Set the clock. Home in on preferred betting patterns.
And enjoy The Open, formerly known as the British Open, at a new time, from St. Royal George’s course in England.
Mountain State bettors can rise earlier or stay up later to catch this final 2021 PGA major.
Here’s how to watch:
- Thursday, July 15: 4 a.m.-3 p.m. EST (Golf Channel)
- Friday, July 16: 4 a.m.-3 p.m. EST (Golf Channel)
- Saturday, July 17: 5-7 a.m. EST (Golf Channel); 7 a.m.-3 p.m. EST (NBC)
- Sunday, July 18: 4-7 a.m. EST (Golf Channel); 7 a.m.-2 p.m. EST (NBC)
Don’t let the new time throw you off. If you miss the first round, there is still plenty of action all weekend, including changing leaderboards and hole-by-hole props.
PGA Tour Betting At WV Sportsbooks
Different strategies: Betting after the tournament starts.
Wind is prominent in this layout. Winning scores are rarely better than five under par. In the 2011 Open at this course, only three players broke par.
This makes bogey and birdie props enticing.
Most holes for the pros end in par, but some lend themselves to excellent bogey and birdie chances, which players can bet into.
Top bogey candidates:
The third hole, a long, difficult par 3, plays 239 yards.
The fourth hole is a tough par 4 at 491 yards. It usually averages above 4 strokes.
The 15th, a 496-yard par 4, has bunkers in play along the right side and in front of the green. It is considered the hardest hole on the course. The pros usually make it look easy, but the wind may bring these bunkers into play.
There’s a real good birdie opportunity too, at the seventh. It’s a par 5 most players will reach in two shots and even offers the chance for an eagle. Phil Mickelson got one on this hole 10 years ago.
If you follow a particular player, this hole is important. Players need to do well on the seventh. Anything less than a birdie could prompt a tailspin.
Johnny Avello, the director of race and sportsbook operations for DraftKings Sportsbook WV, told PlayWV that a dual strategy of some bets before the tournament and some wagers during the action is a good way to go.
“We don’t know how some of these guys are going to react to this course,” Avello said. “If you like somebody before the tournament starts, you can get a flat price, and then you stay tuned and see how the guy is playing to determine if you want to make other bets.
“Another consideration is that we keep adjusting the board, so if you miss the early betting, we have plenty more to offer, and you can get a sense of how the tournament is going before you bet.”
Given the strong winds, long hitters could be at a disadvantage because of where their shots end up. This tournament will boil down to who can adapt to these conditions.
That’s why players like Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland and Tyrrell Hatton from England have gained some betting respect even though they have been struggling in recent tournaments.
The Open Odds At WV Sportsbooks
The early DraftKings board:
Jon Rahm is favored at +700. He’s +180 for the Top 5 and -120 for the Top 10. He should play well but doesn’t have great value. He’s followed by:
- Jordan Spieth is +1400 to win, +270 for Top 5, +135 for Top 10
- Brooks Koepka is +1600 to win, +350 for Top 5, +160 for Top 10
McIlroy, the Irishman, may be comfortable in this type of setting. McIlroy is +1800 to win, +350 for Top 5 and +160 for Top 10. So is Dustin Johnson.
Hatton is +3500 to win, +550 for Top 5 and +300 for the Top 10. He would be a sweet price if he came alive in this matchup.
William Hill Sportsbook – The Rory Story
Odds at William Hill WV are similar to DraftKings’ in most respects. McIlroy is +188 for the Top 10, however.
Here’s a great pre-tournament wager, the margin of victory:
- One stroke +250
- Two strokes +350
- Three strokes +450
- Four strokes or more +333
- Playoff +300
This is a wonderful side bet and a good cover if the golfer you like disappears from contention. The last Open at this site produced a three-stroke margin.
BetMGM Sportsbook WV has a creative menu, too.
McIlroy shoppers get an even stronger value, +220 for a Top 10 finish.
Other wagers include top lefties, golfers by nationalities and a four-pack: Spieth, Xander Schauffele, Rahm and Koepka to make the cut. It’s -110.
A hole-in-one by any golfer in the first round is +400.
Some wagers are taken off for newer ones and reappear later.
Across the spectrum of WV sportsbooks, some great wagers and values will unfold, round by round.
