The third round of the British Open saw some scintillating golf and accompanying low scores, as Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland finished at 16-under par, the second-best score after 54 holes at St. Andrews, and lead the field going into the final day.
McIlroy — The Open Championship odds favorite — is in search of his fifth major trophy and first since 2014, while Hovland looks to win a major for the first time. It’s also the first time, in his 12th major, Hovland enters the fourth round in the Top 10.
Hovland was the only player in the field to enjoy a bogey-free round, highlighting his course mastery.
Check out our Round 4 picks for The Open Championship ahead of Sunday.
2022 Open Championship Round 4 picks
- Rory McIlroy outright (-110)
- Winning score: -21 or better (+110)
- Rory McIlroy to shoot a 68 or lower (+110)
Picks were made on 7/16/2022 at 4:05 p.m. ET.
If you're signing up for a new sportsbook for some Open Championship betting, here are two of the best bonuses* available:
A) New users can bet $20 and get $200 in free bets with Caesars! Sign Up Now
B) New users can get two risk-free bets up to $2,000 at PointsBet! Sign Up Now
*Eligible USA locations only
Best 2022 Open Championship Round 4 picks
Rory McIlroy outright (-110)
McIlroy has the overwhelming support of the partisan crowd at St. Andrews. Most of the pre-tournament hype focused on McIlroy, who is in search of a second British Open crown.
He won his four major championships with impressively low scores (-16 at 2011 US Open, -13 at 2012 PGA Championship, -17 at 2014 British Open, -16 at 2014 PGA Championship) and is looking to pull off a similar feat at St. Andrews.
He is also chasing the all-time low score at St. Andrews, which Tiger Woods set in 2000 after finishing 19-under par. That record is certainly within reach, especially if McIlroy can find more strokes like his eagle chip from the 10th bunker.
McIlroy, who is brimming with confidence and displaying unwavering poise, should prevail and win his first major trophy in eight years.
All his four major titles had one thing in common: He led after the third round, which bodes well for the 33-year-old, who enters Sunday’s final round with a share of the lead.
Best odds: Rory McIlroy outright (-110 at BetMGM)
Tournament winning score: -21 or better (+110)
If either leader replicates their third-round 66, they’ll score a -21 or better for the first time at St. Andrews. That would also mean the record set by Woods in 2000 would fall. Hovland and McIlroy are comfortable playing as a tandem and elicit the best from each other, setting up an exciting prospect for the final round.
The impetus is on both players to play aggressively while avoiding the costly blunders St. Andrews is notorious for forcing. While McIlroy and Hovland will feel somewhat secure with their four-stroke lead over the chasing pack, they’ll know opting for the safe route won’t be enough to land a decisive blow.
It is supposed to rain on Sunday morning, prior to the lead pack hitting the course. The precipitation should make for a slower course, allowing the final pair to feel confident about acquitting themselves more assertively.
Look for Woods’ 22-year record to fall, with McIlroy prevailing at -21.
Best odds: Tournament winning score: -21 or better (+110 at FanDuel)
Rory McIlroy to shoot a 68 or lower (+110)
If the Irishman is to win his second British Open, he’s going to need to finish strong, something his previous major victories have prepared him for.
Of McIlroy’s four major titles, he failed to score in the 60s in the final round only once. Coincidentally, that odd-one-out round, a 71, occurred on the final day of the 2014 British Open. That version of the British Open was played at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.
He notched a 69 on the final day of the 2011 US Open, a 66 at the 2012 PGA Championship, and a 68 at the 2014 PGA Championship. A 68 would see McIlroy finish the tournament at 20-under par.
While it’s a tall order, Hovland — if he can replicate his third-round performance — should push McIlroy to the limit, making the Irishman play his best golf. That should translate to McIlroy finishing Sunday’s round with a 68 or lower.
Best odds: Rory McIlroy to shoot a 68 or lower (+110 at BetMGM)
2022 Open Championship odds
This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks in your region. Odds are best used between rounds. When available, our fair line is updated once per hour between 6 a.m. ET and 11 p.m. ET.
