2015 The Open Championship (British Open)
Where: The Old Course – St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland
When: Thursday 16th July 2015
Purse: $9,700,000
Golf returns to its place of birth. The Old Course at St. Andrews is a wide open par 72 golf course and at 7305 yards it can play extremely longer or shorter and changes by the minute thanks to swirling winds roaring in from the North Sea. Read on for our 2015 British Open Betting Tips, Preview & list of Promos.
You could argue that golf has and has not come a long way since 1457. I mean the club-shaped branch and feather-stuffed ball have obviously evolved. But when you think about it golf and its traditions are amongst the slowest of all sports to evolve and change. This is a reason to both love and hate the game of golf.
One big thing that has evolved is the record books. Re-writing the record books and making history is the single biggest factor that drives professional athletes (yes even more than money). Right now golf has one ‘kid’ that can do just that.
The elephant in the room
It’s not often in sport that a single person can overshadow an entire event let alone a sporting major. In recent times even Roger Federer at Wimbledon or LeBron James in the NBA Championship didn’t “over shadow” the actual event. Jordan Spieth will however do just that as he has created a unique situation in sport.
Spieth is chasing something that has never been achieved and this has historians, journalists and fans all salivating at the possibility of a grand slam. Now all you golf history nuts are probably screaming out loud (or turning in your graves) saying “what about Bobby Jones” “he won a grand slam”. Let me just clarify. In 1930 the legend Bobby Jones is listed as winning a “pre masters” grand slam. It included a US amateur, US Open, The Open and The amateur. I am not taking anything away from this incredible achievement I am merely stating the fact that this “Grand Slam” included amateur events.
In the modern or masters era there is no one that has a calendar year grand slam. There are five hall of famers that all have “career slams” those players include Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods ,Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarezen but all of these greats came up just shy of that elusive grand slam. Jordan Spieth has an opportunity to stand alone in the record books and Sit atop all of the above-mentioned players. It’s an incredible and tantalizing possibility. It’s also the reason I believe he will over shadow the British Open.
So can he win?
Last week Spieth once again won the John Deere Classic. He also did this in 2013 where he then proceeded to shoot 74, 76, and 75 on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Open Championship. Will history repeat itself?
Another stat against Spieth is that each of the past five Open Champions have played in the Scottish Open a week before they won. With that in mind my next statement may sound a little contradicting but bear with me as I believe it has merit.
At $7.00 I will not be backing Jordan Spieth. Instead I will be recommending a bet on Spieth to win all four because although I believe the odds are against him in Scotland, if he does somehow defy the odds it will be very fun having Spieth at $26 to win the PGA at Whistling Straits. Please note you are paying a premium for this scenario as he’s true odds are closer to 50-1 to win the next two majors. This is a personal fun bet I thought I would share with you.
BET ON: Jordan Spieth @ $26-1 to win all 4 majors sportsbet
Now onto my 2015 British Open betting tips.
Dustin Johnson
Yes the choker! DJ is still much underrated in my eyes. Averaging 319 yards off the tee (ranked 1st) is such a big advantage and if you watched the US Open (thanks to pro tracer) his lines off the tee were unbelievable and accurate. Everyone is talking negatively about his near misses in the majors but people should be thinking in reverse. These are positive signs and it’s just a matter of time. He puts himself in contention and in a way reminds me of Greg Norman with driver in hand. Norman was long and accurate off the tee and won two British Opens.
BET ON: Dustin Johnson - $12 at Sportsbet with CASH BACK if finish 2nd
Adam Scott
I’m also adding Aussie Adam Scott as one of my tips as he is overdue for a run at a title. Scott has been in the media this week and seems very focused, while his caddie Steve Williams has helped Tiger to win the Claret Jug on this course in the past.
BET ON: Adam Scott - $21 at Sportsbet with CASH BACK if finish 2nd
And here some some value picks that we think are over the odds this weekend, just be prepared to lay off your action at Betfair - learn more about laying and backing at Betfair here.
BET ON: Miguel Angel Jimenez - $270 at Betfair
BET ON: Miguel Angel Jimenez top 20 finish - $7.40 at Betfair
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Read any terms and conditions of promotions at each site. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
