It's the best time of year on the links, with four majors all in the span of four months. The Masters kicked things off in April, the PGA Championship has assumed its relatively new May spot on the calendar, the U.S. Open took center stage in June and now the British Open wraps up the proceedings in July. Who will join Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas and Matt Fitzpatrick as a major champion in 2022? What else could be in store for the fourth major of the year?
With the British Open beginning on Thursday, it's time to take a look at some of the best prop bets for this year's festivities at the home of golf: the Old Course at St. Andrew's in Scotland.
Top Spaniard: Jon Rahm (-175)
Rahm is only tied for the fourth favorite overall at +1600, which gives him pretty good value. A -175 price on finishing as the top Spaniard does the same. In his last two British Open appearances, he has placed T11 and T3. Although Rahm hasn't been completely on fire, a major that he has done well at in the past should help him find his form. And it's not like the 27-year-old is slumping; he has made 13 cuts in a row. Sergio Garcia doesn't inspire any confidence right now and the rest of the Spanish contingent is mediocre at best, so roll with Rahm.
Joaquin Niemann to finish in the top 40 (-125)
You might not think a Chilean would thrive in links golf situations, but Niemann knows what he is doing around these courses. He made the cut in his second British Open appearance last summer and he is coming off a T16 effort at last week's Scottish Open. Asking for a top-40 finish this weekend certainly isn't too much. Since the calendar turned to 2022, the 23-year-old has been inside the top 40 in nine of 12 completed events – and he just barely missed it at the U.S. Open (T47). Niemann has been one of the most consistent golfers on tour this season and he should display that again at the Old Course.