In just 72 holes, a player can turn a somewhat-mundane season into a memorable one, a memorable season into a historic one and a historic season into one of an all-time great campaign. That's what is on the line this week at the 2025 Open Championship as Royal Portrush hosts the final major of the season in Northern Ireland.

That distinction belongs to world No. 1 and reigning PGA champion Scottie Scheffler. Masters — and Grand Slam — champ McIlroy is a clear second choice, with Jon Rahm, who has three top-10s in his last four Open starts, third.

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.

- Sweden's Henrik Stenson tees off on the 10th hole with the Turnberry Lighthouse in the background, during a practice round for the British Open Golf Championship at Turnberry Golf Course, Scotland,

Mark Darbon added that he had a "good discussion" with Eric Trump and other executives over a potential return of the Open to Turnberry.