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The British Open, or Open Championship, is the fourth and final major on the golfing calendar. Hosted by Royal Liverpool (Hoylake, 13th time overall and first since 2014), and providing a serious challenge to the best golfers in the world.
There is a ton of history when it comes to the Open Championship. Lifting the Claret Jug is one of the greatest accomplishments of any player.
Here is a look at the odds to win the Open Championship, along with a brief betting preview and a pick to prevail.
“Surprise” as Favorite
The previous three major golf tournaments this season have seen either Scottie Scheffler or Jon Rahm as favorite in the wagering. That’s not the case here, as the “local,” Rory McIlroy, enters the Open Championship as the betting favorite at 7-1 (+700), according to British Open odds.
Winning the Scottish Open should bode well as McIlroy tries to win his first major since a British Open-PGA double in 2014 (PGA last major that season).
Scheffler and Rahm are co-second choices at 9-1 (+900), which shouldn’t come as a surprise since both players have been incredibly consistent this season.
Betting on favorites at any tournament is risky. They don’t always offer the requisite value. However, these three golfers have proven they deserve to be atop the board each time, and will receive tons of attention at Royal Liverpool.
Plenty of Contenders
There are, of course, plenty of other golfers to consider. Brooks Koepka and defending champion Cameron Smith, both with winning resumes in majors, are not too far behind in terms of odds. Each is listed at 14-1 (+1400) as of this writing.
Viktor Hovland at 18-1 (+1800), another golfer who should be in the mix at Royal Liverpool.
Jordan Spieth (18-1, +1800) and Xander Schauffele (20-1, 2000-1) tend to draw their share of attention, and thus worth some consideration.
McIlroy Ends Drought
Rory McIlroy’s major-tournament drought is a subject he’s tired of discussing. He’s been close in the last few, and his aforementioned win at the Scottish Open adds to the momentum.
He will have the golfing equivalent of the home-field advantage at Royal Liverpool, site of his last Open Championship win nine years ago.
Expect to see Scheffler and Rahm play well in the final major, as will others.
However, we’re taking McIlroy as the 7-1 (+700) favorite to lift the Jug and end the drought.
- Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com
