Open Championship Odds: A Comprehensive UK Guide for December 2025

The golf tournament is one of the four majors of the year, and one of the most prestigious. It features the top golfers, including home favourites like Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, and Tommy Fleetwood. These players are among the favourites as the competition is played across Britain.

BestOdds will provide readers with everything they need to know about The Open and provide a detailed overview of getting the best Open Championship odds possible to enhance betting experiences as far as possible!

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Essential Open Championship Betting Markets Explained

The Open Championship is a major golf event that attracts British bettors in their numbers each year. The continued rotation of courses across Britain helps make this one of the more attractive events on the PGA Tour calendar, as new challenges are presented each year.

While a different course is used each year, many of the top Open Championship betting markets remain available. Many are commonly offered by the top UKGC-licensed bookmakers, with competitive Open Championship odds. These can include:

Outright Winner

The Outright Winner market bets on the golfer who claims victory after 72 holes, securing the Claret Jug at The Open Championship. Odds reflect full-field competition, with favourites like recent major winners drawing shorter prices.​ Payouts are awarded only to the sole winner, though dead heats split stakes if ties occur, making it high-reward for bold selections.​

Each-Way Outright

Each-way bets combine a win bet with a place payout for top finishes, typically the top-5 to top-12, depending on bookmaker terms. Place odds are fractional, like 1/5 of outright, cushioning losses if the pick contends but falls short.​ Terms vary by firm, with some extending places at majors like The Open to attract value bets on longshots.​

Top 5/10/20 Finish

Bettors can wager on a player landing inside the top 5, 10, or 20 on the final leaderboard. This bet can be ideal for consistent performers over outright glory. Ties at the cutoff position usually qualify as a win.​ These markets can pay steady returns without needing tournament domination.​

First-Round Leader

The First-Round leader is a wager placed on a player topping the leaderboard after 18 holes, capturing early momentum at links courses. Each-way options often pay multiple places for near-leaders.​ Extended versions cover 36- or 54-hole leads, settled per round regardless of final outcome.​

2-Ball/3-Ball Matchups

The 2-ball/3-ball matchup markets pit two or three grouped players head-to-head per round, with bets on the lowest scorer in that trio or pair. Ties may refund or dead-heat, simplifying volatile full-field bets.​ Full-tournament head-to-heads compare two players over all rounds.

So in summary:

Market	What it is	Why it’s popular for The Open
Outright Winner	A bet on the golfer who wins after 72 holes and lifts the Claret Jug. Odds reflect the full-field challenge, favourites are typically shorter, and ties can trigger dead-heat rules depending on the bookmaker.	The main headline market with the biggest potential payouts, especially if you land a winner at a strong price.
Each-Way Outright	Splits your stake between win and place, with place terms usually covering top 5 to top 12 depending on the bookmaker and field. Place returns are paid at a fraction of the outright odds (often 1/5).	Popular for majors because enhanced place terms can add value, making it useful for backing mid-range contenders and longshots on links courses.
Top 5/10/20 Finish	A bet on a player to finish inside the top 5, top 10, or top 20 on the final leaderboard. Ties at the cut-off position are typically paid as winners.	A “safer” alternative to outrights that rewards consistency without needing your golfer to win the tournament.
First-Round Leader	A bet on the player leading after the opening 18 holes. Some books offer each-way places, plus extended leader markets over 36 or 54 holes.	Settles quickly and suits bettors targeting fast starters, favourable tee times, or early links conditions before weather shifts.
2-Ball/3-Ball Matchups	Head-to-head bets within a two- or three-player group (usually for a single round), where you back the lowest scorer in that matchup. Some books refund on ties or apply dead-heat rules; tournament H2Hs also exist.	A more controlled way to bet compared to full-field markets, letting you focus on direct player comparisons and round-by-round edges.

Live Open Championship Odds & Streaming

The Open Championship odds can continue to change with each shot a golfer makes. Depending on whether their ball finds the fairway or the green, or goes into the rough, bunker, or water, each shot can see betting odds fluctuate.

