Open Championship Betting Guide: How to Bet on British Open Odds in 2026
Written by: Eddie Griffin
Published: Tue Jul 14, 2026, 4:29 pm ET
Read Time: 13 minutes
The Open Championship, often referred to as the British Open, is the oldest and most historic tournament in professional golf. As one of the four men's major championships, it attracts the world's best players each July to compete on some of the most iconic links courses in the United Kingdom.
Unlike the other three majors, the Open Championship is played exclusively on seaside links courses, where firm fairways, deep pot bunkers, unpredictable bounces, and ever-changing weather create a unique challenge. Wind often becomes the tournament's biggest defense, forcing players to rely on creativity, patience, and course management rather than simply overpowering the course.
Those same factors also make the Open Championship one of the most fascinating golf tournaments to bet on. Bettors must consider course fit, links golf experience, weather forecasts, tee-time draws, and current form when evaluating the field.
For U.S. bettors, Open Championship odds are available at top online sportsbooks such as Lucky Rebel, BetOnline, and Everygame. These sportsbooks offer extensive golf betting menus that include outright winner odds, finishing position markets, matchup bets, prop bets, and live betting throughout tournament week.
This guide explains how Open Championship betting works, where to bet, the most popular wagering markets, and the strategies that can help bettors navigate golf's oldest and most unpredictable major.
- 2026 Open Championship Odds and Probabilities
- Open Championship Predictions & Picks
- Where to Bet on the Open Championship
- What Makes the Open Championship Different?
- How Weather Impacts Open Championship Betting
- Types of Open Championship Bets
- Open Championship Betting Strategies
- Open Championship History and Information
- Conclusion
- FAQ
2026 Open Championship Odds
Odds are from Lucky Rebel as of Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
| Odds | Player(s) |
| +800 | Scottie Scheffler |
| +900 | Rory McIlroy |
| +1600 | Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood |
| +2500 | Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele |
| +2800 | Chris Gotterup, Collin Morikawa, Wyndham Clark |
| +3000 | Robert MacIntyre |
| +3500 | Cameron Young, Justin Rose, Ludvig Åberg, Tyrrell Hatton, Viktor Hovland |
| +5000 | Russell Henley, Sam Burns, Si Woo Kim, Tom Kim |
| +5500 | Justin Thomas, Patrick Reed |
| +6000 | Joaquín Niemann, Min Woo Lee, Shane Lowry |
| +6500 | Bryson DeChambeau, Patrick Cantlay |
| +7000 | Aaron Rai, Alex Fitzpatrick, Jordan Spieth |
| +8000 | Brooks Koepka, J.J. Spaun |
| +9000 | Hideki Matsuyama, Nicolai Højgaard |
| +10000 | Akshay Bhatia, Ben Griffin, Brian Harman, Harris English, Kristoffer Reitan, Kurt Kitayama, Maverick McNealy, Rickie Fowler |
| +12500 | Adam Scott, Alex Noren, Cameron Smith, Corey Conners, Jordan Smith, Michael Thorbjornsen |
Check Out Our 2026 Open Championship Predictions & Picks
Throughout the PGA Tour season, Betting News golf analyst Justin Carlucci provides weekly golf picks, including outright winners, finishing position bets, matchup wagers, and other value plays.
For the Open Championship, that analysis expands to account for links golf, projected weather conditions, recent form, historical Open performance, and course-specific trends that can influence the tournament.
Check out our complete Open Championship betting preview for expert predictions, picks, and analysis before the year's final major gets underway.
2026 Open Championship Expert Predictions & Picks »
Where Can You Bet on Open Championship Odds?
U.S. bettors have several excellent options for betting on the Open Championship. As the final men's major championship of the golf season, it attracts significant betting interest. Leading sportsbooks offer expanded markets and some even offer tournament-specific promotions.
Lucky Rebel is one of the best options for Open Championship betting. Bettors can wager on outright winners, finishing position markets, head-to-head matchups, prop bets, and live betting throughout all four rounds. New players can claim a 125% bonus up to $1,250, along with 50 casino free spins, giving them additional value during one of golf's biggest events.
