Canadian Open betting tips, free bets and latest odds
RORY MCILROY will warm up for next week’s US Open by bidding for a rare ‘threepeat” - as he seeks to claim the Canadian Open title for the third time in a row.
It would be an unusual hat-trick if the world No 3 managed to pull it off.
His first win in Canada was back in 2019, but Covid meant the tournament was cancelled for the next two years. But when McIlroy finally got the chance to defend the title last year, he took the trophy home with him again.
Those wins came on different courses, and this week’s event moves to yet another new venue, Oakdale in Ontario.
Three victories at three different courses would be quite a feat, and it could be just the tonic McIlroy needs to snap out of his Major championship slump.
He is the class act in the field, with only four other players from the world’s top twenty making the trip north of the border - Matt Fitzpatrick, Sam Burns, Tyrrell Hatton, and Cameron Young.
And if McIlroy is anywhere near the lead heading into the final day, there should be fireworks. He shot a stunning final round 61 to win by seven shots in 2019, and a closing 62 earned him a two shot victory last year.
But on the back of a couple of uninspiring seventh place finishes, it is hard to place too much faith in the Northern Irishman, especially at cramped odds of around 9-2.
It was a case of the good, the bad and the ugly as he ground it out at the PGA. And he was still way off his best as he surrendered a share of the 54 hole lead at the Memorial last week.
This is easier. But will Rory make it look like hard work again?
How to bet on the Canadian Open
Betting on golf is easier than you'd image and there are a host of interesting markets you can pick from.
Here are five easy steps for beginners.
1. Choose Your Favorite Sportsbook – there are plenty to choose from and most have their own app or mobile site.
2. Make a Deposit – each sportsbook will walk you through how to connect your bank account to their system including providing a list of all the safeguards they have set up to ensure the safety of your transactions.
3. Claim Your Bonuses – most sportsbooks offers bonuses to first time bettors in the form of free bets.
4. Place Your Bet – now it’s time to navigate through your sportsbook’s odds where they will offer a variety of options including outright winners, or top finishing positions, such as top 10 or 20, or even to make the cut. For the event this week each way odds are generally paid on the top eight players.
5. Collect Your Winnings – If you're successful you will be able to withdraw your winnings once the bet is complete. Some bookmakers offer cashout options on certain bets as well, which is worth keeping an eye on.
Who is the favourite for the Canadian Open?
Rory McIlroy is top of the market at a short-looking 9/2 after a tough couple of weeks.
His nearest rivals are Ryder Cup team-mates Tyrrell Hatton at 11/1 and Matthew Fitzpatrick at 12/1.
After those two it's Cameron Young and Sam Burns at 14/1 before another Englishman in Justin Rose at 16/1.
Where to find the best odds for the Canadian Open?
Lots of bookmakers have different options for betting on the Canadian Open this week, including competitive odds and different place markets.
We like the markets on bet365, including the price boosts on offer pre-tournament.
But it is worth shopping around to get the best value with each way odds and different places available throughout the market.
bet365 are currently offering 20/1 on McIlroy leading after round 1, and Shane Lowry to win at 22/1.
Canadian Open tips
So if not Rory, then who?
US Open champion Fitzptatrick will be on plenty of short lists, after he used a top ten in this event last year as a springboard to his memorable victory at Brookline a week later.
But his thoughts are probably going to be fixed on next week’s title defence. So even at 14-1, he may not be the answer.
The only other English golfer to win the US Open this century, Justin Rose, looks more appealing at around 18-1.
He is not far off the form that earned him his Major breakthrough ten years ago. And a share of fourth in this event last year - on the back of a sizzling final round 60 - suggested he likes the Canadian air.
Viktor Hovland did us a favour at 20-1 last week, and at the same odds Tommy Fleetwood should also give us a good run for our money.
Canadian golfers have a dismal record in their own championship. But this year they boast three players who have all won on the PGA Tour in the last eight months - Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, and Adam Svensson.
Conners is their brightest hope. But 18-1 looks pretty short. Svensson could be a better value at 50-1, and he is also 6-1 to finish as the top Canadian.
As well as plenty of ‘dead wood’, there are some exciting young players in the field this week - headed by Ludvig Aberg, the Swede who has topped the world amateur rankings for most of the past year.
Aberg is considered the next big thing from Europe, after a US college career to rival those of Jon Rahm and Hovland. But the bookies are taking no chances as he makes his pro debut, pricing him up at a miserly 60-1.
I prefer small wagers on two more ‘bright young things’, 125-1 shot Michael Thorbjornsen and Ryan Gerard, a 300-1 outsider.
Both won hotly-contested US Open qualifiers on Monday to boost confidence, and both have shown encouraging form in stronger Tour events over the last year.
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