The 2026 British Open is underway at Royal Birkdale, where changing coastal conditions and an unpredictable leaderboard have created several intriguing betting opportunities.
The Open Championship Odds (2026)
- Scottie Scheffler +600
- Collin Morikawa +900
- Lucas Herbert +900
- Cameron Young +1600
- Bryson DeChambeau +1800
- Tommy Fleetwood +2200
- Jon Rahm +2500
- Patrick Reed +2500
- Jackson Suber +2800
- Robert MacIntyre +2800
- Rory McIlroy +2800
- Si Woo Kim +3000
- Bud Cauley +3500
- Alex Fitzpatrick +4000
- Tyrrell Hatton +4000
Scottie Scheffler remains the favorite at British Open betting sites. The defending Open champion began the tournament with a two-under-par 68, keeping himself within striking distance despite failing to dominate the opening round. Scheffler’s ability to limit mistakes explains why bookmakers continue to place him at the top of the leaderboard.
Collin Morikawa is the second choice at +900. The 2021 Open winner also opened with a 68 before making an early move during Friday’s second round. Morikawa’s controlled iron play makes him particularly dangerous at Royal Birkdale, where avoiding deep bunkers and positioning shots correctly can matter more than raw driving distance.
Lucas Herbert Moves Into British Open Contention
Lucas Herbert has produced the biggest charge of the second round. The Australian began Friday with three consecutive birdies and completed the front nine in a six-under 28, matching an Open Championship record first set by Denis Durnian at Royal Birkdale in 1983. Herbert reached eight under during his round and moved into the outright lead, causing his odds to shorten to +1600 at golf sportsbooks.
Herbert entered Friday behind first-round leader Jackson Suber, who shot a five-under 65 in his Open debut. Suber had never competed in Europe and reportedly played his first round of links golf only days before the tournament. He is now +2800 to complete the unlikely breakthrough.
Cameron Young, offered at +2500, and Robert MacIntyre at +1800 are also positioned near the top after opening rounds of 67. MacIntyre’s experience playing in windy British conditions makes him one of the more appealing midrange options, while Young offers considerable upside if his aggressive driving continues to produce scoring chances.
Former Winners Remain Available at Longer Odds
Several previous champions are still receiving respect from oddsmakers. Rory McIlroy, the 2014 winner, has a +2200 moneyline, although an opening 72 left him facing considerable work. Shane Lowry, who lifted the Claret Jug in 2019, is +3000, while Morikawa remains the shortest-priced former winner behind Scheffler.
Bryson DeChambeau is +1800 after beginning with a 67. His power can shorten Royal Birkdale, but success will depend on whether he can avoid the course’s penal rough and strategically placed bunkers. Jon Rahm and Patrick Reed are each +2500, with Tommy Fleetwood also available at +2200 as he continues pursuing his first major championship.
British Open Sleepers to Consider
Longer-priced contenders include Ludvig Aberg, Shane Lowry and Si Woo Kim at +3000. Chris Gotterup and Tyrrell Hatton offer additional value at +4000. Hatton’s links record and experience in difficult weather make him a logical sleeper, while Gotterup provides a higher-risk option for bettors looking beyond established major winners.
The leaderboard remains fluid, particularly with half the field still navigating Friday’s round. Herbert and Suber have supplied the early surprises, but Scheffler, Morikawa and DeChambeau remain close enough to take control before the weekend.
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