British Open odds are out for the 138th Open, which tees off Thursday at Turnberry, and it’s no surprise that Tiger Woods is the one to watch. However, Irishman Padraig Harrington has won the last two years, and there’ll be a number of European golfers looking to keep the Claret Jug off of American soil. Here are the five to watch.British Open odds – Thursday, 2:30 PM ET
1) Padraig Harrington – This is more of a courtesy to the champion, who has British Open odds of +2200 to defend his title. However, Harrington is having an awful season despite his win at the Irish PGA Championship (which isn’t as prestigious as it sounds), as swing changes have turned his game around, and not for the better. Stay away from him when making your sports picks this week.
2) Rory McIlroy – The 20-year-old from Northern Ireland finished T-42 as an amateur at Carnoustie in 2007, and he is coming off a solid 10th-place finish at the US Open. Links golf is right up McIlroy’s alley, and the phenom has golf betting odds of +2200, alongside the champ.
3) Ian Poulter – The Englishman was second in last year’s Open, and he’s finished in the top 20 at The Masters and the US Open this season. The 33-year-old has been having a very consistent season, which is why betting services have rated him at +2800 this weekend.
4) Lee Westwood – The 36-year-old Ryder Cup veteran is coming off a 23rd-place result at the US Open and he’s struggled with the Claret Jug on the line recently with one missed cut and three finishes outside the top 30 since coming in fourth in 2004. Still, he’s been playing well overseas and with British Open odds of +2800, he could be worth a shot.
5) Martin Kaymer – Who? The 24-year-old German has won his last two tournaments, including a playoff win over Westwood two weeks ago. Kaymer finished 80th in his lone British Open appearance in 2008 and missed the cut in both The Masters and the US Open, but momentum is a crazy thing in sports, so you may want to take a chance on him in your offshore sportsbook.
