The Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush for the first time since 2019, and local favourite Rory McIlroy is under intense scrutiny as the final major of the golf season gets underway. McIlroy, who completed his long-awaited career grand slam with a victory at the 2025 Masters, is listed with the second-shortest odds to win the tournament at +700. Despite his pedigree and recent form, questions remain about how he will handle the home-course pressure.
Leading the market is World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who opens as the +450 favourite. Though Scheffler captured this year's PGA Championship, some betting analysts remain cautious about his value given the tight field and course-specific challenges at Portrush.
