Dark Horses And Big Prices: Rupert Bell’s Outsiders To Watch At The Open
Rupert Bell is a respected sports commentator with over 30 years of experience covering a wide range of sports.
During the week, Rupert will join The Panel to bring us everything you need to know from Royal Portrush.
Time and again, we’ve seen players with little fanfare find their rhythm on links land, navigate the weather, and suddenly appear on the first page of the leaderboard.
Royal Portrush has the potential to throw up that kind of story again. It’s a demanding course, but a fair one.
Strategy, patience and good decision-making will be vital, especially if the weather plays its part.
In conditions like these, you don’t always need the most famous name to get the job done.
With that in mind, I’ll be looking at some outside bets and bigger priced fancies who could thrive in this year’s Open Championship.
Rupert Bell's Open Championship Outsider Tips:
- Viktor Hovland (To Win) 28/1 With Bet365
- Sepp Straka (To Win) - 50/1 Unibet
- Thriston Lawrence (Top South African) - 9/2 with Betfred
- Maverick McNealy (Top 10 Finish) - 11/1 With Ladbrokes
- Sergio Garcia (Each-Way) - 200/1 With Bet365
Hovland And Straka Appeal At Big Prices
In my previous piece, I have stated my main contenders and I’m excited to see what Sepp Straka can do this week at around 50/1 with golf betting sites.
Viktor Hovland at 28/1 is another whose odds appeal in the mid-range bracket.
Though not a true outsider, he’s been drifting slightly after a mixed run, but links golf brings out a more rounded, creative side of his game.
He’s found form at the right time and was prominent in last year’s Open. His short game has improved and he’s one who, if he starts well, could hang around deep into Sunday.
Lawrence Can Recapture Magic
Going a bit further down the board, I can’t help but mention Thriston Lawrence.
He finished fourth at Troon last year, flying under the radar early in the week and riding some favourable weather.
He’s been quiet since, with a stint in the States not yielding much, but back on British soil he could easily recapture that touch. In the top South African market at 9/2, he’s well worth a look.
McNealy On The Radar
A real wildcard is Maverick McNealy, a player who has quietly been climbing the world rankings.
He may not have the links pedigree, but his all-round consistency and Ryder Cup motivation could fuel a sneaky good run.
If you’re looking for someone to back in the top-10 market at a nice price, he’s on the radar at 11/1 with Ladbrokes.
Garcia In The Mix
And finally, Sergio Garcia.
Yes, he may be past his peak and yes, he qualified through LIV, but he’s always loved links golf and has the kind of scar tissue that could toughen him up if the weather turns.
A slow start might ruin his chance, but if he’s in the mix on Friday evening, experience will count for a lot. I have a small interest in him at 200/1 each-way.
The Open always leaves room for a story. Don’t be surprised if someone from further down the odds list makes a serious Sunday charge.
