Red-hot McIlroy the clear favorite at British Open
More bizarre long shot winners have emerged from the British Open than any major. A year ago, it was Louis Oosthuizen’s turn to shock the golf world.
Oosthuizen went off at 200-1 odds at the Las Vegas Hilton, and support for him was scarce, making the result far better for the sports books than for the bettors.
“There’s no doubt it’s more unpredictable and wide open than the first two majors,” Hilton golf oddsmaker Jeff Sherman said.
The British Open is always about tall weeds, deep bunkers, wind and the threat of foul weather, so picking the winner can be a needle-in-a-haystack challenge. Tabbing the favorite in this one is easy, however.
Rory McIlroy, who took a lead into the final round of the Masters and won the U.S. Open in a runaway, tops the odds board in advance of Thursday’s first round at the Royal St. George’s course in Sandwich, England.
Most books are posting McIlroy in the 4-1 to 6-1 range, but the Hilton is offering a fairer price at 8-1 odds. Sherman posted a “Yes or No” proposition on McIlroy to win, with the rest of the field at minus-1,100. The two-way prop was popular while Tiger Woods was a dominant favorite, but Woods is missing in action again and McIlroy is assuming his role.
Sherman said he dropped McIlroy to 8-1 to avoid an “overreaction” following his impressive U.S. Open performance. Luke Donald and Lee Westwood are next on the board with each listed at 10-1.
“If I went to 10-1 we would get flooded with money on McIlroy. I think McIlroy will do fine, but based on the odds, I would prefer Westwood or Donald,” Sherman said. “This is a tournament where the betting public likes to bet the European players.”
Steve Stricker (30-1) appears to be the American player with the best shot, followed by Matt Kuchar (30-1) and Dustin Johnson (40-1).
The Hilton is offering 48 player matchups and 20 props, and adjusted odds to win will be posted by about
1 p.m. each day.
Oosthuizen is at 80-1 odds to repeat his bizarre feat.
Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.