BetOnline remains one of the most trusted names in online golf betting. Its Open Championship betting menu typically includes outright winner odds, Top 5, Top 10, and Top 20 markets, tournament matchups, first-round leader bets, and a variety of props. New customers can receive up to $250 in free bets and 100 free spins.
Everygame offers a streamlined betting experience while still covering the Open Championship and other major sporting events. New players can take advantage of two separate 100% bonuses up to $500 each, providing extra flexibility during one of the busiest weeks on the golf calendar.
Some bettors prefer to stick to just one sportsbook, but having accounts at multiple sportsbooks can be especially valuable during major championships. Having accounts with multiple platforms allows bettors to compare odds at different books and find the best possible value. This practice, known as line shopping, is a key part of the preparation process for many bettors.
In addition to the U.S.-friendly sportsbooks we have mentioned, Betting News also reviews top crypto sportsbooks, Canadian sportsbooks, and VPN-friendly international sportsbooks, all of which offer odds for the Open Championship.
What Makes the Open Championship Different?
Every major championship has its own identity.
The Masters is defined by Augusta National and the importance of course history. The PGA Championship rotates among many of America's top courses, while the U.S. Open is known for demanding setups that reward patience and precision.
The Open Championship is different.
Played exclusively on historic links courses throughout the United Kingdom, the Open challenges golfers with firm fairways, deep pot bunkers, uneven lies, and unpredictable weather. Rather than simply hitting high, aggressive approach shots, players often rely on creativity, controlling ball flight, and using the ground to their advantage.
Wind is the tournament's greatest defense. Changing conditions can dramatically alter scoring from one round—or even one tee time—to the next, making weather a much bigger factor than at most PGA Tour events.
How Weather Impacts Open Championship Betting
Weather plays a bigger role at the Open Championship than at any other men's major.
Played on exposed coastal links courses, the tournament is often shaped by wind, rain, and changing course conditions. A calm morning can quickly give way to strong gusts in the afternoon.
Unlike many PGA Tour events, where players can attack pins throughout the week, the Open often rewards golfers who control their ball flight, remain patient, and avoid costly mistakes when conditions become difficult.
Because forecasts can influence both scoring and betting markets, many bettors monitor the weather before placing outright, first-round leader, or live bets. Understanding how changing conditions affect the course can provide valuable insight when evaluating players and identifying potential betting value.
Types of Open Championship Bets
The Open Championship offers a deep menu, giving bettors several ways to approach the year's final major at Lucky Rebel and other top golf betting sites.
Outright Winner
Outright winner betting is the most popular Open Championship market. Bettors simply pick the golfer they believe will lift the Claret Jug at the end of the tournament.
While outright winner betting is popular, it is also very unpredictable. As such, many bettors spread their wagers across several players rather than relying on a single selection.
Finishing Position Bets (Top 5, Top 10, Top 20)
Finishing position bets offer a lower-risk alternative to outright wagers.
Instead of needing a golfer to win, bettors cash their ticket if the player finishes inside a specified range. These markets are especially useful for backing consistent players who regularly contend.
Matchups (2-Ball, 3-Ball, and Tournament H2H)
Matchup betting requires one golfer to outperform one or more designated opponents, either over a single round or the entire tournament.
Since bettors only need to beat one or two players rather than the entire field, matchup bets are among the most popular markets for experienced golf bettors.
First-Round Leader (FRL)
First-round leader betting focuses on who will sit atop the leaderboard after Thursday's opening round.
This market often attracts extra attention during the Open Championship because changing weather conditions can create significant advantages for certain tee-time waves.
Prop Bets
Open Championship prop bets can include:
- Nationality of the winner
- Winning score range
- Top debutant
- Player-specific scoring props
- Tournament head-to-head props
Major championships typically feature more prop betting options than regular PGA Tour events, giving bettors additional opportunities to find value.
