2019 British Open (Open Championship) Odds & Picks

• The 148th Open Championship tees off Thursday, July 18th
• Will Rory McIlroy win his second Claret Jug on home soil or might Tiger Woods win his 16th major?
• We’ve narrowed down the golfers with the best chance of emerging victorious

The final major championship of the season is upon us with the Open Championship returning to prestigious Royal Portrush for the first time since it hosted the 1951 edition of the tournament.

Hometown favorite Rory McIlroy will have plenty of support along with Tiger Woods, who hasn’t competed anywhere since last month’s US Open. They’re joined by Brooks Koepka, who has been contending at every single major championship for a long while now.

2019 Open Championship Odds

Odds taken 07/14/19.

McIlroy opened with the best Open Championship odds, but saw Woods and Koepka overtake him as the favorite at different points throughout the year.

Royal Portrush Offers Rory McIlroy Best Chance for Major #5

It’s hard to believe that Rory McIlroy hasn’t won a major championship since lifting his second Wanamaker Trophy at the 2014 PGA Championship. He’s had a few chances to add to his major haul since then, most notably at the Open Championship.

Before The Open begins, take a look at the spectacular new 7th hole at Royal Portrush with @McilroyRory ⛳️ pic.twitter.com/S2Bi2FvwBN

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 9, 2019

Three tournaments ago he blitzed the field in Canada for his second win this season, only to follow that up with decent – not great – results at the US Open & Scottish Open.

Given that he has home course advantage at Royal Portrush, McIlroy should be a factor, especially when you consider how well he’s played the Open in recent years.

Rory McIlroy’s Last Four Open Championships

*McIlroy did not compete in 2015 Open Championship.

While his +800 odds don’t present a ton of value, if you’re so inclined to wager on McIlroy to get back on track in the majors, this would be the tournament you should go for.

Will Brooks Koepka Ever Stop Contending in Majors?

There are three certainties in life – death, taxes, and Brooks Koepka contending in major championships.

The hulking behemoth has finished first (three times) or second (twice) in five of his last six majors, his 39th place showing at last year’s Open Championship the outlier.

😮@BKoepka is throwing 🎯.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/dOKbQztkQn

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 5, 2019

If you’re looking how he finishes in ‘regular’ tournaments and thinking that’ll translate to how well he plays the majors, you’re completely wrong.

He can’t seem to muster the strength to care about the minor events, only playing unbelievably well at the majors. Koepka has finished no better than 50th in his last three minor tourneys, sandwiched in between a runner-up finish at the US Open and a victory at the PGA Championship.

Brooks Koepka’s Five Career Open Championships

*Koepka did not compete in 2016 Open Championship.

Of all the majors, this is the one that Koepka has “struggled” at the most. Bet against him at your peril, given his unbelievable run at the biggest events, but in this case, I’d be inclined to hold off on wagering on him.

Tiger Woods Has Barely Played Any Golf at All

To say Tiger Woods comes into the Open Championship rusty would be an insult to rust everywhere.

Since winning the Masters in April, he’s played just three times – the PGA Championship, US Open, and Memorial Tournament was the only regular event contested.

https://twitter.com/ForePlayPod/status/1148280343709016064

If any golfer could walk onto a golf course and play strong golf it’s obviously the 15-time major winner. However, to feel confident in him to jump onto an unfamiliar track with little tournament reps and dominate a venue seems like too tall a task, even for perhaps the greatest golfer ever.

Pass on Woods to add to his major haul at his too low +1200 odds.

Last 5 Open Championship Winners

2019 Open Championship Best Value Picks

1. Jon Rahm (+1400): He won his last start two weeks ago at the Irish Open and was second & third in his two previous events before that, including the US Open. Also won Zurich Classic this season and was T-9th at the Masters.
2. Rafa Cabrera Bello (+12500): Take advantage of this incredible value. We gave you the heads up a week ago and he’s still listed at this number, despite being in the 50-1 range at all other books. T-3, T-4 & T-9 in last three events, and was runner-up at Royal Portrush at an event played in 2012.
3. Bernd Wiesberger (+15000): Just like with Cabrera Bello, another wild line is offered on him at 150-1, despite him being around 50-1 at all other books. Just won the Scottish Open for second title this season, and was runner-up in the event before that, the Irish Open.