Live streaming is essential for betting on in-play action, especially in golf, which can be all about momentum. A golfer may find that they are hot with the putter, whereas another may find their approach play a little cold and struggle. Links courses present several challenges, even to the best players.

Some of the UK’s top sports betting sites will offer golf live streams; it is important to try and find one that offers these if it is not possible to watch the action on a second screen, to help maximise potential betting success by staying on top of each stroke.

Converting Open Championship Odds to Probability

Converting Open Championship betting odds to implied probability can reveal what the bookmakers think will happen and how likely the outcome is.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start with sample Open Championship outright odds: Scottie Scheffler at 6/1 (7.00 decimal), Rory McIlroy at 10/1 (11.00 decimal), and Xander Schauffele at 16/1 (17.00 decimal).​

Convert each: Scheffler 1/7=14.29%, McIlroy 1/11=9.09%; Schauffele 1/17=5.88%

To find the overround, sum these probabilities (plus others in a full market) to check the book; anything over 100% shows the overround. Overround is the bookmaker’s built-in profit margin in betting markets, calculated as the sum of all implied probabilities that exceed 100%.

For a simplified Open Championship market with three golfers at decimal odds of 7.00 (14.29%), 11.00 (9.09%), and 17.00 (5.88%), the sum is 29.26%; a whole field might total 107%. The overround is then 107% – 100% = 7%, representing the margin.

How BestOdds Tests & Rates Open Championship Bookmakers

BestOdds uses a strict methodology that all experts follow when testing and rating Open Championship Golf bookmakers, ensuring readers only ever use sites they can fully trust. Experts create reviews with honesty and transparency, using the site during testing as if they were using it for their own golf betting experiences.

When completing reviews, the experts look at the following aspects:

• Odds offered: Does the bookie offer competitive Open Championship odds?
• Markets available: Can bettors place wagers on diverse markets or just common options?
• Withdrawal speeds: Can bettors withdraw funds quickly, or do they have to wait and complete lengthy KYC processes?
• Bonuses: Are the bonuses and promotions offered for golf betting fair? How restrictive are the T&Cs? What are the wagering requirements?
• Customer service: Can punters easily access customer service? What is the quality of the options available? Is it professional? Are they responsive and efficient?
• Responsible Gambling tools: Does the bookie provide access to reality checks, deposit limits, and self-exclusion tools? Can you access independent help away from the sportsbook to charitable organisations?

BestOdds will only recommend bookmakers that hold an active UK Gambling Commission licence. Sites that hold one will protect players from unfair and unsafe gambling.

History of Open Championship Betting in the UK

Open Championship betting has always felt distinctly British because the tournament itself is woven into the country’s sporting identity, and for generations it has arrived at the same point in the calendar when punters are already primed for summer sport. From the moment The Open began in 1860, its prestige and sense of tradition gave it a natural pull, but the real betting appeal came from what links golf represents: a demanding, changeable test where the outcome is never fully secure until the final holes on Sunday. That uncertainty, driven by wind, firm turf, awkward bounces, and brutal pot bunkers, has long encouraged bettors to form strong opinions about which players are built for the job, and to take chances on prices that look generous compared to a golfer’s proven ability to survive those conditions.

As the tournament grew into a global major, it also became easier for UK bettors to follow closely, first through expanded newspaper coverage, then broadcast coverage, and eventually wall-to-wall television that made every swing feel consequential. The more visible the tournament became, the more familiar punters grew with recurring storylines: the specialist who always seems to contend on links, the elite ball-striker who struggles to flight it down in a crosswind, the home favourite whose odds shorten as national interest rises, and the player who looks unbeatable until the weather changes and the course demands something different. For decades, much of the betting conversation centred on classic markets, especially the outright winner and the each-way outright, because they fit the nature of the championship. Outrights offered the romance of picking the Claret Jug winner, while each-way terms reflected a practical truth of major golf betting: beating 150-plus competitors is hard, but a well-chosen player can still deliver a strong return by finishing in the paid places.

