The final men's major championship of the year has arrived, with the world's best heading to a dramatically revamped Royal Birkdale for the 154th Open Championship. Firm fairways, fast greens and unpredictable coastal winds are expected to provide the sternest examination of the season as players battle for the Claret Jug.
While the course has undergone significant changes since it last hosted The Open in 2017, the storylines are just as compelling. Scottie Scheffler is looking to successfully defend his title, Rory McIlroy is chasing a second major of the season, and a host of contenders will be hoping to cap off their year with golf's oldest and most prestigious championship.
Check out our preview and betting tips for the event below and if you're keen to tail our tips, consider joining Betfair - a betting exchange that offers the best odds in the country!
The Open Championship Betting Preview
Royal Birkdale, Thursday 16 - Sunday 19 July
The Field
Scottie Scheffler arrives as defending champion but with a rare blemish on his recent record after missing the cut at last week's Genesis Scottish Open, his first missed cut since 2022. Despite winning just once this season, the world No. 1 has consistently put himself in contention and will attempt to become the first player since Padraig Harrington in 2008 to successfully defend The Open title.
Rory McIlroy will again be one of the headline acts after finishing tied for seventh in Scotland. The Masters champion has enjoyed another outstanding major campaign, adding a T7 at the PGA Championship after a slow start and arriving at Royal Birkdale with fond memories of a T4 finish when the venue last hosted The Open. Wyndham Clark, Aaron Rai and Matt Fitzpatrick have also enjoyed excellent seasons and will all fancy their chances of adding another major trophy to their resumes.
Home hopes will be carried by Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose and Robert MacIntyre among others. Fleetwood grew up near Royal Birkdale and continues his search for a maiden major title, while Rose returns to the course where he burst onto the world stage with a fourth-place finish as a 17-year-old amateur in 1998. Chris Gotterup also enters in outstanding form after another strong performance at the Genesis Scottish Open, having already collected three victories this season.
The Course
Royal Birkdale returns to The Open rota for the first time since 2017, although competitors will face a layout that has undergone extensive changes despite measuring less than 100 yards longer than its previous championship setup. Fourteen bunkers have been removed while many of the remaining hazards have been rebuilt into the surrounding dunes, creating an even sterner links examination.
The biggest alterations come late in the round, with the 14th transformed from a par 3 into a par 5 and the 15th changing from a par 5 into a demanding par 3. The short par-4 fifth has also been completely redesigned, while the seventh has been rebuilt and shortened to present a different challenge than players faced nine years ago.
As always at The Open, creativity, patience and adaptability will be just as important as power. Players who can control their ball flight in the wind, avoid the penal bunkers and remain disciplined on firm, fast-running fairways should separate themselves over four demanding rounds.
The Open Championship Best Bets
Cameron Young
Cameron Young continues to look like one of the most likely first-time major winners in golf. He has elevated himself into the game's elite over the past 18 months and possesses the complete skill set required for links golf, combining elite ball-striking with the length to attack Royal Birkdale when opportunities present themselves. With his confidence continuing to grow and his consistency in big events improving, this could be the week he finally breaks through on the major stage.
Robert MacIntyre
Few players embrace links golf quite like Robert MacIntyre. The Scot has already proven himself on home soil with his dramatic Scottish Open victory and continues to thrive whenever conditions become difficult. His combination of elite iron play, imaginative short game and comfort in windy conditions makes him an ideal fit for Royal Birkdale, and another strong showing in front of passionate British crowds would come as no surprise.
The Open Championship Value Bets
Min Woo Lee
Min Woo Lee has all the tools required to contend at an Open Championship. His creativity around the greens, aggressive driving and ability to manufacture shots suit links golf perfectly, while his growing experience in major championships continues to pay dividends. If the Australian finds an early rhythm with the putter, he has more than enough firepower to feature prominently throughout the week.
Shane Lowry
Shane Lowry's record in links golf speaks for itself, and the 2019 Open champion always demands respect whenever this championship returns to British shores. His controlled ball flight, exceptional scrambling ability and vast experience in difficult weather conditions make him a dangerous outsider. Even if his recent form has been slightly inconsistent, Lowry has repeatedly shown he can elevate his game when the Claret Jug is on the line.
