British Open Golf 2025: McIlroy, Scheffler and Rahm headline 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush
Golf’s final major of the year kicks off in Northern Ireland with top stars battling for the Claret Jug and punters eyeing big odds swings. The 153rd Open Championship tees off this Thursday at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, marking the season’s final major and the most bettable event of the year. With home favourite Rory McIlroy seeking redemption and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler entering as the odds-on favourite at 9/2, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Jon Rahm, back in form and chasing his first major since joining LIV Golf, also looms large at 12/1.
This will be just the third time Royal Portrush hosts The Open, and it’s already shaping up to be a blockbuster showdown, not only between golf’s biggest names, but also between punters and the bookies.
Scheffler leads the market, McIlroy hunts redemption
Scheffler’s dominance this season has made him a safe bet across majors, with a PGA Championship already in the bag. He’s been labelled a “top-10 lock” by multiple experts thanks to consistent tee-to-green brilliance, though his putting remains a wild card on links terrain.
McIlroy, meanwhile, is returning to the site of one of his most painful moments, his missed cut in 2019 at Royal Portrush. But he’s a different man now: a Masters champion and fan favourite, especially here in his homeland. At 7/1, he’s drawing plenty of money as punters back the redemption narrative.
Also Read: Alexander Isak: Why Liverpool is ready to pay £120 million for Newcastle player
British Open Golf 2025: Dark horses and value picks
Jordan Spieth is flying under the radar at 60/1, but don’t count him out. He has the lowest cumulative score to par in Open history, seven straight top-25s at the event, and hasn’t missed a cut in over a decade here. If his neck holds up, he could be the surprise package.
Tyrrell Hatton (33/1) is another sleeper to watch. He’s performed well on links courses, including a T6 finish here in 2019. With strong form on the LIV circuit, some see him as the ideal high-odds punt.
At 80/1, Cameron Young is another intriguing option. After a T4 finish at the U.S. Open, he’s showing signs of life again and tends to shine on the big stage.
Also read: Why Axel Tuanzebe is suing Manchester United?
British Open Golf 2025: Rahm’s resurgence fuels betting buzz
Jon Rahm hasn’t lifted a trophy since switching to LIV Golf, but his recent performances — including back-to-back top 10s at the PGA and U.S. Open — suggest he’s ready. He’s been excellent at The Open in recent years, finishing in the top 10 three of the last four times. If he brings the same energy to Portrush, he’s a major contender at 12/1.
Who’s a risk? DeChambeau and Åberg not drawing confidence
Bryson DeChambeau (20/1) has never quite clicked with links golf. Despite a strong U.S. Open run, his high-ball flight and ground game struggles make him a risky punt. Ludvig Åberg (28/1), meanwhile, is still making rookie errors, and experts suggest his major experience isn’t enough to trust him this week.
Expert face-off: Scheffler, McIlroy or Rahm?
British Open Golf 2025: Predictions
Scheffler: Top-5 finish is a near-lock.
McIlroy: Could steal the show on Sunday, especially with local support.
Rahm: Trending in the right direction — a real threat to win it all.
Punters are heavily backing all three, but Scheffler’s form gives him the edge, at least statistically.
Surprise shout: Dean Burmester to lead early?
South African Dean Burmester (90/1) is a trendy pick to come out hot. He was top 5 after 36 holes last year and could start strong again — even if he fades over the weekend. A solid first-round leader bet, say the insiders.
British Open Golf 2025: Betting odds snapshot: Top names and tempting long shots
Scottie Scheffler: +450
Rory McIlroy: +700
Jon Rahm: +1200
Tommy Fleetwood: +2600
Tyrrell Hatton: +3300
Jordan Spieth: +6000
Cameron Young: +8000
Maverick McNealy: +9000
Dean Burmester (FRL): +9000
Bookies are also offering markets on hole-in-ones (-120 yes), playoffs (+375), and winning margins — with +210 for a one-shot victory.
For readers who want to go deeper into golf betting — from spreads, futures, to live odds — see our full golf betting guide here.
