When I am trying to predict who will win a Major Championship, it usually takes hours of research, data analysis and copious amounts of coffee.
The process is one that I have finely tuned, helping me to whittle down the field into Bazza's best bets, but I know that every person on our panel of experts has a different approach to picking winners.
In the last few weeks, the team at Golf Monthly HQ have invested plenty of time into finding their picks to win the Open Championship - along with searching for the best sleeper bets and first round leader tips, but AI appears to have streamlined this formula into a matter of seconds.
So, to test the 'infinite wisdom' of AI, I asked Google Gemini to predict three surprise selections for the Open Championship - focusing on a winner, a first round leader and a top-10 finisher...
I Asked Google Gemini To Predict The Winner Of The Open 2025
Rather than giving AI free reign to pick someone obvious like Scottie Scheffler or Rory McIlroy, I thought I'd shift the parameters slightly and ask it to surprise me.
So, away from the market leaders, the name that Google Gemini came up with as its Open Champion at Royal Portrush was none other than US Open runner-up Robert MacIntyre.
I must admit, I was close to picking the Scotsman myself. His performance at the Renaissance Club last week slightly put me off, and he just missed out on my betting card as a result, but I can certainly see the appeal.
Google Gemini sights his links pedigree and recent form in both regular PGA Tour events and Majors. It also references that Robert MacIntyre often enters as a bit of a dark horse, and is rarely mentioned in the same breath as the favourites in the market.
I would say that narrative is starting to shift, and I don't believe it will be long until he wins a Major, and despite overlooking him I would still love to see him lift the Claret Jug this week.
Gemini Prediction: The First Round Leader Of The Open 2025
Again, steering away from the favourites in the market, I asked Google Gemini to crunch the numbers and find me a leader after 18 holes at Royal Portrush.
The name it produced was very interesting, especially after a strong performance at the Genesis Scottish Open last week.
Enter, Nicolai Hojgaard. He is a big price in this market, and has the length off the tee to contend on a track like the Dunluce Links, so I sort of get it.
Google Gemini rationalises its pick by drawing on a perceived early tee time advantage for Nicolai, as well as his aggressive style of play and ability to produce fast starts at tournaments.
Certainly one to keep an eye on early on Thursday morning.
Google Gemini Prediction: A Top-10 Finisher At The Open 2025
This one might be the most left-field selection of the trio.
Google Gemini has predicted Christiaan Bezuidenhout will finish in the top-10 at Royal Portrush, after a 'quietly consistent season in 2025'.
It appreciates his accuracy over distance approach to the game, and his strong ability to alter his ball flight on links courses.
His best finish at an Open Championship is a tie for 49th, so he will need a huge improvement to trouble the leaders at Portrush.
I can't really get on board with this particular selection, and I would actually be more likely to bet on him missing the cut - but we will see who is right come the weekend, won't we?
Who Do You Think Will Win The Open 2025?
It's time to have your say. You've heard the case made by Google Gemini, and you can read our betting guides by clicking the links at the top of the page, but who do you think will win the Open Championship at Royal Portrush?
Send us a comment below and let us know before play kicks off tomorrow.
