2024 British Open Odds & Picks: Head-to-Head Matchups (Round 3)
The British Open at Royal Troon has been a difficult test for the world’s top golfers to navigate. A 6-over-par cut line is indicative of the struggles that came with pot bunkers, undulating fairways, tall fescue rough, and small greens.
Shane Lowry’s strong performance in Round 1 carried over into Round 2, giving him the solo lead at 7-under-par heading into Saturday. Other notable names in contention include Justin Rose, betting favorite Scottie Scheffler, Corey Conners, Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay, and Jason Day.
In this article, we’re attempting to bounce-back from going 0-2 on head-to-head matchups for Round 2 with a couple more Round 3 head-to-head matchups instead. Follow me on X @Matt_MacKay_ for more free plays and PGA Tour best bets throughout the weekend.
2024 British Open Odds & Picks
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Justin Rose vs. Billy Horschel 2 Ball
Two of the top performers at Royal Troon through the first two rounds are pitted together in a 2 ball matchup for Round 3 on Saturday. Billy Horschel, who is typically a strong putter, has relied on his off-the-tee and approach game to contend at the British Open. Meanwhile, Justin Rose has looked virtually unstoppable, especially on Friday, turning in a 3-under-par performance with four birdies.
Rose ranks second in total strokes gained behind only Shane Lowry, who is the current outright leader. Rose’s worst strokes gained metric is 21st on approach, while sitting ninth off-the-tee, 12th putting, and 16th around the green. He’s gone 2-under-par or lower in tough conditions, which are set to become milder on Saturday, with less wind and more dry weather.
Oddsmakers have Rose as a slight favorite in this 2-ball matchup at -115 odds compared to -110 on Horschel at FanDuel. We’re backing Rose all day long with a one unit stake on the Englishman to attempt winning his first career British Open.
Pick: Justin Rose (-115)
Joaquin Niemann vs. Patrick Cantlay 18 Hole Matchbet
We’re heading to the 18 hole matchbet prop market to target Joaquin Niemann and Patrick Cantlay’s prop for Round 3 on Saturday. Niemann’s miraculous recovery from going 5-over-par on the notorious par 3 “postage stamp” 8th hole saw the Chilean golfer sink four birdies and play mistake-free golf on the back-nine to claw back to even par.
Patrick Cantlay also had a strong Round 2 performance compared to Round 1, going four-under-par through the first 12 holes before recording his only bogey on the 13th hole. Ranked ninth in total strokes gained, 10th strokes gained around the green, and 11th on approach, Cantlay measures better in approach shots, while matching Niemann’s scrambling and putting abilities.
Oddsmakers value Cantlay as a marginal favorite over the LIV golfer on Saturday during Round 3, favored at -125 odds compared to +100 for Niemann. I like Cantlay to continue contending from tee-to-green, so let’s stake one more unit on the Californian to beat Niemann with a lower score in Round 3.
Pick: Patrick Cantlay (-125)
Matthew MacKay is a featured writer for BettingPros and FantasyPros. For more from Matthew, check out his archive and follow him @Matt_MacKay_.