Golf Betting Tips: The Open Championship Predictions, Preview and Best Bets

This week, golf enthusiasts turn their attention to Royal Troon for the highly anticipated Open Championship 2024. Our golf expert John Pentin is here to provide an in-depth analysis, best bets, and predictions for this prestigious event. Read on for insights and two standout predictions, including a premium tip available exclusively to our Premium Tips Club subscribers.

To access the full article and our premium tip, click here to subscribe to the Premium Tips Club. Don’t miss out on the selected golf betting offers to enhance your betting value.

The Open Championship Betting

The Open Championship Betting Tips | Thursday 18th July to Sunday 21st July 2024

---

🚨 This Article Also Contains A Premium Tip – Click Here Or Scroll Down This Page To Find It 👇

---

Tournament Overview and Course Analysis

Royal Troon has a storied history of hosting the Open Championship, with some of the most unforgettable moments in golf occurring on its venerable links. The course has been a backdrop for dramatic finishes, including the remarkable 2016 duel between Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson. That year, Stenson shot a final round of 63 to finish at 20-under-par, edging out Mickelson, who carded a 65 to end at 17-under-par. This epic battle is etched in the annals of Open Championship history, highlighting Royal Troon’s capacity for producing high drama and showcasing exceptional golfing talent.

This year, the course has been extended to 7,385 yards, maintaining its par 71 layout. The lengthening of the course includes the addition of nine new tees and modifications to several holes, most notably the par-five sixth, now stretched to over 620 yards, making it the longest hole in Open Championship history. These changes are expected to challenge even the most seasoned professionals.

Weather Conditions

The weather forecast for this week suggests a mix of sun and drizzle, with temperatures hovering in the mid-60s Fahrenheit and winds ranging from 10 to 12 mph. These conditions are typical for the Ayrshire coast and should provide a true test of links golf. The variable weather is likely to play a significant role, as it often does in the Open, adding an element of unpredictability to the tournament.

Key Skills for Success at Royal Troon

Driving Accuracy and Course Management

Royal Troon demands a combination of precision and adaptability from its competitors. The course is characterised by its knee-high rough and numerous strategically placed bunkers, which make driving accuracy essential. Players must navigate these hazards carefully, as errant tee shots can easily lead to lost strokes. The ability to manage the course effectively, selecting the right clubs and making smart decisions, will be crucial for success.

Scrambling and Short Game Proficiency

One of the standout statistics from previous Opens at Royal Troon is the importance of scrambling. In 2016, the first seven finishers all ranked highly in scrambling, showcasing the need for players to recover well when they miss the greens. This trend was also evident in earlier editions, such as in 2004 and 1997, where top finishers excelled in getting up and down from difficult lies. The ability to perform well around the greens, including adept chipping and putting, is vital.

Iron Play and Approach Shots

Precision with iron shots will be another key factor. The small, undulating greens at Royal Troon require accurate approach shots to give players a chance at birdies and to avoid tricky up-and-down situations. Good iron play not only helps in hitting the greens in regulation but also in positioning the ball in favourable spots to attack the pins.

Challenges of Royal Troon

The Rough and Bunkers

The rough at Royal Troon is particularly challenging this year, with reports indicating it is knee-high in places due to heavy rainfall. This makes accuracy off the tee even more critical, as players who stray from the fairways will face difficult recoveries. The numerous deep, pot bunkers that dot the course further complicate matters. These bunkers can be penal, often requiring a sideways or backward shot to escape, making avoidance a key strategy.

Wind and Weather

The coastal location of Royal Troon means that wind is always a factor. Players must be adept at controlling their ball flight and making adjustments based on wind direction and speed. The mix of sun and drizzle predicted for this week will add another layer of difficulty, as players will need to be prepared for changing conditions and the impact on course playability.

Small, Undulating Greens

The greens at Royal Troon are some of the smallest on the Open rota, and they are also undulating, which adds to the challenge. Players need to be precise with their approach shots to avoid difficult putts and the risk of three-putting. The undulating nature of the greens means that even when hitting them in regulation, players will face challenging putts that require a keen eye for reading breaks and speed.

