British Open odds are on the board at sports betting companies with Tigers Woods the solid favorite at 3-1.The Open Championship as it is known is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Tiger is the sports betting favorite but based on his recent play, a lot of other golfers are more likely to be the winner this week.
Sports betting companies list all of the other golfers in the field at double-digit odds for the British Open that begins on Thursday at the Old Course at St. Andrews. It probably should also be Woods at double-digit odds based on his rotten play this season. The reputation of Tiger and the fact that he has won twice at St. Andrews still garners him respect but it is hard to see him turning it around this week. He has struggled just to make the cut in recent tournaments and has shown no signs of being ready to win again.
The last two British Opens have seen a golfer over 50 years old in contention to win. Last year it was Tom Watson who had the victory in his sights before choking on the last hole, allowing Stewart Cink to get into a playoff. Two years ago it was Greg Norman who had the lead on the back side. Padraig Harrington won it that year and he also won it in 2007. Harrington is 20-1 this week in sports betting odds and offers a lot of value.
The second choice behind Woods in golf odds to win the British Open is Phil Mickelson at 10.5 to 1. His odds are really ludicrous considering he has never done anything at the British Open in his career and he didn’t even make the cut last week at the Scottish Open. His odds really should be more like 50-1 but like Tiger, he gets a ton of respect from the betting public.
The real favorite this week at the British Open should probably be Justin Rose. He has won two of his last three starts and has experience on links courses. Steve Stricker should also be getting respect as he won last week and not to be forgotten is Graeme McDowell who won the U.S. Open. Rory McIlroy is actually the third choice in the golf odds at 12-1 followed by Ernie Els and Lee Westwood.