The British Open: Preview, prediction, odds and betting offers

Overview

A busy summer of sport shows no signs of letting up. Euro 2024 and the Copa America are done and Wimbledon is already a distant memory.

Attention turns to golf and the final major of the year – the Open Championship – which, this year, is being staged at Royal Troon.

As is customary, it will be played on a links course with Troon situated on the west coast of Scotland. Most US viewers will be accustomed to seeing the Claret Jug fought over on scorched fairways and hard, parched greens in what is normally a pretty radical departure from the more comfy confines of the PGA Tour.

But the UK’s miserable summer means there will be more shades of dark green in evidence than normal which may suit those coming from across the pond.

Thursday tee times for The 152nd Open. https://t.co/RgX3XdWuDU pic.twitter.com/xft7shFMXQ

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 16, 2024

Not that there hasn’t been plenty of US success at The Open in recent years, Indeed, the trophy has disappeared back across the Atlantic four times in the last 10 editions, including in 2023 when Brian Harman surprised everyone by cruising to victory at Hoylake.

The favourite this year is also American – world number one Scottie Scheffler, who is in the middle of a quite remarkable season having won six, and come second twice, in his last 10 events.

He skipped the Scottish Open last week to spend more time honing his game elsewhere in Scotland before arriving early at Troon.

As is the case every time he tees it up, the 28-year-old will take some stopping.

Rory McIlroy, fresh from his crushing disappointment at the US Open, would love to record major win number five this week, while Tommy Fleetwood is likely to challenge given his upbringing on similar courses.

Collin Morikawa knows his way round links courses, as demonstrated by his win at Royal St George’s three years ago, and Xander Schauffele has the all-round game to contend on any course in the world.

And what of LIV’s finest – Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm?

DeChambeau’s triumph over McIlroy at Pinehurst was a real shot in the arm for the Saudi-backed tour but it would be a major surprise if he had the accuracy to go back to back.

Koepka’s best finish in the last six majors was tied 17th at the 2023 US Open and he remains an outside shot. Rahm, who came joint second last year, continues to give off the vibe of a man who knows he messed up by quitting the PGA Tour – particularly as the swift marriage with LIV he no doubt envisaged shows no sign of materialising. He would love to go one better to show he remains relevant.

The @RoyalTroonGC bunkers provide the ultimate test. pic.twitter.com/5oPzncHBhX

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 17, 2024

We haven’t even mentioned Tiger Woods. The 15-time major winner is highly unlikely to contend, despite his usual pre-tournament confidence. As always with Woods at this stage of his career, simply enjoy watching him play. There may not be many more opportunities.

Where is it being held?

At Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland. Troon is situated on the Firth of Clyde about 35 miles south west of Glasgow.

Open Championship Betting Sites and Promos

• bet365
• DraftKings
• BetMGM
• Caesars

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Odds and Favorites to Win The Open Championship

*Odds accurate as of 11:41 am GMT July 15, via bet365.

How to watch

The Open can be watched on NBC and, on cable via USA Network.

If you wish to stream coverage, you can find it on Peacock.

Prediction

Scheffler is the obvious choice but there is something about the Scottish links that we feel may dislodge the equilibrium and throw the world number one off course.

And it’s perhaps too soon for McIlroy to shed the emotional baggage he carries from Pinehurst.

If you’re looking for a player long overdue, and with local knowledge, then end your search at the name of Tommy Fleetwood. The Englishman is at +2200.

Those of you looking for an American to back – and value – then perhaps consider Wyndham Clark (+8000). He rode a hot putter to come 10th at the Scottish Open last week and appears to be trending in the right direction.