2025 Open Championship Overview

The 2025 Open Championship will start this Thursday, setting the stage for golfers like J.J. Spaun, who previously triumphed at mega-odds of over 100-1 at the U.S. Open. With such precedents, longshot bets are becoming increasingly popular for competitions like the Open Championship, especially amid stiff competition from top-tier players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.

However, not every longshot presents value, which raises the question: how do you craft a smart betting strategy for the 2025 Open Championship?

Field Insights: The field consists of 49 of the 50 highest-ranked golfers globally, including 16 former Open victors.

Historically, the last 11 winners of the Open accomplished this feat in their first attempt, making Justin Thomas a perceived contender. Thomas is currently among the favored longshots, with odds positioned at 55-1 according to Bet365. He previously secured cuts in all except two tournaments this season, holding the fourth position in the FedEx standings. Thomas has favorable odds of +2200 to be the top American finisher and +6000 to lead after the inaugural round.

Favorite Longshots:

Tommy Fleetwood (28-1)
Despite a lengthy winless streak on the PGA Tour, Fleetwood has consistently ranked among the top-10 for several events recently. His familiarity with the Royal Portrush Golf Club, where he previously placed second at the Open Championship, enhances his viability for the 2025 event.

Shane Lowry (30-1)
As the reigning champion from 2019, Lowry’s past success at this venue perfectly positions him to defend his title. Despite recent missed cuts in major tournaments, home crowd support at the European major strengthens his chances.