Tiger Woods made Fav for Open Updated for January 2026

Updated: 13th January 2026

Tiger Woods made favourite for British Open

The British Open gets underway on Thursday 19th July and as ever, it is an event that everyone is looking forward to. The best players from around the world compete in one of the most famous tournaments of all. 

The 141st Open Championship takes place at Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf club in Lancashire and everyone is of course hoping for decent weather. It has been rain, rain and more rain this summer, but hopefully the sun will shine to make this an even greater spectacle.

A year on from Darren Clarke's famous win in this tournament, tongues are wagging about who could emerge victorious this year. As ever with golf and as Clarke's surprise victory last year proved the winner could come from absolutely anywhere.

There are of course some leading contenders though. The man to beat, according to the bookies at this stage, is the one and only Tiger Woods, currently 6/1 favourite. The American is yet to win a major tournament since returning to form and many believe this month could be his time.

You then have the man that is most famous for not winning a major Lee Westwood. Comfortably one of the best players in the world. A tag he has been able to use for some time the Englishman always falls short in these events.

Rory McIlroy is next in line when it comes to the betting. His form has been up and down this year of course, but on his day as proved in last year's US Open he can be unstoppable. The British crowd certainly hope they find the Northern Irishman in good form.

In terms of the leading contenders, Luke Donald is the final man to mention. Ranked as the best golfer in the world, he is very content with his game right now and even though he hasn't won a major, it is surely only a matter of time.

As mentioned though, the winner doesn't always come from an expected source. Padraig Harrington, Justin Rose and Graeme McDowell cannot be ruled out on British soil and all three have history of performing on the biggest stage.

American duo Rickie Fowler and Bubba Watson will be hoping for a decent tournament too. Like many players, if they start well, the momentum could put them right into contention for the win.

One thing that can be guaranteed is some entertaining golf betting with plenty of twists and turns. Four days of the best players in the world competing on a beautiful course for one of the biggest prizes in sport – perfect.

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