Live Betting
Live betting has become one of the most popular ways to wager on the Open Championship. Lucky Rebel, BetOnline, and Everygame are all good options for placing in-play bets on golf tournaments, as are SportsBetting.ag and Bovada.
Odds update continuously throughout all four rounds as players climb or fall down the leaderboard. Because weather conditions and course setup can change quickly, live betting often presents opportunities that were not available before the tournament began.
Open Championship Betting Strategies
Betting on the Open Championship requires a different approach than most PGA Tour events.
Prioritize Links Golf Experience
Not every top golfer excels on links courses.
When evaluating the field, look for players with strong records in previous Open Championships, the Scottish Open, and other tournaments played on links-style layouts. Experience navigating firm conditions and unpredictable bounces can be a significant advantage.
Monitor the Weather Forecast
Weather is one of the biggest variables in Open Championship betting.
Pay close attention to forecasts leading up to the tournament, as changing wind and rain can influence scoring conditions and even create advantages for certain tee-time waves.
Focus on Ball Flight and Course Management
Links golf rewards players who can control their trajectory and adapt to changing conditions.
Golfers who consistently keep the ball under the wind and make smart decisions around the course often perform better than players who rely primarily on power.
Value Short Game and Scrambling
Even the best ball-strikers will miss greens during the Open Championship.
Players with strong scrambling ability and creativity around the greens are often better equipped to save pars and stay in contention when conditions become difficult.
Be Selective with Outright Bets
The Open Championship has produced both dominant favorites and surprise winners over the years.
Building a balanced betting card that includes a mix of favorites and mid-range contenders is often a more effective strategy than relying on a single outright pick.
Use Live Betting to Your Advantage
Conditions can change quickly during the Open Championship, causing momentum to shift throughout the day.
Monitoring the weather and how players respond to changing conditions can help bettors identify value as the tournament unfolds.
Open Championship History and Information
The Open Championship is the oldest golf tournament in the world and one of the most prestigious sporting events on the calendar.
First played in 1860, the championship is organized by The R&A and serves as the final men's major championship each year. While it is commonly called the British Open in North America, its official name is simply The Open Championship, reflecting its status as the original open golf tournament.
Unlike the Masters, which is played at Augusta National every year, or the U.S. Open and PGA Championship, which rotate among primarily American venues, the Open is contested exclusively on a select group of historic links courses across the United Kingdom. Those courses, along with unpredictable coastal weather, help give the tournament its unique identity.
Links Golf Explained
The Open Championship is played exclusively on links courses. Links courses differ significantly from the parkland layouts that host most PGA Tour events.
Built on sandy coastal land, links courses feature firm fairways, rolling terrain, deep pot bunkers, and very few trees. Instead of throwing approach shots directly at the flagstick, players often rely on bump-and-run shots, low punch shots, and creative recoveries around the greens.
Wind is also a defining characteristic of links golf. Players must frequently adjust their strategy based on changing conditions, making shot-making and course management just as important as distance.
For bettors, understanding links golf can provide valuable insight when evaluating course fit and identifying players whose games translate well to this unique style of golf.
The Open Championship Rota
Rather than returning to the same venue every year, the Open Championship rotates among a group of historic links courses known as the Open rota.
The rota includes some of the world's most famous golf courses, including Royal Birkdale (the site of the 2026 Open), St. Andrews (the 2027 course), and Royal Lytham & St. Annes (who will host the Open in 2028). While the rotation occasionally changes, every venue shares the classic characteristics that define links golf.
Although course history is not as significant as it is at Augusta National, past success on rota courses can still provide valuable clues when evaluating players and betting markets.
Memorable Moments in Open Championship History
The Open Championship has produced many of golf's most iconic moments.
Old Tom Morris (1867)
Morris captured his fourth Open title during golf's formative years, helping establish the championship as the sport's premier competition.
Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus (1977)
Known as the "Duel in the Sun," Watson and Nicklaus separated themselves from the rest of the field at Turnberry before Watson claimed the Claret Jug by a single stroke in one of golf's greatest head-to-head battles.
