Open Championship Tee-Off: Key Three-Ball Selections Emerge

Golfer Insights for Thursday’s Opening Rounds

As the Open Championship prepares for its opening tee shots, expert analysis spotlights promising three-ball matchups offering compelling betting opportunities.

Australian Star Leads the Charge

Lucas Herbert, demonstrating his class with a dominant qualifying performance, is tipped to excel in his group. Despite a previous missed cut at the Open, attributed to his short game, his current form and recent success on links-style courses suggest a strong showing at Portrush. His five top-10 finishes in Irish and Scottish Opens, some under challenging conditions, bolster his credentials.

The opposition includes veteran Darren Clarke, who, despite a brief spark in 2019, missed the cut and finished poorly last year. Also in the group is Davis Riley, who secured his spot after a withdrawal. Riley’s Open debut saw him shoot a first-round 78, and his subsequent form indicates potential struggles with the demanding conditions and forecast wind.

American Powerhouse Poised for Success

Dustin Johnson enters the tournament with renewed confidence, showcasing improved ball-striking on the LIV Golf circuit. His recent performances, including a run of 10-13-7 finishes, suggest he’s finding his rhythm. Johnson is positioned to outperform Jordan Smith, whose long game was strong in Scotland but whose past struggles with putting on links courses and a lack of significant Open finishes raise questions.

Haotong Li also faces a stiff challenge. While he boasts a past third-place finish at Birkdale, his recent Open appearances have resulted in missed cuts, and his performance last week was unconvincing. Johnson, not even the clear favourite in this group, presents a calculated risk, especially given his recent major record has seen a downturn.

Local Talent Battles Established Pros

Harry Hall is being backed to overcome his competitors, Aaron Rai and Sahith Theegala. Hall’s development of one of the premier short games in golf has fueled a streak of seven consecutive top-25 finishes, including a strong showing at the PGA Championship. His upbringing on a cliffside course in Cornwall has honed his links golf skills.

Rai, while previously showing form in wet conditions and strong performances in Ireland, is not considered a natural links golfer. Theegala, whose season has been a difficult one, has not competed since early June. His past Open performances at St. Andrews were marred by opening rounds of 77 and 79.

South African Prospects Shine

Dylan Naidoo is anticipated to outshine his compatriots, Darren Fichardt and John Axelsen. Fichardt’s Open Championship history is notably poor, with multiple rounds of 80-plus and missed cuts, despite a last-place finish in his last appearance. His current form on the Legends Tour contrasts sharply with the demands of the Open.

Axelsen, meanwhile, has yet to fully realize his potential on the HotelPlanner Tour and struggled in his recent European outing. Naidoo, however, has a dominant head-to-head record against Fichardt this year and has demonstrated more consistent form on the DP World Tour, including a victory by the sea at the SA Open.

Scottish Hope Faces Tough Field

Matt McCarty, a debutant from the US, is seen as a strong contender in his three-ball. His recent impressive form in Scotland, coupled with a solid short game and accuracy off the tee, positions him well. McCarty has also contended in recent PGA Tour events.

He is up against Shaun Norris, whose Open record is underwhelming, with his best finish being 61st. Angel Hidalgo has been struggling, with his long game looking particularly concerning, and his qualifying path ended with missed cuts in previous Opens. McCarty’s ranking, well within the top 50 globally, dwarfs Norris’s (outside top 200) and Hidalgo’s (outside top 400), making him the clear favourite.

Betting insights suggest backing Herbert and Johnson to win their respective three-balls at 7/2, with McCarty and Hall also favoured at 17/4. A four-fold accumulator combining these selections is priced at 28/1.