By Chris
The fourth and final major golf tournament is about to start — the 2023 British Open is set to begin on Thursday, Jul. 20. Some people consider it the British Open grand-daddy of them all, especially the Europeans. The big question is: who will be the next major champion? I have my thoughts, but let’s get into the course first.
Royal Liverpool is an old historic course, just like all the other British Open venues. It hosted its last British Open in 2014, but the course has changed and is now par-71. If you’ve never heard the word “fescue“ get ready to hear it a lot — it’s knee-high grass that stops a club, and essentially forces professional golfers to punch out back into the fairway.
Very rarely do we see a course like Royal Liverpool with the exception of the U.S. Open. Did I mention it’s on the Irish Sea? Weather will likely be a factor. Bring your poncho if you’re going to the event, and if you’re not, we are one anyway to get the full effect.
There are a lot of storylines slated to develop during this tournament. Rory McIlroy is the prohibitive favorite at +525. He’s finally stopped talking about the LIV Tour and has focused on his golf game, and it’s paid dividends. McIlroy is playing well and the world wants him to win it, but don’t forget about Scottie Scheffler, as he’s arguably the best golfer in the world with odds set at +750.
What about Jon Rahm? A major winner this year and a total stud who pounds the ball every time he places, Rahm’s odds are currently +1200. I don’t like Rahm this week, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he was in the last few groups. Brooks Koepka is another major winner this year so the stakes will be at their highest at this marquee event.
A lot of people are looking at Viktor Hovland at +2000, as he’s one of the best seaside players in the world this year, and will undoubtedly be in the top 10. Patrick Cantlay’s odds to win are set at +3000, and the guy has elite distance off the tea, which will be important as well as his incredibly accurate. Great iron play in an adequate short game bode well for Cantlay’s success.
Make sure to tune in early tomorrow (Jul. 20) as coverage starts in the morning on NBC.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
