The Open 2025 – Betting Preview & Top Contenders
The year’s fourth and final major takes the best golfers in the world to Northern Ireland for the 153rd playing of The Open Championship. Also referred to as the British Open or just The Open, it is the oldest golf tournament in the world and is always played on a traditional coastal links course. While he may have the advantage of playing in his native country, Rory McIlroy hit the board as the second favorite to Scottie Scheffler on the PGA betting line. The fourth favorite behind Jon Rahm, defending champion Xander Schauffele is among a number of former winners in the field, including McIlroy, who won back in 2014.
2025 The Open Championship Overview
The 2025 Open Championship will take place from July 17 through July 20 at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland. A true links course that measures just under 7,400 yards at par 71, Royal Portrush has long been considered one of the finest courses in the world. This will be the third playing of The Open on the property with the first coming in 1951. When the club hosted in 2019 Shane Lowry cruised to a 6-shot victory over Tommy Fleetwood for his first major championship title. The margin matched the biggest since Louis Oosthuizen won by 7-swings at St. Andrews in 2010. Going without a win at a major in the first nearly decade of his professional career, Schauffele cashed in twice last year winning the PGA Championship two months before hoisting the Claret Jug. It’s been a quiet season for the X-man, but he matched his best finish last week with a T8 at the Scottish Open. The Open Championship will air on NBC and USA Network.
2025 The Open Championship Betting Odds
Scottie Scheffler +585
Rory McIlroy +751
Jon Rahm +1288
Xander Schauffele +2252
Tommy Fleetwood +2352
Bryson Dechambeau +2453
Ludvig Aberg +2757
Tyrrell Hatton +2855
Viktor Hovland +3010
Shane Lowry +3357
Collin Morikawa +3543
Robert MacIntyre +3657
Matt Fitzpatrick +4175
Sepp Straka +5056
Justin Thomas +5561
Joaquin Niemann +5906
Sam Burns +6063
Jordan Spieth +6263
Justin Rose +6704
Russell Henley +6962
All other players +7000 or higher
2025 The Open Championship Top Contenders
Tommy Fleetwood +2352
Over the last year since his silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Fleetwood has been one of the most consistent players racking up 16 top 20s worldwide. Prior to his MC in last year’s Open Championship, Fleetwood had a solid run finishing among the top 12 in four of his previous five starts that included a runner-up in the 2019 edition at Royal Portrush. The British golfer is quite familiar with and successful on links courses over his career.
Shane Lowry +3357
It’s been six years since Lowry emerged victorious at Royal Portrush. While some might blow off his first major title, no one is looking forward to a return to Northern Ireland than the Irishman. Another experienced links player, Lowry went 6-T21-T12 in three of his last four starts at The Open. He’s also had a strong season with four of his nine top 20s doubling as top 5s, including a runner-up at the Truist Championship in May.
Rory McIlroy +751
It’s hard to overlook McIlroy for several reasons. First he’s playing in his native land, and second he’s one of if not the finest links golfers in the world. Since his win at The Open in 2014 he’s finished among the top 6 five times. He was also co-runner-up at last week’s Scottish Open missing out on his fourth win of the year by two shots. He’s also good in majors going 13 of 15 since 2022 with six top 5s, including a win at the Masters in April for the coveted Grand Slam of golf.
Adam Scott +7765
There is value further down the odds board, it’s just a matter of finding where it lies. I’ll start with Scott who statistically is one of the best links golfers on tour and who is flashing solid form lately. He’s coming off a T17 at the Scottish Open, his third top 20 in five starts. And Scott has The Open experience competing in every tournament since 2000. He’s placed among the top 10 six times during that stretch.
Sepp Straka +5056
He doesn’t get the amount of attention other golfers get, but Straka has put together an impressive season with two wins, the No. 8 world ranking and the third most points in the FedExCup standings. MCs in his last three starts at a major championship should also be motivation. His best finish in a major was a T2 in the 2023 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool. He’s among the best on Tour in the all-around and adjusted scoring, putting him in a good spot for those looking to cash in.
2025 The Open Championship Prime Free Picks
I’ll say it again; it’s hard to bet against Scheffler. However, it’s easier this week since his record at The Open isn’t up to his standards. That leaves the door open for others with McIlroy and Lowry having an edge playing in their stomping ground and being strong links golfers. However, Fleetwood has been on a roll and his first major championship could come this week.
