British Open Odds 2015: Golf Lines for Favorites at Old Course at St Andrews

Razor-sharp Jordan Spieth continues his run at history this week when he competes in the British Open.

Spieth has gone from sharp, young up-and-comer to the pre-eminent player in the world. He ran away with the Masters, won the U.S. Open, and if that wasn't enough, he just won the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois, Sunday.

Spieth is officially the No. 2-ranked golfer in the world.

Additionally, Rory McIlroy is not going to be defending his title at St. Andrews. The world's top-ranked golfer ruptured a ligament playing soccer and is not able to play.

Without his main rival in the field, Spieth is the top favorite to win the The Open Championship. While not having McIlroy there should make it easier for Spieth to win his third major of the year, it also makes the spotlight on him that much brighter. Everyone will be focusing on Spieth—and McIlroy won't be there to relieve the pressure.

In this feature, we look at the top betting favorites in The Open Championship Field and assess their chances.

All odds are courtesy of Odds Shark.

Golfer	Odds	Skinny
Jordan Spieth	9-2	Best golfer in the world will have triple the pressure.
Dustin Johnson	12-1	Superior talent, but can he play his best on Sunday?
Justin Rose	16-1	Has the accuracy to come away with the Claret Jug.
Rickie Fowler	16-1	Can he complete the Scottish-British double?
Adam Scott	18-1	Probably the best swing in the game.
Henrik Stenson	20-1	Very difficult to beat when he gets on a roll.
Louis Oosthuizen	20-1	Accuracy and clutch play gives him a legitimate chance.
Tiger Woods	20-1	Seems more wishful thinking than anything else.
Jason Day	25-1	Is he healthy enough to play four excellent rounds?
Martin Kaymer	25-1	Don't overlook superb German star.
Phil Mickelson	25-1	Would have to turn back the clock. Not sharp.
Sergio Garcia	25-1	Rarely looks good when he needs a big final round.

Jordan Spieth (9-2): Spieth is the best golfer in the world, and he has been proving it in nearly every tournament he plays. He won the John Deere Classic in a playoff, and while that should only increase his confidence, many of the top players in the world had gone overseas a week earlier so they could get used to all the changes that come with playing in Europe at a challenging course like St. Andrews.

"

On to the next one. Jordan Spieth’s next task: Win #TheOpen at St. Andrews: http://t.co/pEvZGN6zFI pic.twitter.com/8uTpHwtROt

— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) July 13, 2015"

Still, it's hard not to believe in a golfer who is playing better than anyone else in the world. Spieth has won four tournaments this year, and he is the PGA's leader in scoring average (68.826) and FedEx points (3,628). Spieth ranks third in strokes gained tee-to-green and eighth in putting. Those stats will make him formidable here and give him a legitimate chance to win his third major of the year.

Matt York/Associated Press

Dustin Johnson (12-1): Every golfer saw it, and every golf fan knows what happened on the final hole of the U.S. Open. Johnson had it all in front of him on the 18th hole at Chambers Bay. If he had made his 10-foot eagle putt, Johnson would have won the tournament. If he had two-putted for a birdie, Johnson would have found himself in a playoff with Spieth. Instead, he three-putted and was just an also-ran.

"

He hasn't played since @usopengolf, but @DJohnsonPGA made it to St. Andrews on Sunday for a little @TheOpen practice pic.twitter.com/NZzbCCdVLM

— ESPN Golf (@ESPNGolf) July 12, 2015"

Johnson choked away his chances at winning the U.S. Open, and he hasn't competed since then. Nevertheless, Johnson is the longest hitter on the tour with an average drive of 319.0 yards. He also is averaging 69.487 per round, and that ranks third on the tour. 

When it comes to natural talent, Johnson appears to have as much as any player. But can he harness it and come through with his best shots when it matters most?

Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

Justin Rose (16-1): Rose was born in South Africa, but he lives in England, so playing in Scotland at St. Andrews may mean more to him than it does for any of the American competitors in the field. If Rose has extra inspiration, it just may be enough to get him over the top because he is having an excellent year.

Rose is the seventh-ranked golfer in the world, and he is one of the most accurate hitters on the tour. He is also a great opportunist who knows how to convert birdie opportunities. He is averaging 4.47 birdies per round, and that ranks third on the tour. He has also won more than $3 million this season, and that ranks ninth among PGA golfers.

Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

Rickie Fowler (16-1): Fowler had a disastrous showing at the U.S. Open, but don't count him out here. He earned his second victory of the year Sunday when he birdied three of the final four holes, and that allowed him to shoot past Matt Kuchar and win the Scottish Open.

When Phil Mickelson won the 2013 Open Championship, he preceded that brilliant performance with a win in the Scottish Open. Fowler is hoping he can duplicate Lefty's achievement.

"

Is he still overrated? Rickie Fowler wins #ScottishOpen for his second title of 2015. Scores: http://t.co/eGmbMzOwzS pic.twitter.com/L3UpJ2lm0Z

— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) July 12, 2015"

Fowler is not a big hitter as he is averaging 294.8 yards per drive, which ranks 46th on the tour. However, he is an accurate hitter with excellent touch on his approach shots. He ranks fourth in approaches from 75-100 yards, and that could put him in an excellent position here.

Peter Morrison/Associated Press

Adam Scott (18-1): Scott is always a threat to make a formidable showing in any of the majors because he has such an outstanding swing. When he is at the top of his game, he combines the distance of Johnson with the accuracy of Spieth, and that's an overpowering combination.

Scott is the 11th-ranked golfer in the world, and he has won 11 PGA Tour events in his career and more than $38 million. However, Scott has also won nine events on the European Tour and another 13 events worldwide.