British Open 2015: Updated Betting Tips for Major at Old Course at St. Andrews

The Old Course at St. Andrews takes center stage this weekend, with the real winners being the fans who can take advantage of the odds.

With last year's champion and world No. 1 Rory McIlroy out of commission with an ankle injury, it's hard to tell if the task in front of bettors is easier or more difficult.

Either way, the field so far continues to earn some interesting lines out of Las Vegas (look at Tiger Woods with the reputation slot). It opens up bettors to a variety of different approaches, just as the golfers will face when tackling Hell Bunker on the 14th hole and other historic landmarks at the course.

Below, let's swing the odds back in the favor of bettors by looking at the list and breaking down some tips as the event inches closer.

2015 British Open Odds

Golfer	Odds
Jordan Spieth	9-2
Dustin Johnson	12-1
Justin Rose	16-1
Rickie Fowler	16-1
Adam Scott	18-1
Henrik Stenson	20-1
Louis Oosthuizen	20-1
Tiger Woods	20-1
Jason Day	25-1
Martin Kaymer	25-1
Phil Mickelson	25-1
Sergio Garcia	25-1
Bubba Watson	28-1
Paul Casey	28-1
Hideki Matsuyama	33-1
Branden Grace	35-1
Patrick Reed	40-1
Shane Lowry	40-1

Odds courtesy of Odds Shark and updated as of Monday, July 13 at 6 a.m. ET. 

Updated Betting Tips

Favorite to Trust: Jordan Spieth

Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

Look, it's boring and doesn't pay too hot, but Jordan Spieth might be the way to go—especially with the biggest threat to his title out of the way. 

Folks know the deal by now. Spieth turned it on to win the Masters then remained composed down the stretch to seize the U.S. Open, too.

The momentum doesn't stop there. Spieth just won the John Deere Classic in a playoff, establishing even more momentum even though he could have gone overseas a week earlier for more practice. ESPN's Gene Wojciechowski puts it best:

Other golfers may have a leg up on the difficult course this weekend, but does anyone want to doubt Spieth and his ability to adapt?

Over at the PGA Tour website, the man ranks first in total strokes gained (2.283) and scoring average (68.826) while raking in the top 10 in tee-to-green and putting strokes gained.

Other than payout, there is no real reason to go against the world's hottest golfer, especially as he guns for the top spot in the rankings.

Bang-for-Buck Option: Justin Rose

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

It's never wise to doubt someone such as Justin Rose going into the British Open. 

Sure, he's never finished better than a tie for fourth in 1998 and missed the cut in 2012 and 2013, but the Johannesburg native isn't one to underestimate.

Just his extra motivation in comparison to other competitors should make him appealing from a betting standpoint.

He told Ewan Murray of the Guardian of his desires to win this tournament: “Winning the Open in general would mean the world to me. It’s the one championship that I’ve dreamed about winning more than any other, because you know it’s the pinnacle of golf for a British player and I think to do it at St. Andrews? It doesn’t get any better than that."

Rose has the on-course ability to pull out a win, too. He's an elite opportunist, ranking third on the tour in birdie average at 4.47. He's one of the most accurate hitters on tour, meaning he has the ability to put himself in a good position in a comfortable setting.

The biggest factor with Rose is consistency. If the motivation and sheer skill meshes well with levelheaded play through four rounds, Rose might make many bettors happy.

The Worthwhile Long Shot: Phil Mickelson

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Phil Mickelson has had a rough go of it this year.

Lefty is all over the place. In mid-June at the FedEx St Jude Classic, he tied for third. He followed by tying for 64th at the U.S. Open. Earlier at the Masters? Tied for second.

Keep in mind a few things, though. Mickelson still ranks in the top 10 when it comes to birdies average (4.17), and in 2013, he stole the show with a win at this tournament.

It's a triumph he continues to relive, too, as John Huggan of Golf Digest captured:

"

Two years removed from that win, I still can’t believe how much it means to me. Standing on and around the 18th green was wonderful. I didn’t hit the most critical shot there, but the emotions were running high. And I remembered that. It was a special moment. It even rained a bit, which was perfect.

"

Mickelson doesn't have the most attractive resume to date this year, but at the same time, it's hard to doubt his chances too much. He's a past winner at St. Andrews, and most years the tournament has a way of producing an unexpected winner.

If it is to happen again, Lefty is one of the top names to watch.

Stats and info courtesy of PGATour.com unless otherwise specified.