Paulie's Picks: 2025 Open Championship Best Bets

Now that we have already covered what it takes to succeed at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush and highlighted a few longshots, let’s take a look at a few of the best bets for the week:

Xander Schauffele & Adam Scott to Make the Cut: -125

Adam Scott has made the cut in 18 of the last 20 Open Championships. He has a good combination of ball-striking and an understanding of how to manage his way around a tricky course like Royal Portrush. He comes into this event in good form, finishing 35th or better in each of his last six events, highlighted by being in contention on the back nine on Sunday at the U.S. Open.

As chronicled many times this year, Xander Schauffele hasn’t missed a cut since the 2022 Masters. Similar to Scott, he has a great combination of ball-striking and patience to handle Royal Portrush. He has made the cut in all seven of his Open appearances. His game is trending back in good form as shown by his eighth-place finish last week at the Scottish Open.

Takumi Kanaya to Miss the Cut: -140

Takumi Kanaya has played in 10 majors as a professional and has yet to make a cut. He gains entry into many majors based on his results in events in Asia, but his results in 2025 on the PGA Tour have been downright dreadful. He has played 18 events but only has one top-30 finish and has missed the cut 13 times.

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Harry Hall: Top 40, +125

Harry Hall has quietly risen up the ranks this year and now has an outside chance to make the Ryder Cup team. How good has he been playing? He ranks 22nd in the DataGolf ranking (directly behind Ludvig Aberg) and has finished 33rd or better in each of his last nine starts. During this run of great play, he has gained strokes in all four main categories: off the tee, approach, around the green, and putting. A player who is in great form and knows how to play links is a great option this week, especially at plus money for a top 40.

‍Winner to make bogey on 72nd hole: Yes +275

The 18th hole at Royal Portrush is not easy as it ranked the fifth hardest hole in the 2019 Open. With a large number lurking off an errant shot, I would not be surprised to see anyone with a lead play this hole very safe. Odds of +275 seem too large a price considering the situation.

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