2026 British Open Odds, Predictions: Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler Co-Favorites at Royal Birkdale

The 154th Open Championship (British Open 2026) is set to tee off this week at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England. As anticipation builds, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are locked together at the top of the betting board.Current 2026 British Open FavoritesAs of July 13, 2026, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are co-favorites at +750 according to bet365 Sportsbook.

This marks a shift for Scheffler, who has been the outright favorite or co-favorite in the last 15 majors but now shares top billing with McIlroy.

Best Early Bets for the 2026 British Open

Best Bet: Rory McIlroy to Win (+850)

Rory McIlroy enters this week as one of the top contenders. The 2014 Open champion posted a strong T7 at the Genesis Scottish Open last week and finished T4 at Royal Birkdale in 2017. With seven major wins already and excellent recent form, McIlroy looks primed to claim his second major of 2026.

Best Value Bet: Sam Burns to Win (+4000)

Sam Burns offers excellent long-shot value. He currently ranks 5th in the field in true strokes gained tee-to-green and 2nd in strokes gained on approach over his last five events. At +4000, he provides strong upside for risk-tolerant bettors.

Other Top Contenders at 2026 British Open

Several strong players are positioned just behind the co-favorites:

Tommy Fleetwood (+1500) – The local hero, born near Royal Birkdale, knows the course exceptionally well.

Matt Fitzpatrick (+1500) – Another Englishman with strong links form.

Jon Rahm (+2200)

Xander Schauffele (+2400)

Ludvig Åberg, Tyrrell Hatton, Wyndham Clark, Justin Rose, Chris Gotterup (all +3000)

Longer shots with major potential include Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Young.

2026 British Open Betting Odds

Rory McIlroy — +750

Scottie Scheffler — +750

Matt Fitzpatrick — 15/1

Tommy Fleetwood — 15/1

Jon Rahm — 22/1

Xander Schauffele — 24/1

Ludvig Åberg — 30/1

Tyrrell Hatton — 30/1

Wyndham Clark — 30/1

Justin Rose — 30/1

Chris Gotterup — 30/1

Collin Morikawa — 33/1

Robert MacIntyre — 33/1

Viktor Hovland — 35/1

Cameron Young — 35/1

Sam Burns — 45/1

Bryson DeChambeau — 50/1

Odds via bet365 Sportsbook as of July 13, 2026. Subject to change.

What to Expect at Royal Birkdale

Royal Birkdale is a classic links course that rewards precision, creativity, and strong wind management. With McIlroy’s recent form and Scheffler’s consistency in majors, the 2026 British Open is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years.Will Rory McIlroy finally claim his second Claret Jug, or can Scottie Scheffler defend his title? The stage is set for an exciting week of golf at The Open Championship 2026.

Who is the favorite?

Scottie Scheffler is the slight betting favorite at +750.

When and where is the tournament?

July 16–19, 2026 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, England.

What is the cut line?

Top 70 players and ties after 36 holes.

What are First Round Leader (FRL) and matchup bets?

FRL bets focus on the leader after Round 1. Matchup bets let you wager on which player scores better in a head-to-head (either 18-hole or 72-hole).The 2026 British Open promises drama, strong winds, and elite shot-making. Will Rory McIlroy finally add another Claret Jug, or will Scottie Scheffler defend his title? The stage is set at Royal Birkdale.

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