Tiger Woods (2000)
Woods dominated St Andrews by eight strokes, becoming the youngest golfer to complete the career Grand Slam. Remarkably, he avoided every bunker during the tournament despite playing the Old Course.
Ben Curtis (2003)
Ranked No. 396 in the world entering the week, Curtis stunned the golf world by winning in his first major championship appearance, producing one of the biggest upsets in Open history.
Henrik Stenson (2016)
Stenson and Phil Mickelson delivered one of the greatest final-round duels in major championship history. Stenson's closing 63 secured his first major title and set a then-record score relative to par in a men's major.
Shane Lowry (2019)
Lowry won the first Open held in Northern Ireland since 1951. His ability to handle difficult weather conditions proved decisive throughout the weekend.
These moments highlight what has defined the Open Championship for more than 160 years: historic venues, demanding conditions, and unforgettable performances under pressure.
Recent British Open Winners (2000-Present)
| Year | Winner | Score | Course (Location) |
| 2025 | Scottie Scheffler | -17 | Royal Portrush Golf Club (Portrush, Northern Ireland) |
| 2024 | Xander Schauffele | -9 | Royal Troon Golf Club (Troon, Scotland) |
| 2023 | Brian Harman | -13 | Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake, England) |
| 2022 | Cameron Smith | -20 | Old Course at St Andrews (St Andrews, Scotland) |
| 2021 | Collin Morikawa | -15 | Royal St George's Golf Club (Sandwich, England) |
| 2020 | Not held (COVID-19) | — | — |
| 2019 | Shane Lowry | -15 | Royal Portrush Golf Club (Portrush, Northern Ireland) |
| 2018 | Francesco Molinari | -8 | Carnoustie Golf Links (Carnoustie, Scotland) |
| 2017 | Jordan Spieth | -12 | Royal Birkdale Golf Club (Southport, England) |
| 2016 | Henrik Stenson | -20 | Royal Troon Golf Club (Troon, Scotland) |
| 2015 | Zach Johnson | -15 | Old Course at St Andrews (St Andrews, Scotland) |
| 2014 | Rory McIlroy | -17 | Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake, England) |
| 2013 | Phil Mickelson | -3 | Muirfield (Gullane, Scotland) |
| 2012 | Ernie Els | -7 | Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club (Lytham St Annes, England) |
| 2011 | Darren Clarke | -5 | Royal St George's Golf Club (Sandwich, England) |
| 2010 | Louis Oosthuizen | -16 | Old Course at St Andrews (St Andrews, Scotland) |
| 2009 | Stewart Cink | -2 | Turnberry Ailsa Course (Turnberry, Scotland) |
| 2008 | Pádraig Harrington | +3 | Royal Birkdale Golf Club (Southport, England) |
| 2007 | Pádraig Harrington | -7 | Carnoustie Golf Links (Carnoustie, Scotland) |
| 2006 | Tiger Woods | -18 | Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake, England) |
| 2005 | Tiger Woods | -14 | Old Course at St Andrews (St Andrews, Scotland) |
| 2004 | Todd Hamilton | -10 | Royal Troon Golf Club (Troon, Scotland) |
| 2003 | Ben Curtis | -1 | Royal St George's Golf Club (Sandwich, England) |
| 2002 | Ernie Els* (playoff) | -6 | Muirfield (Gullane, Scotland) |
| 2001 | David Duval | -10 | Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club (Lytham St Annes, England) |
| 2000 | Tiger Woods | -19 | Old Course at St Andrews (St Andrews, Scotland) |
Conclusion
The Open Championship is unlike any other tournament in professional golf.
Its historic links courses, unpredictable weather, and distinctive style of play create challenges that golfers encounter nowhere else during the season. Those same factors also make it one of the most compelling betting events on the calendar, attracting and rewarding bettors who look beyond recent form and consider links experience, course fit, and changing conditions.
Whether you are backing an outright winner, targeting finishing position bets, or looking for value through live betting, preparation can make a significant difference. By understanding what makes the Open Championship unique and comparing odds across multiple sportsbooks, you will be better equipped to make informed wagers throughout golf's oldest major.