five finish at the Scottish Open and has been 27 strokes better than his nearest competitor in major championships since the start of 2020.

Jon Rahm, a four-time winner this season, sits alongside 2014 Open runner up Rickie Fowler at 12-1, while local lad Tommy Fleetwood sits at 15-1 with PGA Championship runner-up Viktor Hovland and the reigning Champion Golfer of the Year, Cameron Smith.

2023 Open Championship odds leaders

• Rory McIlroy +525
• Scottie Scheffler +750
• Jon Rahm +1200
• Rickie Fowler +1200
• Viktor Hovland +1500
• Cameron Smith +1500
• Tommy Fleetwood +1500
• Brooks Koepka +1600

So which 2023 Open Championship players should you target or avoid? And which player could bring a MASSIVE payday? ... Join SportsLine right now to see Patrick McDonald's best value picks for the 2023 British Open!