British Open Betting: Is It Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, or Someone Else?

The final major of 2024 is almost here! The British Open, also known as The Open Championship, is returning to Royal Liverpool for the 13th time, promising a thrilling week of golf in the heart of Merseyside. With the world’s best golfers vying for the coveted Claret Jug, the betting markets are buzzing with excitement. But who will reign supreme at Hoylake?

The Favorites: Scheffler and McIlroy in the Spotlight

As we head into the Open, two names stand out as the clear favorites: Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.

• Scottie Scheffler: The current world No. 1, Scheffler brings a consistent and dominant game to the table. He’s already bagged four wins in 2023, including the Masters, and his recent performance at the US Open, finishing T5, showcased his ability to handle pressure on the big stage.

• Rory McIlroy: The Northern Irishman is always a threat at the Open, especially on British soil. He’s already won the tournament twice, most recently in 2014 at Royal Liverpool, and his recent form has been impressive. He secured a T7 finish at the US Open and is hungry to add another major to his collection.

Odds Reflect the Favourites’ Dominance

The betting odds reflect the dominant status of these two superstars. As of today, Scheffler is sitting at 7/1 while McIlroy is slightly behind at 9/1. This suggests the bookmakers believe these two have the best chance of hoisting the Claret Jug on Sunday.

But Don’t Count Out the Rest

While Scheffler and McIlroy are the clear favorites, the Open is known for its unpredictable nature. The links golf format, with its wind and undulating terrain, can throw even the most seasoned players off their game. Here are some other players who could challenge for the title:

The Contenders:

• Jon Rahm (10/1): The Spaniard is a recent US Open champion and consistently ranks among the top golfers in the world. He’s got the talent and experience to contend at the Open.

• Viktor Hovland (12/1): The Norwegian star is rapidly rising through the ranks and has shown a knack for performing on big stages. He finished T3 at the Masters and T4 at the PGA Championship.

• Patrick Cantlay (14/1): Known for his consistent play and strong iron game, Cantlay is always a threat in major championships. He’s got the experience and the game to make a run at the Claret Jug.

• Matt Fitzpatrick (16/1): The reigning US Open champion has a strong history at the Open, finishing T17 in 2022. He’s a fearless competitor and will be looking to claim another major title.

The Long Shots: Don’t Forget the Dark Horses

Don’t forget about the potential for upsets! Here are a few names to watch out for:

• Tommy Fleetwood (22/1): The Englishman has a knack for performing well at home, finishing T2 in the 2022 Open. He’ll be hungry to improve on that result and has a solid record at Royal Liverpool.

• Tyrrell Hatton (25/1): The Englishman has a reputation for his clutch play and solid short game. He’s a strong contender in any field, and he’s looking for a breakthrough major victory.

• Shane Lowry (28/1): The 2019 Open champion knows what it takes to win at this level. He’s got a strong game and a confident demeanor. He’ll be looking to make a run at another Claret Jug.

Factors To Consider: Course Conditions and Weather

The Open is notorious for its weather conditions. Wind, rain, and unpredictable shifts in the terrain can significantly impact the players’ scores.

• Royal Liverpool: This course is known for its challenging layout, with strong winds, deep bunkers, and undulating fairways. It will test the players’ skills in every aspect of the game.

• Weather: The unpredictable weather in England can be a major factor, potentially leading to delayed rounds or even cancellations.

Historical Data: Insights From Previous Opens

Looking at the recent history of the Open offers some valuable insights:

• Royal Liverpool: In the last two Open Championships played at Royal Liverpool (2006 and 2014), the winning score was under par. This suggests that the course can be scored, but players need to be accurate and avoid big mistakes.

• Recent Trends: The last three Open champions have all won with scores under par. This highlights the importance of strong driving and good putting, both of which are critical for success at the Open.

Making Your Picks: Key Factors to Consider

• Player Form: Look at recent performances. Players in good form heading into the Open are more likely to contend for the title.

• Course History: Consider players who have performed well at Royal Liverpool or similar links courses in the past.

• Weather Conditions: Factor in the unpredictable weather, as it can significantly impact the outcome of the tournament.

• Betting Odds: Use the odds as a guide, but don’t be afraid to bet on underdogs if you have a good reason.

The Excitement is Building

With the anticipation building and the world’s best golfers set to take on the challenge of Royal Liverpool, the 2024 British Open promises to be an unforgettable event. Whether it’s Scheffler, McIlroy, or a surprise contender, one thing is certain: the race for the Claret Jug will be fierce and captivating. Get ready for a week of thrilling golf and nail-biting finishes!