The digital era did not change the reasons people bet on The Open so much as it amplified them and made the whole experience faster, deeper, and more competitive. Once online bookmakers and exchanges became mainstream in the UK, the tournament stopped being a market you checked once a day and became something you could constantly engage with. Odds could be compared instantly, promotions became more prominent, and bookmakers competed harder on place terms and market variety, especially during major week when volume is at its highest. That shift also widened what “betting on The Open” meant in practice. Instead of placing a couple of pre-tournament bets and hoping your player stayed in contention, punters could react as the championship unfolded, responding to tee-time waves, sudden gusts, and visible swings in confidence that links golf so often exposes. The same unpredictability that once simply created surprise winners now powered live price movement, turning a four-day event into a rolling market where the story could change every hour.

That is why Open betting in the UK today feels more immersive than ever. Live odds update as a putt drops or a drive finds trouble, and the range of available bets reflects the modern appetite for immediacy: not just who will win, but who will lead after Thursday, who will beat their playing partners that round, or whether a player can turn a shaky front nine into a resilient finish. Props that focus on individual holes or scoring outcomes add another layer of involvement, because links golf presents so many moments where a single shot can produce a birdie chance or a scrambling battle for bogey. In that sense, the evolution of Open Championship betting is really a story about access and attention. The event has always offered drama, tradition, and uncertainty, but the online era brought punters closer to the action and gave them more ways to express their view of what is happening, in real time, as Britain’s most iconic golf championship continues to test the world’s best under conditions that make certainty a luxury.

Comprehensive Tournament & Competition Betting Guides

The Open Championship, golf’s oldest major, rotates among historic UK links courses and challenges players with unpredictable weather and firm turf.

The tournament spans four rounds over 72 holes, with a cut after 36 holes retaining the top 70 plus ties for the weekend. Held annually in July since 1860 (except wartime pauses), it features a field of 156 via qualifiers, past champions, and top rankings. Entry requires world rankings, major wins, or Open Qualifying Series success; amateurs and sponsor spots fill the rest. Playoffs resolve outright ties, with the Claret Jug awarded to the lowest scorer.​

Odds for outright winners start at 6/1 for favourites and stretch to 1000/1+ for outsiders, translating into implied probabilities that reveal overrounds of around 107%. Each-way terms pay places (top 8-12), while in-play markets adjust live for leaders.​ Links-style brutality, wind-exposed venues like Royal Portrush, and surprise winners (e.g., 150-1 shots) create drama that can be absent in U.S. majors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Open Championship Betting

Betting on The Open Championship golf major is simple. BestOdds has provided the following step-by-step process that should be followed to ensure no mistakes are made:

1. Step 1 – Go to a chosen UKGC-licensed bookmaker. Use one that BestOdds has recommended to avoid making any potentially negative decisions.

2. Step 2 – Sign up for the site. Follow the instructions and provide all of your details as accurately as possible to complete the process.

3. Step 3 – Complete any KYC checks. Most will complete these automatically, but players may be required to provide additional evidence of their identity. This will also need to be completed before making the first withdrawal. It is recommended to do this as early as possible to avoid potential delays.

4. Step 4 – Claim any bonuses. Top UK golf betting sites will offer The Open Championship bonuses due to the magnitude of the event. Make sure to select this, or enter any required promo codes to obtain it.
5. Step 5 – Make a deposit. Add funds to the betting account as money is required to place a bet.

6. Step 6 – Look for Open Championship odds. Go to the golf section of the site and look for the The Open Championship section or odds.

7. Step 7 – Click on the odds and place a bet. To place a bet, click on the odds that appear to offer value to add them to the betting slip. Add the stake and then hit ‘Confirm’/’Place Bet’. Once active, keep an eye on the action and use features like ‘Cash out’ if available to maximise potential wins.

Key Tips for New Open Championship Bettors

New Open Championship bettors should prioritise course fit for links conditions, recent form, and value in each-way markets over chasing outright favourites. Shop lines across bookmakers and bet small units on high-risk plays like first-round leaders.​​

Course Form Analysis

Target players with top-20 finishes at the specific Open rotation site (e.g., Royal Portrush history) or similar dunes like Royal Troon, where green complexes demand low ball flight.​ Prioritise average Open Championship scoring over the past five years, as repeat performers like Rory McIlroy average 2-3 strokes better on links turf.​

Recent Golfer Form

The form of a golfer over recent competitions can be a good indicator of what to expect at The Open Championship. There are events in the lead-up to this major that will allow golfers to practice their links game, helping them to enter the event in better shape. Look at previous results and how a player has been performing consistently to try and identify potential value bets.

