Often referred to as the Home of Golf, St Andrews will host the 150th Open Championship this week and we are set for a treat.
Record crowds are expected to descend upon the Old Course for the oldest running Major, and as always, there will be plenty of twists and turns throughout the four days.
Links courses always provide a robust challenge, and if you aren’t careful, you can quickly get out of position, and rack up bogeys and double bogeys.
Xander Schauffele arrives at this event in a rich vein of form, having claimed the Scottish Open last weekend to seal his third successive victory.
But who will come out on top this weekend? We have handpicked a few tips to fill your betting slip ahead of the first tee.
Jordan Spieth to bag the Claret Jug
One of the finest exponents of links golf, Jordan Spieth is searching for his second Open title. Five years ago, Spieth was named the Champion Golfer of the Year as he romped to a three-shot victory at Royal Birkdale, fending off Matt Kuchar.
Since 2015, Spieth has gained more than two-and-a-half strokes which far surpasses the field. Not only that, but he has hit about 4% more greens in regulation, and is scrambling around 9% better, which pays testament to how strong a links player he is.
The American is a combined 42-under-par at The Open since 2015, and despite fading away at the Scottish Open last weekend, he could shine this week and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him wrap up his fourth Major. Currently, Spieth is priced at a short looking 12/1 with Paddy Power, which could be worth following up on.
Jon Rahm to pounce in the first round
Despite holding back a little on Jon Rahm in the outright winner market, the mercurial Spaniard is pretty adept on the links. When you consider he’s a two-time winner of the Irish Open, and he finished T3 at Royal St George’s last year, Rahm ticks plenty of boxes when he’s in form.
Since 2015, Rahm has averaged more than 10 yards off the field than the rest of the tee. With plenty of sandy traps lurking, especially on the par-4 sixth hole, Rahm will need to be canny to negotiate these lingering dangers.
While Rahm’s results have been mixed this campaign, he could well strike the right note at The Open, and he could find himself as the first round leader. If you like the look of that market, then he’s available at 28/1 with Coral to do so.
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The Open Championship
Jon Rahm can get off to a flying start
At 28/1 a £10 bet would return £290
The Open Championship
July 14, 2022
12:00 pm GMT+1
Tommy Fleetwood to fly the flag for England
After the exploits of Matthew Fitzpatrick at the US Open last month, it would be nice to see an Englishman make his mark at St Andrews.
While Tommy Fleetwood’s struggles over the past couple of years have been well documented, he’s a joy to watch and he was a runner-up at The Open Championship three years ago.
When in full flow, Fleetwood produces some marvellous flourishes and he’s usually a contender. Although he may not realise his Open Championship dream this week, his T4 finish at the Scottish Open show he is heading in the right direction. A top-six finish could be on the cards, and the 6/1 price dished up by bet365 appears to be quite enticing.
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The Open Championship
A top-6 finish could be on the cards for Tommy Fleetwood
At 6/1 a £10 bet would return £70
The Open Championship
July 14, 2022
12:00 pm GMT+1
* Odds correct at the time of writing. Subject to changes.
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