Scheffler in position to take over world's top golfer title from McIlroy

Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports

Scottie Scheffler in position to take over world's top golfer title from Rory McIlroy

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 11/9/22

In case you hadn't heard, the PGA Tour's season is underway, and Rory McIlroy claimed the coveted spot as the top-ranked golfer in the world.

His reign could be short-lived, however. The Cadence Bank Houston Open is set to tee off on Thursday, and Scottie Scheffler, who is the current favorite across multiple sportsbooks, could take over as World No. 1 with a win over the weekend.

Opening odds for this week's Houston Open (DK):

Scheffler +550
Burns +1200
Finau +1600
Wise +1600
Montgomery +2000
McNealy +2000
Henley +2500
Matsuyama +2500
Day +3000
McCarthy +3500
NeSmith +4000
Theegala +4000
Putnam +4000
Dahmen +4500
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelTAN) November 7, 2022

Scheffler and McIlroy, who appear to have a good relationship off the links, have been battling it out for the top spot for some time now. The Irishman — who is not competing over the weekend as he prepares for the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai on Nov. 17 — recently bumped Scheffler from the top spot when he won the CJ Cup last month.

Interestingly enough, the golf duo is still separated from the rest of the pack in the Official World Golf Ranking by Cameron Smith. The Australian no longer qualifies for world ranking points because he defected to the rogue LIV Golf circuit, but his successful 2021-22 campaign left him sitting in the top five.

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