11 Betting Picks For British Open

The fourth and final golf major of the year, the British Open at the historic St. Andrews course, has arrived.

Given the course expected to play firm and fast, and the potential for windy conditions to play a factor, it will be a terrific week of golf betting where anything can happen.

Before Thursday’s first round, British Open golf betting odds will be worth looking at, and there are hundreds of other bets, including props on where players will finish, head-to-head matchups, and much more.

Once the tournament gets underway, there will be opportunities to live bet, which will require looking at live golf odds. These will constantly change over the four days.

Here are 11 bets I have made ahead of the first round on Thursday.

Tony Finau Outright & Top-5 Finish +4000/+750

Finau enters the week as the No. 17-ranked player in the world and has some great history at the Open Championship, yet flying completely under the radar. He’s one of only 14 players in the field to have multiple top-15 finishes in the last five Open Championships, including three straight top 15s.

His length will serve him well in terms of fit for St. Andrews, and he’s had some success avoiding three-putts. These two traits will have a massive impact on things this week.

Rory McIlroy Top-5 Finish +220

I wanted to pick McIlroy to win outright this week, but the +1000 price isn’t worth it. He comes in playing great. In his last seven events, his worst finish is a T-19, with five top-10 finishes. 

While he’s struggled in his two most recent British Opens, he has five career top-5 finishes. This might be his best chance to win his first major since 2014.

Rory McIlroy on what it means to win The Open at St. Andrews: “I think it’s the Holy Grail of our sport. That’s what winning an Open at St. Andrews is. It’s one of the highest achievements that you can have in golf.”

— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelTAN) July 12, 2022

Jordan Spieth Top-10 Finish +160

There are a lot of things going Spieth’s way, including his history at the event. He is a perfect 8-for-8 in cuts made at the British Open, including four top-5 finishes. Last year he finished runner-up to Collin Morikawa.

Spieth finished T-10 last week at the Genesis Scottish Open when the first time he played the back-nine was in the first round. However, with plenty of preparation and knowledge of St. Andrews, Spieth should play well this week.

Cameron Smith Top-10 Finish +240

Smith is another top player flying under the radar this week.

His best finish at an Open Championship is a T-20 back in 2019, but given the firm and fast conditions, wedge play will be important, and he’s arguably the best wedge player on the PGA Tour.

Smith also finished T-10 last week.

"800" yard drive for Cameron Smith. Routine 😆 pic.twitter.com/xgXCMtyu3z

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 6, 2022

Ryan Fox Top-20 Finish +225

Fox is one of the best players in the field this week that many haven’t heard of.

He’s currently ranked fourth on the DP World Tour and has seven top-10 finishes in 13 tournaments. Fox also has good vibes at St. Andrews as he finished T-16 at the 2015 edition of the Open Championship.

Gary Woodland Top-20 Finish +300

Woodland finished 30th last week at the Scottish Open, which included an opening-round 64 in ideal scoring conditions. So if the weather doesn’t play a big role, look for Woodland to take advantage. 

Jordan Smith Top-20 Finish +350

Many will remember Smith last week for his hole-in-one that earned him and his caddie a new Genesis car, but he’s also playing some solid golf of late. Smith is ranked 115th worldwide and has enjoyed some success in Europe this year.

In the 2022 calendar year on the DP World Tour, he has 12 top-25 finishes in 14 starts.

HOLE IN ONE!!! Englishman Jordan Smith with an ace at the Par 3, 193-yard 17th hole. Used the contours on the green to brilliant effect. Wins TWO cars for him and his caddie ⛳️👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/DJ8CfSBZCe

— Lewis Anderson (@LewisAndo123) July 9, 2022

Webb Simpson Top-20 Finish +400

If St. Andrews plays firm and fast, negating the advantage for the bombers, Simpson is a player who could take advantage. He won the 2018 Players Championship showcasing his terrific short game, and that could happen again this week.

The 36-year-old missed the cut at the John Deere Classic last week but had three top-20 finishes in his four previous starts.

Tiger Woods Top-40 Finish +100

This week clearly means a lot to Woods, and it’s hard to imagine him not having a solid week at a course he’s won twice at before. In addition, he’s practiced more this week than in the previous two events he’s played in this year, which could indicate his leg/back feel pretty good.

While a top-20 finish is tempting, that would be an outrageously good week for him. This feels safer and is still plus-money.

Justin Thomas To Miss Cut +275

There are a few reasons to bet against the current PGA Champion. No. 1, he doesn’t have the best career record at this event – 53rd-MC-MC-11th-40th going back to 2016. 

And No. 2, he might not be fully healthy. He withdrew from the Travelers Championship a few weeks ago with a back injury, and he missed the cut last week at the Genesis Scottish Open with scores of 73-76, including 13 bogeys and a double-bogey over the 36 holes.