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Open Championship 2018 golf betting tips and odds: Who to back at Carnoustie

Getty Images
Getty Images

The world's best golfers will battle it out to snatch Jordan Spieth's crown when the Open Championship begins on Thursday.

The three-time major winner admits he has struggled with his game but feels a much-needed recent break has helped him refocus, especially after taking the same holiday he did a couple of weeks before Birkdale.

But several of his rivals arrive in good form. Below, John Huggan picks out the ones to watch at Carnoustie...

Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland)

(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

World ranking: 8

2018 titles: 1 (Arnold Palmer Invitational)

Career prize money: £29.77m

Odds: 18/1

Without a major victory in four years, he remains one of the favourites to add a second Claret Jug to his collection. Will hope his peerless driving is a springboard for success.

Marc Leishman (Australia)

(AP)
(AP)

World ranking: 18

Open best: Tied 2nd (2015)

2018 titles: 0

Career prize money: £17.16m

Odds: 45/1

Underestimated by everyone other than his peers, Leishman will fancy his chances of going one better than his 2015 runner-up finish at St Andrews. One of the premier wind players.

Sergio Garcia (Spain)

(PA)
(PA)

World ranking: 19

Open best: 2nd (2007), tied 2nd (2004)

2018 titles: 1 (Singapore Open)

Career prize money: £36.46m

Odds: 28/1

Runner-up at the previous Open here in 2007 — his putt for victory lipped out on the 72nd green — last year’s Masters champion has something to prove. The course owes him one.

Jordan Spieth (USA )

(AFP/Getty Images)
(AFP/Getty Images)

World ranking: 6

Open best: Won (2017)

2018 titles: 0

Career prize money: £28.37m

Odds: 18/1

Not in the best of form, the defending champion arrives in Scotland having failed to win since his iconic victory at Royal Birkdale a year ago. That alone should provide motivation.

Odds via Betfair, UK users only