by Ben Perks
After narrowly missing out on a first-place finish at the Masters, Vegas oddsmakers have made Rory McIlory a +900 favorite for The Open Championship.
Bookmakers have placed the four-time major champion just ahead of Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and Justin Thomas – all tied in second at +1200.
The Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland will play host to the fourth major of the year from July 14-17.
Discover where the betting value lies and the latest odds for the 2022 Open Championship.
The Open Championship 2022: Tournament Info
- Course: Old Course, St Andrews, Scotland
- Date: July 14 – July 17, 2022
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 7,305 yards
- Greens: Fescue grass
- Players: 156
- How to watch: NBC and the Golf Channel
- Prize purse: Undecided – ($11,500,000 in 2021)
- Defending champion: Collin Morikawa
- Twitter: @The_Open
- Designers: Natural course – contributions made by Daw Anderson (1850s) and ‘Old’ Tom Morris (1865–1908)
- Established: 1860
- Purse: $11,500,000
Rory Is Ready
Despite not winning a major since 2014, McIlroy has shown some killer form while contending in each major championship this year.
Although no one can question his recent form, he has gone a long time without a major trophy.
The Northern Irishman has picked up +10.46 strokes against the field at majors in 2022 – second to only Zalatoris (+10.96) – and has the second-lowest aggregate major score of players who’ve made the cut at all three events (-11).
He has dominated the regular tour stops, bagging two wins at non-major events this season (Canadian Open and CJ Cup). Rory possesses the lowest scoring average on tour at 68.63, is first in strokes gained, and has only missed one cut.
Although no one can question his recent form, he has gone a long time without a major trophy. After winning the PGA Championship in 2014, McIlroy has only managed 16 top-10 finishes at majors and no victories.
However, considering his impressive numbers and incredible finish in Augusta – completing an 8-under 64 that marked the low round of the tournament by three strokes – he more than justifies his favorite tag at top golf betting sites.
Fitzpatrick Is on Fire
After winning the US Open in a thrilling final round, Matt Fitzpatrick represents decent betting value at +2000.
To see off Scottie Scheffler and Will Zalatoris, Fitzpatrick hit 17 greens in regulation in the final group of the US Open in what could arguably be the most impressive final performance ever in terms of striking the ball.
Fitzpatrick currently ranks first in strokes gained: tee-to-green (1.870) and second in scoring average (69.056).
Therefore, we expect many to place a futures bet on the Englishman before the prestigious tourney begins.
Cameron Young – A Tempting Longshot?
As the Old Course at St. Andrews is susceptible for birdies and for bombers (weather permitting), Cameron Young could go all the way at The Open.
This Rookie of the Year candidate has been excellent in 2022 and even contended at the PGA Championship in May.
This Rookie of the Year candidate has been excellent in 2022 and even contended at the PGA Championship in May.
The 25-year-old has shown the world that he’s one of the best drivers of the ball, with excellent iron play and putting. The American has four top-three finishes this year, including runner-up results at the Wells Fargo Championship – where the conditions were rainy and windy. Therefore, he could excel in Scotland.
Admittedly, he is yet to win on the PGA Tour. But the young talent has what it takes to become golf’s next big thing by winning a major soon.
Woods Returns
With a resume of 15 majors and possibly being the most famous golfer of all time, Woods will always attract some action. But is it justified?
The 46-year-old skipped the US Open to recover from what was a grueling PGA Championship. Withdrawing after his third round at Southern Hills, Woods knows that he needs to take it easy after his injury record.
Consequently, he returns to the site where he won his first Open Championship and later added his second well-rested. Woods will be pumped for this one, making him a tempting wagering option at +4000.
Last Ten Open Championship Winners
| Year | Golfer | Course |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Collin Morikawa | Royal St George’s |
| 2019 | Shane Lowry | Royal Portrush |
| 2018 | Francesco Molinari | Carnoustie |
| 2017 | Jordan Spieth | Royal Birkdale |
| 2016 | Henrik Stenson | Royal Troon |
| 2015 | Zach Johnson | St Andrews |
| 2014 | Rory McIlroy | Royal Liverpool |
| 2013 | Phil Mickelson | Muirfield |
| 2012 | Ernie Els | Royal Lytham & St Annes |
| 2011 | Darren Clarke | Royal St George’s |
Image credit: Lisa Suender, CC BY 2.0
Ben is a sports journalist & part-time trader with a passion for finding +EV bets. Ben lives in Madrid, Spain where he enjoys the live poker scene, and sunshine where he covers UFC, MLB, NHL, NBA, as well as tennis betting.
