British Open betting: Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and the 12 favorites to win this weekend at St. Andrews

Current odds: 9/1

World ranking: No. 2

Best Open finish: Won — 2014

One thing to know: While Rory McIlroy has spent much of the past few months as a spokesperson for the PGA Tour in its newfound battle against LIV Golf, he's also been backing up his words with his play. Dating back to his solo second-place finish at the Masters in early April, McIlroy hasn't finished outside the top 20 of an event, with five top-10s in seven tournaments played.

Current odds: 12/1

World ranking: No. 5

Best Open finish: T2 — 2018

One thing to know: There's no hotter player in golf right now than Xander Schauffele, who has won two straight events between the Travelers Championship and last week's Scottish Open. Schauffele has been in the "best player without a major" conversation for a few years now, but the 28-year-old could finally break through at St Andrews.

Current odds: 14/1

World ranking: No. 1

Best Open finish: T8 — 2021

One thing to know: World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will attempt to make it two major wins in one year this weekend in Scotland. Scheffler's play has been unmatched on the PGA Tour this year, with four wins on the season already, more than any other player in the sport. Still, links golf presents a new challenge for Scheffler, who is playing in just his second Open Championship.

Current odds: 16/1

World ranking: No. 7

Best Open finish: T11 — 2019

One thing to know: Justin Thomas got some work in with his good friend Tiger Woods ahead of the Open Championship, and took a light jab from Woods in the process. "See you tomorrow for the past winners event," Woods told Thomas. "Oh, I forgot you've never won here." Thomas could get Woods back this weekend.

Current odds: 16/1

World ranking: No. 12

Best Open finish: Won — 2017

One thing to know: Jordan Spieth has pulled off some miraculous shots at the Open Championship. Further, last time the tournament was played at the Old Course at St Andrews, back in 2015, Spieth finished just one stroke shy of reaching the playoff. Given his T10 finish at the Scottish Open, it appears that Spieth's links game is in good form.

Current odds: 16/1

World ranking: No. 3

Best Open finish: T3 — 2021

One thing to know: Jon Rahm might not be matching his incredible run in 2021, which saw him finish in the top 8 of all four majors, but he's still one of the best, most well-rounded players on the planet. As a guy who can truly make every shot on the course, he'll likely do better the tougher the Old Course plays.

Current odds: 18/1

World ranking: No. 10

Best Open finish: T20 — 2019

One thing to know: There's no doubt that Matt Fitzpatrick will be one of the most popular players at the Open this weekend. The 27-year-old Englishman is coming off his first major win at the US Open earlier this year, where he became the first Brit to take home the trophy since Justin Rose in 2013.

Current odds: 20/1

World ranking: No. 4

Best Open finish: T12 — 2018

One thing to know: Patrick Cantlay is another player who is in great form heading into this week's Open Championship. Since the start of June, Cantlay hasn't finished outside of the top 15 in any tournament he's played, including a T4 finish at the Scottish Open last week.

Current odds: 22/1

World ranking: No. 22

Best Open finish: Won — 2019

One thing to know: Shane Lowry's 2019 win at the Open Championship was one for the ages. There's no doubting Lowry's ability to compete on a links course, and with two top-10 finishes in his past three outings, he's in good shape to make some noise.

Current odds: 28/1

World ranking: No. 6

Best Open finish: T20 — 2019

One thing to know: Few players are as good at grinding out a tough round than Cameron Smith. While he has yet to steal a major win, Smith can compete on the biggest stages, securing a win at the Players earlier this year and finishing in the top 10 at the Masters in four of the past five years. If things get truly baked out and St Andrews becomes a punishing links test, don't be surprised if Smith is the one powering through the field.

Current odds: 30/1

World ranking: No. 13

Best Open finish: N/A

One thing to know: Will Zalatoris' play at recent majors has been absolutely unreal. While he still has yet to win the big one, Zalatoris has put himself in position time and time again, with three second-place finishes in the past seven majors he's played, including both the PGA Championship and US Open this year. Can he finally break through this weekend?

Current odds: 30/1

World ranking: No. 8

Best Open finish: Won — 2021

One thing to know: The reigning Open Champion is the last player in the field with odds of 30/1 or better. Just 25 years old, Collin Morikawa has been as impressive in majors as a young player can be, with two wins to his name already and three more top-five finishes to go along with them, including two this year. With a win at St Andrews, he'd become the first player to win back-to-back Opens since Padraig Harrington in 2007 and 2008.