Betting on the outright winner of a golf tournament can feel like an impossible task, but recent events have shown that substantial payouts remain within reach.
This week, the Open Championship will take place at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, featuring 156 competitors. Of these, only the top 70 scores plus ties will progress to the weekend rounds.
Last week at the Genesis Scottish Open, one of our featured picks was Tom Kim at 84-1 odds. He delivered an impressive victory, breaking a three-year winless streak and securing the trophy.
A bettor at DraftKings placed a wager of $47,700 on Kim. The payout? An astonishing $4,006,800.
"One bettor at @DKSports cashes a wager for over $4 MILLION after Tom Kim (-17) wins the Scottish Open. Bettor wagered $47,700 on Tom Kim to win at 84-1 odds. Wins $4,006,800. Nice little Sunday," tweeted Ben Fawkes.
This triumph is just the latest instance showcasing the significant rewards that can arise in the realm of outright winner betting in golf.
Earlier this year, Aaron Rai stunned the golf community by capturing the PGA Championship at astounding odds of 290-1. These odds were available at DraftKings before play commenced at Aronimink Golf Club. One forward-thinking bettor placed $288 on Rai at odds of 230-1, reaping impressive rewards.
ESPN's research indicates that Rai has become the greatest underdog to win a major in the last twenty years. Previously, Phil Mickelson set the record as the oldest major winner by taking the 2021 PGA Championship at 50 years old with 200-1 odds.
With the Open Championship approaching, questions arise about whether another surprise winner could emerge this Sunday. The event, also known as the British Open, saw a record payout when Louis Oosthuizen triumphed in 2010 at 200-1 odds.
This year, several intriguing longshot contenders are in the mix, particularly among English golfers who excel in links play.
Jordan Smith (+18500) started strong at the Genesis Scottish Open, matching Rory McIlroy and Kim in the opening round. Even though Smith ended with a T-21 finish, he remains a solid contender for The Open, having made the cut three times in the last four years and finishing within the top 50.
Matthew Southgate (+27500) has seen his odds adjust slightly from +25000 to +27500 (275-1). A links-course specialist, Southgate recently clinched his first HotelPlanner Tour title at the Swiss Challenge with a final round of 62. He has participated in six British Opens, securing a T-6 finish at Royal Birkdale in 2017 along with three top-25 finishes in Open history.
Matthew Jordan (+37500) also presents a compelling case. Over the past three years, he has notched two top-10 finishes in the Open Championship. His odds offer a tantalizing prospect for those betting on the unthinkable.
While it may be improbable for any of these players to win this week, Rai's unexpected triumph at the PGA Championship serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of golf. Best of luck to all bettors as they enjoy the 2026 Open Championship.
