British Open 2019: Best value odds on international players
The British Open has crowned more international champions than any other Major Championship. Ahead are best bets for the International players.
Royal Portrush. The name of this year’s British Open defines Northern Ireland’s coastline more than any other words can. It conjures images of whipping winds, cold rain, treacherous cliffs and choppy seas. It is easy to picture a hardened sailor battling rough seas with the hopes of returning safely to shore. The scene at Royal Portrush would be enough to humble any man, including the contestants at the 148th British Open.
The British Open, more than any other major, is unpredictable and it isn’t always fair. Luck with the weather and the hard bounce of the golf ball make the last major of the year the most open of them all.
History at the British Open is dotted with, politely, old guys. The average age of the past 19 champions is a vintage 35 years old, and would be even older had Tom Watson pulled off his miracle at the age of 59. At the age of 42, Northern Ireland’s own Darren Clarke took home the Claret Jug in 2011 proving once again that golf just isn’t a young man’s game.
A far cry from the rain soaked putting contests that occur weekly on the PGA Tour, the British Open is an acquired feel. The knowledge of where to hit it, how to it, and where not to miss it gives the British Open an unparalleled international flavor not usually seen in the States.
The international favorites at this week’s championship, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, and Jon Rahm, have all, for the most part, ditched their European roots in favor of the larger purses and warmer weather of America. Last year’s British Open winner, Francesco Molinari who resides in London, even plays the majority of tournaments on the PGA Tour.
Still, there is a group of international players, some major champions and others still relatively unknown seeking to hoist the Claret Jug. Some of these players have made a career on the PGA Tour, others predominately play on the European Tour, but all would cash a healthy payday.