The sentiment among West Virginia online gamblers as they head into The Open Championship at St. Andrews in Scotland from Thursday to Sunday is that anybody can participate and succeed.
As the 150th edition of one of the tour’s most legendary tournaments approaches, the world’s most renowned figures have already achieved significant success. Who will be the one to shine this week?
The Open Championship odds at WV sportsbooks
These are the opening odds for The Open Championship at DraftKings WV Sportsbook:
- The betting odds for Rory McIlroy are +900 to win, +225 for a top five finish, and +110 for a top 10 finish.
- Xander Schauffele is listed at odds of +1200, +330, and +150.
- Scottie Scheffler’s odds to win are +1400, +350, +160.
- Justin Thomas is listed at odds of +1600, +400, and +180.
- Jordan Spieth is listed with odds of +1600, +400, and +180.
- Jon Rahm’s odds are +1600, +400, and +180.
- Matthew Fitzpatrick has odds of +1800, +400, and +200.
- Patrick Cantlay is listed at odds of +2000, +400, and +240.
- The odds for Shane Lowry to win are +2200, +450, and +240.
- Cam Smith is listed with odds of +2800, +500, and +300.
In 2021, Collin Morikawa emerged as the victor of the Open tournament, joining the list of recent winners. In the previous year, Spieth secured the second position, while Rahm claimed third place. Scheffler, who is presently the world’s highest-ranked player, achieved a tie for eighth place.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament scheduled for 2020 did not take place.
In 2018, Lowry emerged as the victor in The Open, while Zach Johnson claimed victory back in 2015 when the tournament was last hosted at this course. McIlroy, on the other hand, achieved triumph in 2014.
Betting on the 2022 Open Championship
Tiger Woods is making a comeback, sparking a wave of nostalgia. After withdrawing from the PGA Championship and skipping the US Open, it seems doubtful that he will be able to perform consistently well throughout all four rounds. As a result, West Virginia sportsbooks have set the odds at a high number, approximately +6000.
The proposition of Woods making the cut will surely pique interest when it becomes available. Tiger has emerged victorious in The Open on three occasions, with two of those wins taking place at St. Andrews. Can he summon his past brilliance and defy the passage of time?
Morikawa is aiming to achieve a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since 2007-08 by becoming the first repeat winner. Adding to his prospects, there are highly favorable odds of +3000 available on him.
In an attempt to emulate Woods’ accomplishment, Scheffler aims to replicate his success of triumphing at both the Masters and The Open at St. Andrews within a single year, a feat Woods achieved back in 2005.
J.T. Poston is aiming for progression as he clinched the John Deere Classic title in the absence of several top players. Now, he is determined to maintain the momentum gained from that triumph as he prepares to compete in a major tournament.
Despite his recent struggles, Louis Oosthuizen managed to secure a tied third place finish in the 2021 Open and previously tied for first on this course during the 2015 Open. These achievements make him a strong contender. Oosthuizen, a South African player, currently has odds of +4000 to win, +700 for a top-five finish, and +350 for a top-ten finish. It is expected that he will perform exceptionally well in this Open tournament.
Analyzing the Old Course at St. Andrews
Regrettably, turbulent gusts of high-blowing wind may result in elevated scores. However, players will thrive when faced with serene conditions. In the year 2015, the triumphant score at St. Andrews stood at an impressive -15.
In the presence of wind, players need to consider the landing areas when teeing off and determine the necessary adjustments for their approach shots onto the green. It’s comparable to using wind conditions to influence the trajectory of a field goal.
The presence of numerous pot bunkers adds an element of mystery and challenge to the course. These deep bunkers with their steep edges can make it extremely difficult to escape, not to mention gaining significant distance.
Most weeks, the players fail to notice these bunkers, yet they pose a significant hazard to them.
St. Andrews offers a good balance of opportunities and challenges. Scoring chances are higher in the early stages of the game. Those betting on the next hole should consider the first and third holes as they present excellent chances for birdies. These holes appear short and, under calm wind conditions, are likely to result in birdie scores.
With the presence of multiple pot bunkers, Hole No. 4 poses a challenge as less than half of the approach shots successfully make it to the green within regulation. This increases the likelihood of scoring a bogey on this hole.
Hole number 5 presents yet another opportunity for a birdie. With a distance of 570 yards and classified as a par 5, most players can reach it in just two shots.
The loop of holes 7-12 presents an intriguing combination of short par 4s and par 3s, offering players the opportunity to achieve impressive scores.
The last six holes pose a formidable challenge, particularly the renowned 17th hole, which is widely regarded as one of the most difficult in the world, spanning an impressive 495 yards as a par 4.
In order to proceed, golfers are required to successfully drive their tee shot across the Old Course Hotel. This luxurious establishment, boasting 175 rooms, was constructed in 1968 on the former location of the original St. Andrews rail station.
The left side of the fairway is marked with thick rough, prompting players to aim their shots towards the right in an attempt to secure a par score. Moreover, this hole poses a significant risk of scoring a bogey.
How to watch the 2022 Open Championship
Due to a significant time difference, spectators and gamblers will be required to adapt to watching and participating in activities during unconventional hours.
Thursday
- 1:30-4 a.m., Peacock (streaming)
- USA Network is on air from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- 3-4 p.m., Peacock (streaming)
Friday
- 1:30-4 a.m., Peacock (streaming)
- USA Network broadcasts from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- 3-4 p.m., Peacock (streaming)
Saturday
- 5-7 a.m., USA Network
- The show will be available for streaming on Peacock from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on NBC.
Sunday
- 4-7 a.m., USA Network
- From 7 a.m. until 2 p.m., catch NBC’s programming on Peacock for streaming.
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