The 150th edition of The Open Championship returns to the “Home of Golf,” the Old Course at St. Andrews. This is going to be a special one as we have a limitless number of storylines and a large number of superstars who are trying to add a victory at historic venue to their resume.

The Old Course is unique, as there are only two par fives and two par 3s. The course can play upwards of 7,500 yards but tee placement will be highly dependent on wind strength and direction. Wind affects scores at St. Andrews more than almost any course in the world. A calm day could yield rounds in the low 60s, whereas a windy day will see players struggle to shoot par. Players will be forced to maneuver their way around the course trying to avoid the deep bunkers and thick fescue. Those who can stay patient and control their golf ball will have the best chance to contend. Let’s take a look at three favorites who are all links specialists:

Rory McIlroy ($11,100 – 9/1)

Rory’s Open Championship form is impeccable, as he has finished top five in four of his last six appearances, including a victory in 2014. In terms of St. Andrews form, he finished 3rd here in 2010 and missed the 2015 edition due to injury. Rory’s elite driving and affection for links golf should bode well for this week. He has been playing great golf over the last few months. Since finishing runner up at the Masters, he has recorded seven consecutive top-20 finishes, highlighted by a win at the Canadian Open. All signs point to Rory for the 2022 British Open.

Shane Lowry ($9,300 – 22/1)

When you think of the Open Championship, you think of difficult playing conditions and players grinding out pars in the wind. Lowry is an absolute grinder who excels at links golf and cherishes the opportunity and challenge that a round at St. Andrews can bring. The 2019 Open Champion has been in great form in 2022. He has finished 35th or better in 13 of his 14 events, including nine top-14 finishes.

Louis Oosthuizen ($8,800 – 40/1)

Oosthuizen has the best career form at St. Andrews (besides Tiger Woods). Louis claimed victory in 2010 and lost in a playoff in 2015 to Zach Johnson. He has had a quiet 2022 which has him coming in a bit under the radar. He is on an upward trajectory after finishing eighth at the BMW International Open and fifth at LIV Portland. For a player who has nine top-3 finishes in majors, we are getting great value on both his DK salary and odds to win.

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Similar to the other three majors, I will also have a longshots article and a best bets article posted later in Open week.