In conclusion, success at Royal Troon will require a well-rounded game, with a premium on accuracy, scrambling, and solid iron play. Players who can manage their way around the course effectively, handle the challenging conditions, and excel in the short game will have the best chance of lifting the Claret Jug come Sunday.

Player Analysis and Predictions

Before delving into our specific predictions, it’s essential to evaluate the performances of some key players who are poised to make a significant impact at this year’s Open Championship based on their recent form and historical achievements in links golf.

Shane Lowry: The Contender for a Second Claret Jug

Shane Lowry, with odds of 33/1, stands out as a formidable contender for this year’s Open Championship. Lowry, renowned for his 2019 triumph at Royal Portrush, possesses a deep understanding and natural affinity for links golf, which is crucial for success at Royal Troon. His game is perfectly suited to the course’s demands, characterised by excellent driving accuracy and a deft touch around the greens. Currently, he ranks 16th in driving accuracy, which will be a vital asset given the treacherous rough and strategically placed bunkers at Troon.

Lowry’s recent form is encouraging. He secured a sixth-place finish at the US PGA Championship and a respectable 19th at the US Open. These performances underscore his consistency and ability to compete at the highest level. Furthermore, Lowry has meticulously prepared for this championship, including practice rounds at Royal Troon and additional sessions on links courses back in Ireland. Despite missing the cut at Troon in 2016, Lowry’s overall game has matured significantly, making him a strong candidate to claim his second Claret Jug.

Aaron Rai: A Value Bet with Form

Aaron Rai, available at 66/1, is an intriguing value bet for this year’s Open Championship. Rai enters the tournament on the back of a remarkable fourth-place finish at the Scottish Open, which earned him a spot in the field at Royal Troon. His consistency is noteworthy, with five consecutive top-20 finishes, underscoring his form and reliability.

Rai’s game is built around precision and consistency, crucial attributes for success on a links course. He currently leads the tour in driving accuracy, a statistic that will serve him well at Troon. Additionally, Rai’s scrambling has been equally impressive, ranking in the top 10 for scrambling in his last two starts.

His familiarity with links golf is evident from his 2020 Scottish Open victory and a ninth-place finish at Gullane in 2018. Rai’s recent performances in majors, including a 19th-place finish at the US Open, demonstrate his ability to compete at the highest level. His late qualification for the Open may prove to be a blessing, allowing him to enter the tournament with momentum and minimal pressure.

Tom Kim: Rising Star with Potential

Tom Kim, priced at 50/1, is rapidly establishing himself as a rising star in the world of golf. His recent form has been nothing short of impressive, highlighted by a fourth-place finish at the Canadian Open and a second-place finish at the Travelers Championship. These performances indicate his growing confidence and capability to perform under pressure.

Kim’s affinity for links golf was further demonstrated at the Scottish Open, where he finished 15th. His strengths lie in his exceptional accuracy off the tee and remarkable scrambling abilities. This season, he ranks first in scrambling and maintains a top-25 position in driving accuracy. These skills are particularly advantageous at Royal Troon, where precision and recovery are paramount.

At just 22 years old, Kim has already made a significant impact in major tournaments. Notably, he secured a second-place finish at Hoylake last year despite battling a foot injury. His ability to adapt to the unique challenges of links golf courses positions him as a strong contender for a high finish at Royal Troon this year.

Additional Player Insights

Rory McIlroy: The Favourite’s Burden

Rory McIlroy, often a favourite in major tournaments, comes into the Open Championship with the weight of expectations. His game is well-suited to links golf, and he has demonstrated his ability to contend at Royal Troon, finishing fifth in 2016. McIlroy’s driving distance and accuracy, coupled with his excellent iron play, make him a perennial threat. However, his recent form has been inconsistent, and he will need to bring his best to overcome the field and the challenging conditions.

