Odds shorten on Lowry repeating Open success - but event still in doubt

Defending champion Shane Lowry has been rated as a 40/1 chance of retaining his Open Championship crown if this year's event goes ahead. 

BoyleSports have priced Rory McIlroy as the 9/1 favourite, with Offaly's Lowry having been backed into 40/1 from 50/1.

Irish punters are getting behind a repeat winner in the Open Championship after organisers insisted that they are determined to fit the world’s oldest major into the disrupted golf schedule this year.

Rumours that this year’s renewal was set to be cancelled completely were denied by the R&A, who admitted they were considering postponing the scheduled tee off on July 16 to a date later in the year. Any cancellation of the event this year will scupper plans for celebrations of the 150th anniversary due to be held next year at St. Andrews.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “We are continuing to work through our options for The Open this year, including postponement. Due to a range of external factors, that process is taking some time to resolve. We are well aware of the importance of being able to give clear guidance to fans, players and everyone involved and are working to resolve this as soon as we can. We will give a further update as soon as we are in a position to do so and thank everyone for their support and understanding in this challenging situation.”

World No. 1 McIlroy, who this year will be attempting to emulate Darren Clarke by winning at Royal St. George’s in Kent, is the favourite to scoop his second Claret Jug at 9/1 with BoyleSports, who rate Brooks Koepka as his main danger at 10/1.

Lowry has been backed into 40/1 from an original quote of 50/1, meaning the Open represents his best chance of adding to his major tally this year according to the latest betting.

Lawrence Lyons, spokesperson for BoyleSports, said: “Shane Lowry certainly has the confidence of the Irish fanbase and while an Open defence is a big ask, we now rate it as his best major opportunity this year at 40/1 from 50/1.”
 
Open Championship 2020 - selected odds
9/1         R McIlroy
10/1       B Koepka
12/1       J Rahm
12/1       D Johnson
18/1       J Rose
20/1       T Fleetwood
22/1       T Woods
40/1       S Lowry
80/1       G McDowell