The year's final major is already upon us. It feels like the Masters was only a few weeks ago, but now we are already to the Open Championship. Rather than focusing on the negative, let's focus on the fact that we get to watch one of the best golf tournaments in the world. Our sleep patterns will have to be adjusted for four days, but it's more than worth it.
This year's Open Championship will be held at Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake), which is a par-71 that measures 7,383 yards. The last two times this venue hosted the Open were in 2014 and 2006, which were won by two golfers that you might have heard of — Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. Both used their length to their advantage, but not necessarily with the driver. Tiger famously hit only one driver all week, and Rory said that he hit more 2-irons than drivers the week that he won.
It will be interesting to see how the field attacks the course this week, as there are very few venues where professional golfers don't hit driver on most of the holes. Whether golfers want to be aggressive or conservative off the tee, they will need to be accurate in order to contend.
The fairways aren't particularly wide (32 yards on average), and there's very little rough to speak of. If golfers stray too far off line, they will have to deal with the tall fescue or even worse, the internal out of bounds, which is in play on six of the holes.
One of the more unique parts of Hoylake is how flat the course is. We typically see large mounds around the greens, but that's not the case here. Most of the greens are slightly elevated, and everything slopes away from them. Phil Mickelson summed it up nicely when he said balls that are on line are going to bounce and continue to be on line, while balls that are offline are going to bounce and get farther away from the hole. In essence, the course should reward good approach shots and punish bad ones.
In terms of what to look for this week, I am going for golfers who are solid all-around, can keep it in play off the tee, have a strong track record on links courses and have been in contention in major championships. It seems like a fairly easy recipe, so let's hope it can lead us to a winner.
Scottie Scheffler +750 (BetMGM)
I'm only making three outright bets this week since my card is starting with Scottie Scheffler. At this point, it's really as simple as if Scheffler putts well, he's going to win the tournament. He is having the best tee-to-green season since Tiger Woods in 2006 (when he happened to win the Open Championship here at Hoylake, just saying).
Scheffler has finished T12 or better in 19 straight events and has finished T5 or better in seven straight events. It doesn't matter what course he's playing or what the forecast is, Scheffler is going to be near the top of the leaderboard on Sunday. If he can find any magic with the flatstick, he could run away with this year's Open Championship.
Pick: Scottie Scheffler Outright |
Viktor Hovland +2500 (PointsBet)
This is the first time that I have ever bet on Viktor Hovland at a major championship. I was always too worried about his short game on these difficult courses, but that is no longer an issue. He has turned his biggest weakness into somewhat of a strength.
Additionally, he's built up some scar tissue after contending and falling short in three of the last four majors.
He recently picked up the biggest win of his career at the Memorial Tournament, and he's talked at length about a change in his strategy. Rather than attacking every pin, he's being more patient and playing his approach shots to the middle of the green. He's going to win multiple majors in his career, and I could see him getting his first one this week.
Pick: Viktor Hovland Outright |
Tommy Fleetwood +2800 (FanDuel)
Over the years, I have really tried to stop betting on golfers who don't win. For the longest time, I was betting Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele at majors. While I've written them off, I can't help but bet Fleetwood anytime he tees it up in Europe. I know he hasn't closed the door at three different events this season, but I still believe he has a good Sunday round in him.
Perhaps it will happen this week, which is essentially a home game for Tommy Long Locks. He grew up and lived close to the course for many years and should know it as well as anyone. He's an elite links player and doesn't mind playing in the wind and the rain.
I'm sure he will break my heart again, but I will never abandon hope.
Pick: Tommy Fleetwood Outright |
As always, I appreciate you reading these betting previews. Best of luck and enjoy the final major of the year.
