British Open Matchup and Prop Picks: Will Tiger Make the Cut?

There are a number of notable players in the field for The Open, including Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, and defending champion Collin Morikawa. Here are several matchups and props to consider for the Open Championship this week.

As the LIV and PGA Tour drama continues, St Andrews will take center stage while hosting The Open Championship at the Old Course. St Andrews last hosted The Open in 2015, when Zach Johnson lifted the Claret Jug.

https://twitter.com/TheOpen/status/1546771721574907905

Despite being the defending champion and ranking eighth in the Official World Golf Ranking, Collin Morikawa has been given odds of around +3000 to win. Rory McIlroy holds the top spot on the oddsboard as the betting favorite for The Open with a price of +900.

Here are some of the top matchups and props for the Open Championship (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, and PointsBet).

British Open Matchup Picks

Max Homa (+100) vs. Hideki Matsuyama (via FanDuel)

This matchup is very close statistically, as Homa averages 1.48 strokes gained: total and Matsuyama averages 1.65. But Matsuyama skipped the event in 2021, which shows how he feels about the tournament.

Matsuyama, who won The Masters in 2021, elected instead to prepare for the Olympics. There's no reason for anyone to skip a major championship, and I believe that move indicates The Open isn't one of Matsuyama's favorite tournaments.

The 30-year-old missed the cut during three of his last four appearances at The Open. He's been slightly better statistically than Homa. But the American gets the edge, especially at a price of +100.

Viktor Hovland (-152) vs. Robert Macintyre (via FanDuel)

Even though Hovland isn't in top form coming into the Open Championship, there's little appeal in backing Macintyre at a price of +118. There's a considerable talent gap, so a much higher price is required to support Macintyre.

Hovland is averaging 1.54 SG: total in 2022, while Macintyre is posting 0.16. That gap in a matchup is unusual, but it's likely tied to Macintyre's increased liability this week due to his Scottish heritage and strong performance during the last two Open Championships.

https://twitter.com/DPWorldTour/status/1545410339453472768

Jon Rahm (+100) vs. Scottie Scheffler (via DraftKings)

This prop is all about backing a plus price offered on Rahm. I would be a little more hesitant if it were juiced as -110 for Scheffler.

Rahm's putting was holding him back earlier in the season, but he's completely turned that around now. The Spaniard has gained strokes on the greens in five of his last six tournaments.

Meanwhile, Scheffler was gaining strokes on the greens while winning tournaments earlier in the season. But his putter has been cooling off since. He's lost strokes while putting in five of his last seven tournaments.

Scheffler is statistically better than Rahm on the season. But Rahm is the one to back given his current form compared to Scheffler, making the +100 price even more appealing.

British Open Top Prop Picks

Top South American: Mito Pereira (+340 via FanDuel)

Pereira has missed three consecutive cuts, which isn't ideal. However, should Joaquin Niemann really be priced two dollars shorter than him? While Pereira may not be in great form right now, you must favor him at +340 through FanDuel to be the top South American.

Niemann has played in the Open Championship twice, finishing T-59 and missing the cut. We need a better track record from someone priced at +125 to win this nationality prop, especially with Pereira not significantly behind in SG: total this season.

Top 10: Louis Oosthuizen (+480 via FanDuel)

A player from the LIV tour will surely make a splash during the Open Championship, and who better than Oosthuizen, who has been in contention for the Claret Jug several times. Oosthuizen finished T-3 last year at Royal St. George's and T-2 in 2015 at the Old Course.

It's more appealing to purchase Oosthuizen through FanDuel than at DraftKings. The latter book prices him at +350 to make the top 10, while FanDuel values Oosthuizen at +480.

Check out the latest comprehensive and most trusted Sportsbook Reviews by SBR.

To Make the Cut: Tiger Woods (-135 via PointsBet)

After missing out on this opportunity during the Masters, I'm determined not to let it pass me by again. Unlike other golfers, Woods' main objective is to make the cut, leading to considerable value tied to this prop.

I fully expect Woods to use a strategy that will enable him to reach the weekend, shying away from taking risks on Thursday or Friday. Woods would have skipped the tournament if his physical condition was an issue. He sat out the U.S. Open for the same reason.

https://twitter.com/TheOpen/status/1546544911977250816

More British Open Picks

Open Championship PreviewTop Odds Boosts for The OpenBest Open Championship Bets for Tiger WoodsOpen Championship Power RankingsLong Shot Picks for The Open ChampionshipThe Open Preview - Emoji Edition

Where to Bet on the Open Championship Matchup and Prop Picks

Here are our top-rated sportsbooks:

FanDuel SportsbookCaesars SportsbookDraftKings SportsbookPointsBetBetMGM

SEE ALSO: All picks, odds, and sports betting news. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com’s community forums and betting tools.

Open Championship matchup and prop picks made 7/12/22 at 5:14 a.m. ET