PGA Tour 2025 The Open Championship: Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica’s Expert Picks and Best Bets
Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica, a wagering expert from FOX Sports, has been following sports for nearly three decades. His insights this week focus on the 153rd Open Championship happening at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. Before the tournament kicks off, let’s explore the wagers he’s considering.
Outright and Top Finish Markets
Viktor Hovland – Outright winner, Top 10, Top 20
It feels like this is the major where Viktor Hovland has the best chance to shine. The greens at The Open are not as slick as those at the U.S. Open or Masters, which is crucial since that’s been a weak spot in his game. Coming off a strong third-place finish at Oakmont, he seems ready to break through jili 777 lucky slots slot games jili. Remember, he led after 54 holes at The Open in 2022 and has had several top-15 finishes over the past few years. okebet win login If you want a bet outside of Scottie, Rory, or Rahm, he’s worth considering.
PICKS:
- Viktor Hovland (+3000) to win outright
- Viktor Hovland (+280) Top-10 finish
- Viktor Hovland (+130) Top-20 finish
Sepp Straka – Top 20, Top 30
Despite missing all three cuts in majors this year, Straka is performing well lately, finishing T-22 last year and T-2 in 2023 behind Brian Harman. His recent top-10 finish in Scotland sets him up for a solid performance this week.
PICKS:
- Sepp Straka (+150) Top-20 finish
- Sepp Straka (+105) Top-30 finish
Matt Fitzpatrick – Top 20, Top 30
Fitzpatrick seems to have found his groove, especially after changing his caddy. super ufa slot He hasn’t missed a cut in individual events since before the Masters. While courses like Travelers or Rocket Classic may not be comparable to major events, his T-4 finish last week has raised interest in his chances.
PICKS:
- Matt Fitzpatrick (+150) Top-20 finish
- Matt Fitzpatrick (+120) Top-30 finish
Padraig Harrington – Top 30
Harrington has made the cut in the last two years at The Open, registering a T-22 finish last year. He has experience on this course and with potentially challenging weather, he may surprise with a strong finish. jili777 slot
PICK: Padraig Harrington (+285) Top-30 finish
Cam Young – Top 20, Top 30
Young consistently performs well in majors, with another top-5 finish at Oakmont last month. His track record at The Open suggests he can tackle any conditions.
PICKS:
- Cam Young (+260) Top-20 finish
- Cam Young (+165) Top-30 finish
Chris Gotterup – Top 20, Top 30
After his recent win at the John Deere, Gotterup has been on a strong run, with a record of just one missed cut in his last ten tournaments. He also finished 23rd at Oakmont.
PICKS:
- Chris Gotterup (+250) Top-20 finish
- Chris Gotterup (+140) Top-30 finish
Matchups
Padraig Harrington vs. Phil Mickelson
Mickelson has struggled in majors this year, missing three cuts in a row and hasn’t shot even par in a major since the 2023 U.S. Open. Harrington’s consistent performance makes him a solid bet here.
PICK: Padraig Harrington (-125) vs. Phil Mickelson
Chris Gotterup vs. Ben Griffin
After a missed cut last week, Griffin’s performance has been inconsistent, which may play in Gotterup’s favor given his recent success.
PICK: Chris Gotterup (+105) vs. Ben Griffin
Viktor Hovland vs. Collin Morikawa
Morikawa has had a shaky year, missing the cut in two of the last three Opens. Hovland’s form suggests he’s a safer bet for this matchup.
PICK: Viktor Hovland (-115) vs. Collin Morikawa
Make/Miss Cut
Dustin Johnson – Miss Cut
Johnson has had a tough time in majors this year, missing cuts and struggling to shoot even par.
PICK: Dustin Johnson (-110) to miss cut
Hideki Matsuyama – Miss Cut
Matsuyama’s form has not improved, and with his injury history, Portrush may not be a good fit for him.
PICK: Hideki Matsuyama (+174) to miss cut
Justin Thomas – Miss Cut
Thomas has struggled historically at The Open and his recent rounds haven’t inspired confidence.
PICK: Justin Thomas (+200) to miss cut
Aldrich Potgieter – Miss Cut
Potgieter has missed several cuts this season and may not be in top form.
PICK: Aldrich Potgieter (-116) to miss cut
Sungjae Im – Miss Cut
Im’s inconsistent form is concerning, which could lead to another missed cut this week.
PICK: Sungjae Im (+120) to miss cut
Henrik Stenson – Miss Cut
The former Champion Golfer of the Year is far from his peak and has missed cuts frequently in recent years.
PICK: Henrik Stenson (-164) to miss cut
Phil Mickelson – Miss Cut
Mickelson’s ongoing struggles in majors continue, making him a likely miss.
PICK: Phil Mickelson (-166) to miss cut
Tony Finau – Miss Cut
Finau has missed the cut twice at The Open in recent years and his form has not looked promising.
PICK: Tony Finau (+125) to miss cut
Collin Morikawa – Miss Cut
Morikawa has a history of missing cuts at The Open, and his current form looks shaky.
PICK: Collin Morikawa (+275) to miss cut
Cam Smith – Miss Cut
As the 2022 champion, Smith’s recent performances have left much to be desired.
PICK: Cam Smith (+115) to miss cut
Ludvig Aberg – Miss Cut
Despite potential, Aberg has missed multiple cuts in majors and his performance has been spotty.
PICK: Ludvig Aberg (+245) to miss cut
Russell Henley – Miss Cut
Even with a solid season, Henley’s record in The Open has not been impressive, missing several crucial cuts.
PICK: Russell Henley (+220) to miss cut
Jon Rahm – Miss Cut
Though Rahm’s performances have generally been strong, the possibility of facing unfavorable weather conditions raises concerns.
PICK: Jon Rahm (+475) to miss cut
As Chris “The Bear” Fallica continues his extensive coverage across various sports, his expertise certainly adds value, especially in preparation for this major tournament. Are you ready to make your bets for The Open Championship?