Bettors Cash in on Jordan Spieth’s British Open Victory

Posted on: July 24, 2017, 02:00h. 

Last updated on: July 24, 2017, 01:35h.

Casino.org Staff Writer Read More
Expertise: Commercial Gaming.

Picking Jordan Spieth to win the 146th British Open was a very profitable proposition for people who put money down on the champion. Spieth not only paid off well for those who chose him before the tournament began, but throughout the event as well.

Jordan Spieth British Open
Jordan Spieth made a lot of people happy on the course and at the betting window when he won the British Open, Sunday. (Image: USA Today)

The 23 year old began the event 14-1, co-favored with World No. 1 golfer, Dustin Johnson. While Johnson flamed out, eventually finishing tied for 54th, Spieth led from the opening round.

It appeared odds makers knew he was in for a special week, because just before the event began some adjusted the line down to 10-1 to make him the clear choice.

Gamblers were a bit nervous in the final round, when Spieth gave up a three-stroke lead on the front nine and then was trailing Matt Kuchar by a shot with five holes remaining.

He then put on one of the most spectacular finishes in major championship history. He played the final five holes in 5-under par to win by three shots.

“Today took as much out of me as any day that I’ve ever played golf,’’ Spieth said.

Prop Bets Pay Off

Not only did a $100 bet pay $1,400 or $1,000 depending on where it was made, Spieth paid off in a variety of proposition bets as well. The first was his winning score.

The over/under was 278.5 with the over favored. With clear skies for three of the four days, Royal Birkdale was indefensible and the winner took advantage. His four-round total of 268 easily made the under and paid 13-1.

Another big tally for those riding the victor was placing cash down on someone winning wire to wire. Spieth led all four rounds and for anyone who positioned that wager, they made 16-1 odds.

He also rewarded in two other categories. One was first time major winner, where the no was a plus-138 and the other was the nationality of who would come in first. An American was listed at plus-120.

Waiting to hop on the bandwagon, however, was ill advised. By the weekend, the sportsbooks had made him the overwhelming favorite and his odds to win were 5-4 after two rounds.

Value Dropping for Future Wagers

Getting value for Spieth in upcoming majors will probably not be nearly as lucrative. For next month’s ?PGA Championship, Spieth was listed at 8-1, along with Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy. Though some internet sites have him as high as 11-1.

With Sunday’s victory, Spieth’s odds may go lower leading up to the last major of the year, held Aug. 10-13 at Quail Hallow in Charlotte, North Carolina.

His past performance at his event has been solid. In 2015 he finished second and last year, he was tied for 11th. It is the last major he needs to complete the career Grand Slam and if he accomplishes it, he would break Tiger Woods’ record for youngest golfer to reach that illustrious feat.