The PGA heads home once again, as the British Open is back in Scotland at the Royal Troon course. This is the 9th time that the Open has been held in Ayrshire, and it will prove to be as challenging as always. Royal Troon is a links style course that sits along the coastline. Anyone who knows anything about golfing in Scotland will be well aware that wind and rain are likely to be major factors here. This is going to be a highly competitive field, with Zach Johnson looking to hold off all the biggest names in the sport in an attempt to retain his title. I’m not sure I like his chances, as there are other players who are sure to be better betting odds choices, and who will be better equipped to handle what Royal Troon has to throw at them. Let’s take a look at a few of the favorites.
A Closer Look At The PGA British Open Free Picks
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy has to be considered the top dog here, as the Irishman is well aware of the havoc that the conditions can deliver in this part of the world. He won the Open two years ago, and picked up the Irish Open title earlier this season. McIlroys chances would almost certainly improve if the course got hot by rain, which is always a very distinct possibility in Scotland.
Jordan Spieth and Jason Day
Jordan Spieth and Jason Day tied for 4th at last year’s Open, and were just a shot off the pace set by the playoff finishers. Spieth has not been quite as magical as he was last season, but he always seems to be there or thereabouts. Day, on the other hand, has been magnificent all season long, and is thoroughly deserving of his world number one ranking. Either of these two men could well be in the mix on Sunday afternoon, although both would probably prefer if the conditions stayed a little milder.
Dustin Johnson
Dustin Johnson did not get his season off to a very good start, but he is rounding into form at just the right time. He has recently picked up a couple of very impressive tournament wins, and has to be considered a legitimate challenger here. There is perhaps no golfer in better form than he is at the moment, and momentum is often a major player when talking about the sport of golf.
These are the guys who are likely to get a fair chunk of the betting money at the online sportsbook, but this is a tournament that anyone can win, especially if Mother Nature decides that she doesn’t want to play ball. You always have to take a close look at the British players in the field, as they tend to have an edge when playing courses of this style. Justin Rose is a very decent longshot pick here, although I do not believe that he will win. My money is going to be on Rory McIlroy, as I really do believe that this is his tournament to lose. Let’s not forget that he missed the Open last year with a broken ankle, which means that he won it the last time he competed.