Focus on Key Stats

Target players excelling in driving accuracy, scrambling, and strokes gained around the green, vital on wind-swept Open venues like Royal Portrush.​ Prioritise links course history and par-4 performance over pure distance, as bogey avoidance separates contenders.​

Choose Safer Markets

Start with top-5/10/20 finishes or head-to-head matchups, which offer higher hit rates than outright winners at 3-33% implied probability.​ Each-way bets at 8-12 places provide insurance, paying on strong showings by those who don’t even win.​

Manage Bankroll Wisely

Stake 0.5-1% per bet, scaling down for longshots (e.g., 0.2 units on 50/1+ outrights) and up for top-20s.​

Diversify across 5+ markets or players without exceeding 5% total exposure to survive variance.​

Watch Weather and Tee Times

Early calm tee times boost first-round leader chances; factor draw bias and forecasts into live adjustments.​​ Track in-play drifts for value as winds intensify over the weekend.​

For quick reference, kindly see the below guide:

Tip	What it means	How to apply it when betting
Course Form Analysis	Links venues can be specialist tests, and some golfers consistently perform better at specific Open rota courses or similar layouts that demand control, creativity, and low ball flight.	Prioritise players with proven top-20 results at the host venue (or comparable links tracks), and weigh long-term Open scoring records to identify repeat performers.
Recent Golfer Form	Recent results still matter, especially in the events leading into The Open where golfers sharpen links skills and confidence. Consistency often signals readiness for major pressure.	Review a golfer’s last few starts, focusing on steady finishes and strong ball-striking trends, then compare that profile against their Open/links history for value.
Focus on Key Stats	The Open often rewards accuracy, scrambling, and elite short-game more than raw distance, with bogey avoidance and par-4 scoring separating true contenders.	Favour golfers strong in driving accuracy, scrambling, and strokes gained around the green, and downgrade players overly reliant on power if conditions look windy.
Choose Safer Markets	Outrights are volatile in full-field majors, so placement bets and matchups can offer higher hit rates and steadier returns than picking a single winner.	Start with top-5/10/20 markets, each-way outrights with strong place terms, or head-to-heads where you can isolate a clear advantage.
Manage Bankroll Wisely	Major weeks tempt over-staking, but disciplined bankroll management helps you survive variance and avoid chasing losses when favourites miss.	Keep stakes small (for example, 0.5–1% per bet), stake less on longshots, and cap your total exposure for the tournament so one bad day doesn’t wipe your bank.
Watch Weather and Tee Times	Wind, rain, and tee-time waves can meaningfully affect scoring on links courses, shaping round markets and live prices as conditions shift.	Use forecasts and tee times to target first-round leader value, monitor draw bias, and look for in-play drifts when conditions worsen and odds overreact.

Responsible Gambling for Open Championship Bettors

BestOdds strongly advocates responsible gambling. It is essential that Open Championship bettors use the many resources available at UKGC-licensed betting sites, as well as personal strategies, to ensure safe gambling.

Use features such as reality checks, deposit limits, and self-exclusion tools to stay in control. Adopt bankroll management strategies to stay on top of finances and only wager what can be lost. Never chase losses and withdraw from emotional betting. Staying disciplined is essential in betting.

Dedicated support pages to independent charities and organisations (GamStop, GameCare, GambleAware) can provide external help.

Main Takeaways

The Open Championship is one of golf’s biggest majors, which is why it is important to find a site that offers the best Open Championship odds. BestOdds continues to work hard to find those that do, offering a list of top UKGC-licensed betting sites that can be trusted.

Use our guide to achieve the best possible golf betting experiences by using a recommended bookie and using the markets that are available to maximise potential success. Remember, it is essential to gamble responsibly, especially as Open Championship odds can move quickly with each shot.

