Tommy Fleetwood Top 5 Finish (5/1)

Tommy Fleetwood is a likely Open contender, but our preference is to back him in this boosted treble for a top-five finish in Northern Ireland. This fine links exponent was runner-up to Lowry at Portrush six years ago and was 4th at St Andrews in 2022. Fleetwood has had a sprinkling of top fives already this year, including 2nd at the Travelers Championship and 4th at the Truist, with another high finish expected at the Open. 

Viktor Hovland Top 10 Finish (3/1)

Viktor Hovland is another major winner in waiting, and the Norwegian went close again last month with 3rd place at the US Open. Hovland won the Valspar Championship in the spring, and he has a promising record at the Open. The 27-year-old was 12th on debut in 2021 and fourth a year later at St Andrews. His long game appears to be coming round, and Hovland merits support for a top 10 at Portrush. 

Russell Henley Top 20 Finish (7/4)

Russell Henley may not garner much attention, but the experienced American quietly brings excellent form to Northern Ireland. Henley, who won at Bay Hill at the start of this year, was tied 5th at last month’s Memorial Tournament, 10th at the US Open and second at the Travelers Championship. With 5th place last year at the Troon Open, Henley has solid credentials and rates as a confident top 20 selection.

Robert MacIntyre first caught the attention on the world stage with his performance at Portrush in 2019 and the Scot can threaten a first major title on his return to the Northern Irish coast. MacIntyre turned up to the Dunluce Links for his major championship debut but was totally unfazed as he finished 6th.

MacIntyre has elevated his game dramatically in recent years, with 2nd place at last month’s US Open a hugely impressive effort. The 28-year-old landed the Scottish Open in his homeland last summer, and the Canadian Open victory was another notable success. This proven links performer has been well backed for good reason, and MacIntyre has the game to contend for The Open at 29/1. 

Tyrrell Hatton is another British player worth backing for Open glory. Hatton has long looked a potential major champion and he has fond memories from Portrush. The fiery English golfer tied for 6th place in 2019, and his pedigree by the coast is not in question, with three victories at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Hatton started this year with a big title at the Dubai Desert Classic. After a slight lull, Hatton returned to top form last month to contend at Oakmont with a tie for fourth at the US Open. He backed this up with 5th place at LIV Dallas, and links specialist Hatton could be peaking at the perfect time for Portrush at 22/1. 

Ryan Fox has enjoyed a momentous year with two quick victories on the PGA Tour and he could cap a golden summer with a strong week in Ireland. Fox broke through in America with his win in May at the Myrtle Beach Classic and followed up with victory at the Canadian Open last month.

Fox won the BMW Championship at Wentworth in 2023 in a high class field and his Alfred Dunhill Links triumph in 2022 demonstrated his comfort level playing by the coast. Fox’s best major performance was at Portrush six years ago. The New Zealander came into the Open off seven successive missed cuts which made his 16th place finish all the more impressive. Fox returns to one of his favourite courses in the world a much more accomplished player and should outrun his odds at 50/1.