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13 sleeper picks to win at the Open Championship this weekend
13 sleeper picks to win at the Open Championship this weekend
Tyler LaulettaJul 18, 2018, 20:28 IST
Harry How/Getty Images
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This weekend Carnoustie Golf Links hosts the 2018 Open Championship, inviting the best golfers from around the world to Scotland to compete on the links.
Links golf can cause problems that shake up a leaderboard with one missed shot, and as long as a player can stay out of trouble and navigate the course, the Claret Jug is anybody's to win.
Below are some of the best sleeper picks for bettors looking to find solid value amongst the Open Championship field this weekend. Ranging from odds of 30/1 to 200/1, you can win a lot with just a little if you pick the right player to cut through the competition this year. All lines are courtesy of the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook.
One thing to know: Sergio lost in a playoff to Padraig Harrington the last time Carnoustie Golf Links hosted the Open. His game fits the course and he's had success here before.
Marc Leishman
Current odds: 40/1
World Ranking: No. 18
Best Open finish: T2 — 2015
One thing to know: With an unmatched ability to strike powerful, low shots that navigate their way to safety, there's likely not a player in the field whose game is better suited for links golf.
Hideki Matsuyama
Current odds: 40/1
World Ranking: No. 16
Best Open finish: T6 — 2013
One thing to know: With seven straight top-20 finishes at majors dating back to 2016, there are few players more consistent on the big stage than Hideki Matsuyama. If he can string his best rounds together, he could contend for the top of the leaderboard.
Phil Mickelson
Current odds: 50/1
World Ranking: No. 20
Best Open finish: Win — 2013
One thing to know: Mickelson made the wrong kind of headlines with his meltdown at the U.S. Open, but he has a far friendlier relationship with the Open Championship, and with his wild shot-making ability, could easily contend for another Claret Jug.
Ian Poulter
Current odds: 50/1
World Ranking: No. 29
Best Open finish: 2nd — 2008
One thing to know: As a member of the European Tour as well as the PGA, Ian Poulter is no stranger to links golf. He's a fine pick for a flyer, as European players have had more success at the Open Championship than any other major.
Tony Finau
Current odds: 60/1
World Ranking: No. 31
Best Open finish: T18 — 2016
One thing to know: Tony Finau is having himself quite a season. After twisting his ankle just before the Masters, Finau bounced back to finish tied for 10th, and followed that up with a fifth-place finish at the U.S. Open. Can he keep his success at majors rolling?
Bryson DeChambeau
Current odds: 60/1
World Ranking: No. 22
Best Open finish: Cut — 2017
One thing to know: Bryson DeChambeau is one of the most talented young players on the tour, and will certainly be competing for majors soon if not this weekend. Once he wins one, his odds in the future will plummet, so 60/1 might be a steal looking back.
Russell Knox
Current odds: 60/1
World Ranking: No. 49
Best Open finish: T30 — 2016
One thing to know: The Scotsman will be playing with home field advantage and is just two weeks removed from a win at the Irish Open. At 60/1 he's a fine value to be in the mix on Sunday.
Lee Westwood
Current odds: 80/1
World Ranking: No. 112
Best Open finish: 2nd — 2010
One thing to know: He may be past his prime, but Lee Westwood is a proven links player that should be able to handle the conditions this weekend.
Xander Schauffele
Current odds: 80/1
World Ranking: No. 24
Best Open finish: T20 — 2017
One thing to know: Another young player due to break through with a major win at some point in his career, Xander Schauffele is a fun long-shot bet this weekend. His recent sixth-place finish at the U.S. Open proves he's up to a daunting course, and he tied for 20th at the Open last year.
Charley Hoffman
Current odds: 125/1
World Ranking: No. 34
Best Open finish: T20 — 2017
One thing to know: Now come the real long shots. Charley Hoffman might not be a world-beater, but he played well at the Scottish Open last weekend and at 125/1 is likely a value.
Matthew Southgate
Current odds: 150/1
World Ranking: No. 159
Best Open finish: T6 — 2017
One thing to know: Matthew Southgate finished tied for 12th at the Open in 2016 and followed it up by finishing tied for sixth in 2017. If you're betting long shots, there's certainly worse options.
Padraig Harrington
Current odds: 200/1
World Ranking: No. 298
Best Open finish: Win — 2007, 2008
One thing to know: He's certainly a long shot, but at 200/1 odds, why not put a few bucks down on the man who won the tournament last time it was held at Carnoustie Golf Links? There's no doubt he can play the course in pressure situations.
Now check out the favorites to lift the Claret Jug this weekend