TL;DR:

• Open Championship odds can be extremely competitive at top UKGC-licensed bookies
• One of the biggest golf major means diverse markets and value
• Many options to bet on
• Engage in responsible gambling at all times.
• Use a trusted site recommended by BestOdds.

FAQs

What is the Open Championship?
The Open Championship is golf’s oldest major, rotating among UK links courses with unpredictable weather, held annually in July over 72 holes for 156 top players.

How does Each-Way Outright work?
Each-Way combines win and place (top 5-12 at 1/5 odds), cushioning losses for strong contenders via extended places at majors.

Why use live streaming for in-play?
Live streams track momentum shifts like hot putting amid links challenges, enabling informed in-play bets as odds fluctuate per shot.

How does BestOdds rate Open bookmakers?
They test odds, markets, bonuses, withdrawals, service, and responsible tools on UKGC-licensed sites using strict methodology.

Why choose UKGC-licensed sites?
UKGC sites ensure fair play, protection, and safety tools for secure Open Championship betting.

How to start Open Championship betting?
Select a recommended UKGC site, register, verify KYC, claim bonuses, deposit, find golf odds, and place bets with cash-out.

Key takeaway for Open Championship bettors?
Target links specialists in value markets, such as each-way on UKGC sites, manage small stakes, and prioritise responsible gambling.

How many rounds are played at The Open?
The Open is played over four rounds (72 holes), with scores accumulating across all days to determine the champion.

What is the cut at The Open Championship?
After 36 holes, only the players inside the cut line (and ties) continue to play the weekend rounds, which affects “make/miss the cut” markets.

What is an Outright Winner bet?
An outright winner bet backs the golfer who lifts the Claret Jug on Sunday, offering the biggest payout potential but with a low hit rate in full fields.

What are Top 5/10/20 Finish bets?
Top finish bets pay out if your golfer ends the tournament inside a specific leaderboard range, providing a safer option than outrights with shorter odds.

What are 2-ball and 3-ball matchups?
These are head-to-head bets within a small group for a single round, where you back the lowest scorer versus one or two opponents.

How does First-Round Leader betting work?
First-Round Leader markets are settled after Thursday’s round, paying out on the golfer leading after 18 holes, often with each-way place options.

What is a 36-hole or 54-hole leader bet?
These markets back the tournament leader after two or three rounds, letting bettors target early momentum without needing the player to win overall.

How does weather impact Open Championship betting?
Wind and rain can dramatically change scoring on links courses, influencing tee-time wave advantages, round markets, and live odds as conditions shift.

What is tee-time draw bias?
Draw bias happens when one tee-time wave gets notably better or worse weather, creating potential value in matchups and leader markets.

Do ties affect golf bet settlement?
Some markets pay ties as winners (like top-20 ties), while matchups may use dead-heat rules or refund stakes, so settlement rules should be checked.

What are dead-heat rules in golf betting?
Dead-heat rules apply when multiple golfers tie for a paying position, reducing returns by splitting the stake across tied players.

What is “to make the cut” betting?
Make the cut bets are settled on whether a golfer qualifies for the weekend, which can suit consistent players even if they are unlikely to win.

Can I cash out Open Championship bets?
Many bookmakers offer cash-out on selected markets, allowing you to settle early, though availability and pricing vary by operator and bet type.

Are Open Championship odds the same across bookmakers?
No, odds can vary significantly, so comparing UKGC sites can improve value, especially on each-way place terms and enhanced promotions.

When is the best time to place Open bets?
Outrights can offer value early in the week, while round and in-play markets can suit bettors reacting to weather, tee times, and live performance.

What does “links golf” mean for betting?
Links golf often favours players who control ball flight, scramble well, and handle wind, making “links specialists” more reliable than pure power profiles.

How should beginners stake for The Open?
Many beginners use smaller, consistent stakes and focus on higher hit-rate markets like top-20s and matchups to manage variance.

How do I bet responsibly during The Open?
Set a budget, avoid chasing losses, take breaks between rounds, and use UKGC safer gambling tools like deposit limits and time-outs if needed.