2024’s major season is well and truly underway, with last month’s Masters Tournament officially raising the curtain on what promises to be a captivating year. The talented Scottie Scheffler dominated the field at Augusta, claiming the green jacket for a second time after finishing four strokes clear of the rest of the field. After two days, he was locked in a three-way battle alongside compatriots Bryan DeChambeu and Max Homa, but come day three, it was clear that it was the 27-year-old world number one that was in a class of his own.
Both his main rivals fell away on the Saturday, leaving Scheffler with a one-stroke lead heading into championship Sunday. From there, he made no mistake, hitting a blistering four under par 68 to walk out victorious. Now, the bookies certainly think he is the man to beat, with online golf betting providers making him the favourite in all three remaining majors, starting with the upcoming PGA Championship, a tournament where he is priced at +450.
But what of the African American contingent? There are several such players currently on the PGA Tour. Here are four of them that could win a major this year.
Tiger Woods
Is there any name more synonymous with their chosen sport than that of Tiger Woods and golf? The 48-year-old veteran may no longer be the man to beat on the links, but he certainly remains the face of golf’s global appeal, just as he has been for decades.
The Tiger, on paper, is the second most successful golfer of all time with 15 majors to his name, 15 behind the iconic Jack Nicklaus. The most recent of them came at Augusta back in 2019, when he ended an 11-year drought in major championships to claim the green jacket, much to the delight of the thousands of fans in attendance and the millions watching at home. This month, Woods returns to the PGA Championship in the hopes of securing the trophy for the fifth time overall and first time since 2007. He will have a job on his hands if he is to usurp the frontrunner Scheffler and the supporting cast spearheaded by Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, but he will certainly be giving it his all to end the weekend victorious.
Despite the challenges he has faced in recent years – including multiple injuries, surgeries, and those ugly personal issues – Woods’ spirit remains unbroken. Currently, his ranking might not place him at the very top, yet his expertise, experience, and sheer willpower cannot be overlooked. His ability to perform under pressure and the fact that he has been there and done it – multiple times over – makes him a perpetual threat at any tournament. You can never write off the Tiger.
Harold Varner III
Although he is far less renowned than his idol, the aforementioned Woods, Harold Varner III is another remarkable talent primed and ready for a breakthrough in a major. The 33-year-old burst onto the scene back in 2016 when he won the 2016 Australian PGA Championship, despite being a relative unknown. Since then, he has found success hard to come by, but that didn’t stop LV from snapping him up for a whopping $15m in 2022. He immediately got to work by winning the PIF Saudi International later that year, and now it is the majors that he has his eyes firmly set on.
The upcoming PGA Championship may well represent his best shot at glory. He achieved a joint-best finish in the tournament last year when he tied for 28th place, the same result as he achieved in 2020. The US Open is a tournament he won’t fancy his chances in, as he has never cut in the tournament, but the UK-hosted Open Championship represents an opportunity as well. He finished 28th in that particular competition two years ago and further improvement is required if he is to walk out of Old Blighty victorious.
Varner’s game is characterized by his explosive drives and finesse on the greens, elements essential for conquering the majors. Although the current world golf rankings do not feature him in the top tier, his performances have shown a positive trajectory since he reigned supreme in the Arabian Gulf, indicating that a breakthrough might be on the horizon.
Cameron Champ
Cameron Champ, with his prodigious driving power and improving short game, comes next on our list of African American golfers to watch in the major tournaments of 2024. While his current ranking might not reflect his full potential, Champ’s performances have hinted at an imminent breakout. His ability to dominate par-5s and recover from precarious situations makes him a thrilling player to watch. Bookmakers’ odds suggest that while he may be considered an outsider, his talent and potential for explosive performances should not be underestimated.
Joseph Bramlett
Joseph Bramlett is a name that resonates with persistence and breakthrough potential. Having navigated through injuries and the rigorous demands of maintaining tour status, Bramlett’s resilience has brought him into the spotlight. His skill set, characterized by disciplined iron play and mental toughness, makes him a golfer to watch in the majors. Though the odds may lean towards the conservative side, they don’t fully encapsulate the determination and growth exhibited by Bramlett. His ascent in the rankings is a narrative of hard work paying off, making him a compelling contender for a major victory.
