The 151st Open Championship tees off at Royal Liverpool this week, as the world’s best golfers chase success at the final Major of the season.
It has been more than eight years since Rory McIlroy last tasted success at a major, but the Northern Irishman has returned to rare form this season, and he has opened a $7.50 favourite in The Open Championship betting following a win at the Scottish Open over the weekend.
I’ve run the rule over the entire field and the British Open betting markets here at Neds and provided my best bets below, including a British Open Same Game Multi!
Rory McIlroy ($7.50)
He’s never been ‘one of mine’, but I do believe that if Rory McIlroy is going to win another major, it’s most likely to be the 2023 British Open.
Ever since the PGA vs LIV argument has settled down, McIlroy’s golf genuinely has improved again, and a close second placing at last month’s US Open was converted into a win in Scotland over the weekend.
He is playing with confidence and ease, and he does look well placed to be in the finish again this week.
Cameron Smith ($13)
Australia’s favourite son was a little underwhelming at the beginning of this season’s LIV Tour, but he now looks a genuine chance of defending his British Open crown.
Smith’s performance and win at St Andrews last year was a thing of beauty, and he has continued to improve with each tournament that he has contested this year, culminating in his maiden LIV victory a couple of weeks ago.
He too is playing with renewed confidence, and there arguably isn’t a player that performs better under pressure than Cam Smith.
Viktor Hovland ($19)
Viktor Hovland has contested a busy season, and he really has put himself in the framework for a maiden Major victory this season.
The Norwegian has recorded just one win on tour this season, but he has been an extremely consistent performer, placing twice in the Top 10 of Majors to go with another five top ten finishes.
I have no doubt that he’ll be in the thick of it again on the final day in Liverpool, and he represents value particularly for another Top 10 finish!
Justin Rose ($41)
This is something of a speculative selection, but Justin Rose typically keeps his best golf for the grandest stages, and he does look capable of making a long run at the British Open.
The 2013 US Open champion has missed the cut at his last two tournaments, but he recorded a memorable win at Pebble Beach back in February, and wasn’t far away at either of The Masters and PGA Championship.
I’m not sure if he has the means to win, but he’s another that adds value to finish in the Top 10 & 20.
British Open Same Game Multi
- Rory McIlroy to finish Top 5
- Cameron Smith to finish Top 10
- Viktor Hovland to finish Top 10
