2024 Open Championship: Daniel Brown Leads After Round 1, BetMGM Odds and Top Players to Watch

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The 2024 Open Championship has just kicked off with the first round in the books, and it's already shaping up to be an exciting tournament. With 16 golfers within 5 strokes of the lead in this 152nd event, fans and bettors alike are keeping a close eye on the action at Royal Troon in Scotland. Let's dive into the details and take a look at the odds from BetMGM Sportsbook as we head into Friday's second round.

First Round Highlights:

  • Daniel Brown has emerged as the leader after shooting an impressive 6-under-par 65 in some pretty tough conditions. This 29-year-old pro from England, who ranks 226th in the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings, managed to post a bogey-free round by making two birdies in his last three holes. This stellar performance has given him a 1-stroke lead going into Friday's round. Notably, he started the week with +25000 odds to win, and those odds have drastically improved to +3500 now.

  • Scottie Scheffler, the pre-tournament favorite with opening odds of +550, is currently tied for 11th place after shooting a 1-under 70. His odds have now shifted to +400. Scheffler is a name to watch as the tournament progresses.

  • Brian Harman, the defending champion who won last year with a score of 13-under 271, had a rough start and is tied for 42nd place after shooting a 2-over 73. His initial odds of +6600 to repeat have now lengthened to +10000.

Watch Live on ESPN+

For fans eager to catch all the live action, the PGA Tour is streaming on ESPN+. Don't miss a moment of the excitement as the world's best golfers compete for the coveted Claret Jug.

Players to Watch:

Before the second round tees off early in the morning (1:35 a.m. ET USA, 4 a.m.-3 p.m. ET), here are a few players to keep an eye on as they aim to catch up to Brown:

  1. Shane Lowry (+450): The 37-year-old pro, who started with +4000 odds to win, is in second place, just one shot behind Brown. Lowry is seeking his fourth PGA title and his second Open Championship, having won the 2019 Open at St. Andrews. He has four top-25 finishes in 11 Open appearances.

  2. Justin Thomas (+1400): After shooting a 3-under 68 in the first round, Thomas is in third place, two shots back. He started the tournament with +6600 odds and is currently ranked 45th by Golfweek.

  3. Xander Schauffele (+600): Tied for fourth place with six other golfers at 2-under 69, Schauffele is ranked No. 2 by Golfweek and began the week with +1400 odds.

  4. Alex Noren (+3000): Tied for fourth, Noren is ranked 12th by Golfweek and started with +8000 odds.

  5. Russell Henley (+3500): Also in the fourth-place group, Henley is ranked eighth by Golfweek and opened at +12500 odds.

  6. Nicolai Hojgaard (+3500): Ranked 99th by Golfweek, Hojgaard is another player tied for fourth and started with +10000 odds.

Prop Bets and Updates:

Before the tournament began, there were a few interesting prop bets to consider. Here’s a quick update on how those are shaping up:

  • Collin Morikawa (+2800 to lead the first round): Unfortunately, Morikawa shot a 2-over 73 and is tied for 42nd place.

  • Aaron Rai (+6600 to lead the first round): Rai also shot a 2-over 73, tying him for 42nd.

  • Tiger Woods (+180 for a top-40 finish): Woods had a tough day, shooting an 8-over 79, and is currently tied for 138th place.

Betting Odds:

For those looking to place bets or check the latest odds, BetMGM Sportsbook is the go-to source. Odds are updated frequently, and you can find a full list of betting lines on the USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub.

Exciting Elements to Note:

  • The Comeback Potential: With several big names like Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas close to the top, the potential for a dramatic comeback is high.

  • Underdog Stories: Daniel Brown's surprising lead as an underdog adds an exciting twist to the tournament narrative. His journey in his first major championship is definitely one to follow.

  • Weather and Conditions: The tough conditions at Royal Troon are proving to be a significant factor, making the performances of those who manage to stay bogey-free even more impressive.

As we gear up for the second round, the 2024 Open Championship is already delivering on the excitement and unpredictability that fans love. Keep an eye on your favorites and those underdog stories that make golf so thrilling!