Who are the Favourites for British Open?

Who are the favourites for the British Open? Will the winner come from the newly formed “Big Four”?

British Open Odds @ Bet365

• Dustin Johnson @ 9/1
• Jason Day @ 9/1
• Rory McIlroy @ 11/1
• Jordan Spieth @ 12/1

The British Open starts at Scotland’s Royal Troon on Thursday, and online sportsbooks have clear four favourites for the title. Dustin Johnson and Jason Day have both won majors since last year’s British Open, to create a true “big four” along with young superstars Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth. Golf can be random and there are many quality golfers who could win this week: however, these players with the best games and the biggest chances!

Dustin Johnson

After coming close many times over the years, Dustin Johnson finally won a major at this year’s US Open. He’s the world number 2, and although a little older than his closest rivals, it seems that golf now has a “big four”. Now he’s won his first major, will confidence lift him to a second in a row? While he came tied second at the British Open in 2011, and tied ninth in 2010, since then he hasn’t been in the running.

However, he’s the in-form golfer of 2016 and his power and consistency means he always has a good chance. He’s become a far more stable and reliable player in the past couple of years, a fact many put down to him settling down in his private life. It will be fascinating to see how he reacts if he has a chance of winning, now he has a major under his belt.

Jason Day

Day tied for fourth at last year’s British Open, his first time to finish within the top 30 at the competition. British golfing great – memorably described by his ex-wife as being a “24-handicapper” socially – claims that Day is the “most equipped” contender. He reckons that “physically, technically and mentally Day is a little bit better than the other three guys.” Incredibly, Day has been a top-10 finisher in his last ten majors, including his debut win at last year’s USPGA championships. He has earned his place among the favourites for the British Open and should be in contention come Sunday.

Rory McIlroy

When Mcilroy won the British Open two years ago, followed immediate by the USPGA, he seemed destined to immediately rise to become one of golf’s greats. However, a fourth place at the masters and a top ten US Open finish was followed by an injury that lead him to miss last year’s open. Since then he hasn’t truly been in contention at a major, and he missed the cut at this year US Open.

However, the world number has the talent to not only win but dominate, and the rain conditions this week should suit his game. He has caused controversy by his unapologetic withdrawal from the Olympics, but press distain may just motivate him more. McIlroy is temperamental: he’s could crash out and miss the cut or set a course record and lead the field by double digits! With his talent though, his odds at online sportsbooks in the UK look very tempting.

Jordan Spieth

At last year’s British Open, Spieth was hoping to win a third major win in a row. He came close but came tied fourth, but it was still a remarkable season for the young Texan. However, after narrowly missing out on a second Masters title, he fell to tied 37th at the US Open. Like Mcilroy, Spieth has the star-quality without winning a major in the past year.

The pressure may have been a little too much last year, but this time around he can concentrate on his game, which is well suited to Links golf. Last season he showed an ability to find the right shot at the right time, with spectacular putting ability when he needed it; both these traits will serve him well this week. He is rightly among the favourites for the British Open.