Xander Schauffele: Consistent Performer

Xander Schauffele, priced at 12/1, has consistently performed well in major tournaments, including a second-place finish at the 2018 Open Championship. Schauffele’s all-around game, highlighted by his strong iron play and putting, positions him as a strong contender. His ability to remain calm under pressure and navigate challenging conditions will be critical at Royal Troon.

Jon Rahm: Seeking Redemption

Jon Rahm, another top contender, seeks redemption after a series of near misses in major tournaments. Rahm’s powerful driving and precise iron play make him a formidable opponent. His recent form includes a victory at the Valderrama Masters and top finishes in various tournaments. If Rahm can maintain his composure and avoid the mental errors that have plagued him in the past, he has a strong chance of lifting the Claret Jug.

Tommy Fleetwood: The Local Hope

Tommy Fleetwood, a local favourite, has shown his prowess in links golf with several strong performances in past Opens. Fleetwood’s game is built on accuracy and a stellar short game, both of which are essential for success at Royal Troon. His familiarity with the conditions and the support of the home crowd could provide the extra boost needed to contend for the title.

Justin Rose: Veteran Experience

Justin Rose, a seasoned veteran, brings a wealth of experience to the Open Championship. Rose has been in good form recently, with strong showings on the PGA and European Tours. His accurate driving and dependable putting make him a potential contender. Rose’s experience in handling the pressure of major championships could be a significant advantage.

The Open Championship Predictions

Free Tip: Back Shane Lowry To Win

Shane Lowry emerges as a prime candidate for this year’s Open Championship, supported by a compelling combination of experience, form, and skill. Lowry, a seasoned player with a deep understanding of links golf, demonstrated his prowess by winning the 2019 Open at Royal Portrush. This victory underscored his capability to navigate the unique challenges of links courses, making him well-suited for Royal Troon.

Form and Recent Performances

Lowry’s recent performances have been impressive. He finished sixth at the US PGA Championship and 19th at the US Open, showcasing his consistency at the highest level of competition. His preparation for the Open has been thorough, including practice rounds at Royal Troon and additional links practice back home in Ireland. This meticulous preparation highlights his commitment to mastering the nuances of the course.

Key Attributes

Lowry’s game is characterised by excellent driving accuracy, ranking 16th this year, which is crucial for avoiding the knee-high rough and strategically placed bunkers at Royal Troon. Additionally, his creativity around the greens and ability to scramble effectively position him as a strong contender. Despite missing the cut at Troon in 2016, his game has matured significantly since then, increasing his chances of securing another Claret Jug.

🚨 Today’s Golf Premium Tip: The Open Championship Prediction 👇

Premium Membership Benefits

Our Premium Membership offers exclusive access to expertly curated Premium tips, each detailed with a recommended unit bet. These tips, highlighted by the distinctive Premium Tips logo, are meticulously crafted by our seasoned experts, who boast over 20 years of experience in sports betting. Premium Tips are interspersed with free tips on our normal tipping pages and can also be found on our dedicated Premium Tips Hub page.

In addition to premium tips, members receive:

• Weekly Results Publication: We publish the results of all Premium tips weekly, allowing you to track performance and make informed decisions. This level of detailed analysis is exclusive to our Premium Tips, ensuring transparency and reliability.
• Daily Insights: Get daily insights from our expert team on the best bets, Monday to Saturday.
• Full Transparency: If our Premium Tips do not deliver a profit in the first three months, you will receive an additional three months for free.
• Daily Newsletter: Stay updated with a daily newsletter highlighting the day’s premium tips.

Join our Premium Membership to enjoy these benefits and elevate your betting strategy with expert guidance.

🚨The Open Championship: Our Premium Tip👇

⚠️Premium Members: Scroll further down to see the Premium tips👇

Enhance your betting game with our daily free betting tips, predictions, and accumulators.

For more betting tips and news, check out:

• Golf Tips
• Our Comprehensive Betting News

Don’t forget to visit our Free Bets page for the best possible value as well as our Predictions.

Top UK Bookies & Best Sign Up Offers 

Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips

Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!