Woods favored despite erratic play
One of the most unpredictable events in sports, the British Open presents a unique challenge to bettors. It also offers the opportunity to hit a bomb, and Darren Clarke’s win last year at 150-1 odds was an example.
Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood are considered the top players going into this Open, which begins Thursday morning at the Royal Lytham & St. Annes course in Lytham St. Annes, England. But better bets might be found by looking further down the odds board.
Woods has gone four years without a major win, yet he’s the obvious favorite at odds ranging from 8-1 at the LVH sports book to 9-2 at Station Casinos. McIlroy (10-1) has won one major, and Westwood (12-1) is stuck on zero.
“I think we’re offering some fair odds on Tiger,” LVH golf oddsmaker Jeff Sherman said. “He’s hard to read. He wins one week and misses the cut the next week. The guy we’ve taken a ton of money on is McElroy, but I can’t lower his odds to single digits.”
A buzz surrounds Westwood, who has eight top-four finishes in majors and is overdue for a breakthrough. His accuracy off the tee indicates his game is tailored for a links course that will play tough in rain and wind.
“I always like Westwood,” Sherman said. “But I’m running out of patience with him not getting a ‘W’ at smaller odds.”
There are plenty of options at larger odds, and Sherman said, “I always look for a European in this event.”
Justin Rose (25-1) is Sherman’s top choice. Some others to consider are former British Open winner Padraig Harrington (20-1), Graeme McDowell (30-1), Louis Oosthuizen (40-1), Robert Karlsson (100-1) and Andres Romero (150-1). Clarke, highly unlikely to repeat, is offered at 150-1 again.
Two other golfers gaining support are Jason Dufner and Ernie Els, each at 40-1. “Dufner is a fan favorite now because he’s done so well in the last few majors,” Sherman said.
The LVH is posting 60 player matchups and 20 propositions, so there are ways to wager other than trying to find a needle in a haystack. Most Las Vegas books will post adjusted odds to win after each of the first three rounds, and that’s often the best way to bet the tournament.
Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow him on Twitter: @mattyoumans247.