Golf betting tips: Open Championship – Jon Rahm eyes career grand slam, Cameron Young brings form

The Open Championship returns to Ireland this week as Rory McIlroy will be hoping to snatch his second major of the year, this time on home soil.

Royal Portrush is set to host the tournament this year, and links golf always provides a unique challenge, with its unforgiving style making for some phenomenal and at times stressful viewing.

As things stand, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are the bookies’ favourites to lift the Claret Jug on Sunday.

But here, Sports News Blitz writer Sam Condy names four picks with better odds ahead of The Open’s trip to Northern Ireland.

Jon Rahm

I know we may be in Ireland, but a longshot outright pick on Rahm as my winner is incredibly enticing. 

He’s had a phenomenal season, capped off by a final-round 65 last week to finish second at LIV Golf Valderrama.

However, it has been his major form that has really swayed my decision this week: he has finished within the top 14 at all three majors this year and is looking like he may be back to his best. 

It’s always hard to judge LIV players ahead of major championships, of course, but Rahm is showing all the signs of a player returning to his best. 

Backing him outright is bold, but he finished T11 at Royal Portrush in 2019, so he will be returning with fond memories and hoping Ireland can get him within touching distance of the career grand slam.

Best odds: 13/1 (Win Only) with AK Bets

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Cameron Young

Cameron Young is a big tournament player, notching up six top-nine finishes in his last 14 major starts, including second place at St. Andrews in 2022.

He may have endured a rocky start to 2025, but things are looking up for the American as he has grabbed three top-sevens across his last seven starts.

With the FedEx Cup play-off and Ryder Cup qualification looming, Young needs to blitz the rest of the season and a strong showing at Portrush will certainly stand him in good stead.

Best odds: 80/1 (10EW, 1/5) with Sky Bet

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Ryan Fox

Fox has the ability to climb to the top of the world stage, but a strong major result has proved frustratingly elusive so far.

He plays well on any course but excels on links.

The Genesis Scottish Open did admittedly prove a hiccup last week, but undulating greens and rolling, windy fairways are still where the Australian finds himself playing best.

Despite never contending in a major, Fox has finished inside the top 26 at all four, with his best result being T16 at Portrush in 2019.

Fox’s approach play is what has set him apart this season, but he is also extremely efficient off the tee.

His biggest weakness has come through inconsistency with the flatstick; however, if he can get his putting onside this week, he could very well find himself sitting near the top of the leaderboard come Sunday.

Best odds: 50/1 (10EW, 1/5) with Betfred

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Tom Kim

Looking at the Korean market, it all boils down to Kim versus Kim.

Si Woo Kim has been by far the better player for the majority of the season, with Tom Kim enduring hardships on tour for a long time.

However, over the last five, it’s 3-2 to Tom.

Crucially, he enjoyed a far better performance at the US Open, where Si Woo faltered and fell out of contention after an impressive start.

And while Si Woo has been steadier in the long run, Tom’s high ceiling suggests he’s the one more likely to contend in a major.

Plus, in addition to possessing bags of self-belief and having talent leaking out of his ears, Tom has a history of strong performances on links courses, including a phenomenal showing in Liverpool in 2023, where he clocked in at T2.

Best odds: 14/5 (Top Korean) with Betfred

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