Golf Betting Tips: First-round three-balls predictions, preview and best bets for the Open Championship

The first day of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush promises a thrilling start, with some compelling groupings and unpredictable weather laying the groundwork for potential drama. Read on for our expert preview and to find the best tips and analysis and don’t miss out on the best bookmaker offers as listed below.

Golf betting tips: First-round three-balls Predictions for the Open

Can Local Knowledge Trump Form in Portrush’s Opening Salvo?

• Justin Rose has led or co-led after the first round in nine major championship appearances.
• Rose ended last week’s Scottish Open with a stunning round of 63, his best finish of the season.
• His first-round positions at the last three Open Championships: 16th at Portrush, 9th at St George’s, and 4th at Troon.

Our Tips

Golf fans will be treated to a diverse field of talent as the iconic links course in Northern Ireland hosts the opening round of one of golf’s most storied events.

Wind is expected to be a steady companion throughout Thursday’s action, blowing between 12-15mph. Rain is forecast throughout the day, which may level the playing field across the tee times. Unlike some previous years where early or late starters gained a distinct advantage, the draw appears neutral, with both morning and afternoon groups historically producing first-round leaders at this venue.

The 2019 edition at Royal Portrush provided no clear indication of time-of-day bias. That year, J.B. Holmes took the early lead with a 66, but he was closely followed by players who teed off both early and late, including several names finishing just two shots behind. This pattern has extended through the last five Open Championships, reinforcing that weather fluctuations are too subtle to favour any particular tee slot definitively.

With the field scattered across the day and no outright advantage in terms of draw, punters will need to rely on form, skillset, and a player’s ability to adapt quickly to links conditions. That’s particularly relevant this year, as multiple contenders bring strong recent form into the event, including finishes in the top ten and strong credentials on similar terrain. A few players, including some experienced names and others with fast-starting reputations, look well-positioned to make early statements.

Among all the markets on offer, one three-ball match in particular stands out as a fascinating battle between contrasting styles and recent form—where a strong case can be made for one standout contender.

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Best Bet for Thursday at The Open Championship

Justin Rose to win his first round three-ball – vs Robert MacIntyre & Bryson DeChambeau

Here at BettingTips4You, we believe less is more when it comes to our selections. That’s why we provide just one top prediction for each day’s action, aiming to bring you a single, standout betting angle that’s based on substance and form rather than speculation. Fewer choices mean greater clarity and allow us to properly track and evaluate the accuracy of our picks.

Justin Rose to win his opening three-ball against Robert MacIntyre and Bryson DeChambeau is our premium pick for Thursday’s round at Royal Portrush.

Rose comes into the event off the back of a sharp 63 at the Scottish Open, a performance that signals strong form and readiness for links conditions. Historically, he’s shown a penchant for fast starts, having topped the leaderboard after the first round in five separate editions of the US Masters, while also opening strongly in multiple Open Championships. Notably, he ended Thursday at Troon in a share of fourth last year and was inside the top ten after day one at Royal St George’s too. Even when Portrush last hosted in 2019, Rose placed 16th after the first round, suggesting a comfort level with the layout.

What sets Rose apart this week is not just his course compatibility, but also his polished all-round game, which suits the demands of links golf—particularly when faced with gusty winds and unpredictable bounces. His early-week sharpness adds to his appeal, and his 2.48pm tee time places him in steady, if slightly windier, conditions.

While MacIntyre and DeChambeau are capable names, neither has demonstrated the same level of first-round consistency in recent weeks. With nothing in the forecast suggesting any major disruption to his wave, Rose is in a strong position to control his group from the outset. His recent momentum and historical pedigree for day-one excellence make him the best-backed candidate for this tightly contested three-ball.

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