Links purists are in for a treat this week.Thanks to an uncharacteristic heatwave in the United Kingdom, the forecast features dry, sunny skies and highs climbing into the 80s.
Expect the famously flat, dune-lined fairways to run firm, fast, and beautifully baked out, making accurate ball-striking absolutely vital.THE OPEN TEE TIMES PUT SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER, RORY MCILROY IN LOADED ROYAL BIRKDALE GROUPSWhether the light coastal breezes offer a true defense or players tear up the dry turf, predicting the Champion Golfer of the Year won't be easy.In fact, nothing has been easy for me when betting on the PGA Tour this season, as I'm getting absolutely crushed and -51 units (u).
I.e., fade or follow at your own peril.For the record, I'm risking 2.41u on picks to win, profiting 20u if any of them cash, and 3u on my top-5/10/20 bets.With that in mind, here are my best bets, placement values, and "one-and-done" picks for Royal Birkdale.The following odds are based on my previous bets on the golfers listed below.
Subject to change.Jon Rahm +2487 to win at Polymarket (0.8u) and Top-10 with ties +217 at Kalshi (0.75u) Scottie Scheffler Top-5 with ties at Kalshi (1u) Collin Morikawa +3471 to win (0.58u) at Polymarket and Top-5 with ties +684 at Kalshi (0.25u) Justin Thomas +7592 to win (0.26u) at Polymarket and Top-10 with ties +455 at Kalshi (0.25u) Robert MacIntyre +3500 to win (0.57u) and Top-20 with ties +150 (0.75u), both at DraftKingsI’m not going to lie: Part of the reason I’m betting Rahm is that there’s a chance Spain beats the English in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final Sunday and it would be funny if Rahm, a Spaniard, won the British Open in England that same day.There is a lot more to it, which I’ll discuss in a second, but man, that would be hilarious.
It would go down in England’s history books as the "Spanish Invasion" or probably more clever and British.Plus, my sharp golf picks have been terrible this season, so why not have a little fun?Jon Rahm tees ...