British Open 2026 Odds and Betting Tips for Golf's Top Contenders
The 2026 Open Championship is set to kick off on Thursday morning. Those looking to place a wager or two will have a myriad of options, though some will, obviously, be better bets than others.
Several factors will be in play when things get underway at Royal Birkdale Golf Club—though adverse weather shouldn't be among them, according to Weather.com.
Recent tour results, past results at Royal Birkdale, and past success at links-style courses in general can all help determine whether a contender is a strong bet. With this in mind, let's examine the latest odds and a few picks to consider.
2026 Open Championship
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Dates: July 16-19
Location: Royal Birkdale Golf Club
First Tee: 2 a.m. ET on Thursday
Odds for Top Favorites
Scottie Scheffler +700 (bet $100 to win $700)
Rory McIlroy +850
Tommy Fleetwood +1500
Matt Fitzpatrick +1500
Jon Rahm +2000
Xander Schauffele +2700
Collin Morikawa +3000
Viktor Hovland +3000
Robert MacIntyre +3000
*Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook
Consider Rory McIlroy Among the Favorites
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Scottie Scheffler remains the No.1-ranked golfer in the world and is the pre-tournament betting favorite. Tommy Fleetwood grew up in Southport and will be the sentimental favorite for many.
Sandwiched between Scheffler and Fleetwood among the favorites is Rory McIlroy, who cannot be discounted, even at less-than-desirable +850 odds.
Since winning The Masters in April, McIlroy has recorded four top-20 finishes in five starts. He's also coming off of an impressive finish (T7) at the Scottish Open—held at The Renaissance Club, which is also a links course—that included a final round of 64.
The last time the Open Championship was played at Royal Birkdale, McIlroy finished tied for fourth. McIlroy is certainly worth considering to win the tournament, and he's also worth considering at +430 to be in the top five after Round 1.
Favor Chris Gotterup Among Second-Tier Contenders
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Chris Gotterup certainly isn't a dark horse, but he sits among the second-tier favorites list with very intriguing +3300 odds. The 26-year-old took third at last year's Open Championship at Royal Portrush and has played quite well over the last two months.
Gotterup won the John Deere Classic earlier this month, tied for 11th at the Scottish Open, and has logged six top-30 finishes since the start of May.
"Nobody is having a better season outside the major championships, and he has shown the ability to bring his game across the pond," Adam Christensen of Golf.com wrote. "His wide-open, push-draw stance is unique, and his ability to vary his ball flights is incredibly fun to watch."
Gotterup, who only turned pro in 2022, is still searching for his first major. He could get it this weekend, and he's a very favorite pick at +340 to finish the tournament inside the top 10.
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Don't Discount Tom Kim
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Considering Tom Kim just won the Scottish Open, it's a bit surprising to see him with +4500 odds to win. Like Gotterup, he's also been in good form as of late.
"Kim looked superb in winning the Scottish Open last week with exemplary iron play the hallmark of his success. Royal Birkdale is a plotter's golf course, and that's exactly what Kim can do," Jonny Leighfield of Golf Monthly wrote. "He putted pretty well too at The Renaissance Club, so I'm hoping he doesn't suffer an emotional crash out following his win and he can notch another high finish."
Since missing the cut at the Zurich Classic in April, Kim has recorded three top-10 finishes and hasn't finished lower than T54th. While he missed the cut at the last two Open Championships, he tied for second in 2023 at Royal Liverpool.
Kim tied for third at last month's U.S. Open at Shinnecock.
While Kim is a longer shot to win it, he seems unlikely to collapse given his recent level of play. He's -125 to finish in the top 40, and +180 to finish in the top 20, which means bettors looking to hedge with a more conservative outcome will have options.
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