Rory McIlroy has positioned himself as a leading contender for the 143rd Open Championship, with experts increasingly backing the Northern Irishman ahead of the final major of the 2025 season at Royal Portrush.
Despite Scottie Scheffler holding the world No. 1 ranking and entering as the betting favorite at +450, McIlroy's recent form suggests he could claim his second Claret Jug. His performances have been trending upward with a T2 finish at the Genesis and T6 at the Travelers Championship.
Viktor Hovland represents another intriguing option at longer odds of +3000. The Norwegian has been impressive with his ball-striking, ranking sixth in tee-to-green metrics and third on approach shots since winning the Valspar Championship in March. For a player with four Top 5 finishes in majors since the 2022 Open, these odds seem particularly generous.
Interestingly, while much attention focuses on the favorites, several value picks have emerged for top-40 finishes. Russell Henley enters with three consecutive top-10 performances and a statement win at Bay Hill in the Arnold Palmer Invitational. His solo fifth at last year's Open demonstrates his comfort with links-style golf.
Dean Burmester also merits consideration despite recent form concerns. The 36-year-old has developed a more complete game in recent years and boasts an impressive Open record with back-to-back Top 20 finishes following his T40 debut in 2021.
Beyond McIlroy and Scheffler, the odds board features several major champions looking to add another prestigious title to their collection. Jon Rahm sits at +1200, while Bryson DeChambeau follows at +2000. Former Open champions Collin Morikawa and rising star Ludvig Aberg are both priced at +2800.
With Royal Portrush hosting this prestigious championship, could we see McIlroy complete another major victory on what amounts to home soil? The stage is certainly set for a compelling tournament.
