British Open 2022: Rory McIlroy Betting Odds, Preview, & Prediction

The British Open returns to the Old Course at St. Andrews for the first time since 2015, when Zach Johnson hoisted the Claret Jug after a four-hole playoff against Louis Oosthuizen and Marc Leishman. What better place for the 150th Open Championship than the cradle of golf?

This is the final major of the year, and it's not hyperbole to say that it could be one of the most consequential majors in history. The professional golf world has been riven by the formation of the controversial new LIV Tour, which has lured some top players away from the PGA Tour with lavish appearance fees. With members of the two tours exchanging verbal barbs through the media, a major involving players from both tours has an extra layer of drama.

This could also be the final time that Tiger Woods plays in a British Open at St. Andrews. Two of his three British Open wins have come at the Old Course, in 2000 and 2005. Can Tiger contend here again at age 46?

The course itself will play a starring role, too. The Road Hole, the Swilcan Burn, Principal's Nose, the Coffin bunkers, the Hell bunker, the double greens - these iconic features will provide a marvelous stage for the world's best players. Mother Nature is sure to be a factor as well. The Old Course can be a pushover if the wind doesn't blow, but it can be a hellscape is the weather is truly Scottish, with plenty of wind and perhaps some rain.

How can we expect the favorites to fare at St. Andrews? Read on ...

Rory McIlroy Stats to Know

  • Best Odds to Win+900 (via FanDuel)
  • World Ranking: 2
  • Best British Open finish: 1 (2014)
  • Last 4 British Open finishes: T46, MC, T2, T4
  • Last 4 tournament finishes: ??, T19, T5, 1

Rory McIlroy British Open History

One of the four major championships he has won, Rory got it done at the 2014 British Open at Royal Liverpool,  starting a quality run of Open Championship finishes. From 2016-2018, McIlroy finished inside the top five in all three editions, missing the cut in 2019 and sputtering to a T46 in the most recent edition last year.

Rory McIlroy’s Recent Form

McIlroy’s standing as not just the favorite this week but coming in under +1000 is due almost entirely to his recent form, which has been nothing short of stellar. Over his last seven starts, which include a win at the RBC Canadian Open, McIlroy has finished T19 or better in every single one. That run also includes a staggering five top 10s and three top 5s.

Rory McIlroy British Open Predictions

McIlroy’s play as of late has been amongst the best on Tour (not named Scottie Scheffler), and I see no reason he doesn’t turn in a stellar performance here at St. Andrews. Coming into the week, McIlroy ranks inside the top 10 on Tour in SG: Off-the-Tee, SG: Approach, and SG: Total; all of which translate to success here at St. Andrews. While I’m not quite ready to make the jump for an outright win at these short odds, I do like for Rory to finish inside of the top 10 at anything near even money.

The Pick: Rory McIlroy Top 10

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