Stenson’s record-breaking Open win shakes up USPGA Championship betting
Published:
Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | July 18, 2016
Henrik Stenson’s 2016 Open Championship victory at Royal Troon not only set a number of new records, but also caused a big shake-up in the outright betting with Coral for the upcoming USPGA Championship.
The 40-year-old Swede has leapfrogged four golfers to be the new 16/1 fifth-favourite (from 28/1) after his three-shot triumph over nearest challenger Phil Mickelson, though Rory McIlroy remains at the top of the market at 7/1.
Proudest moment of my career, huge thanks to everyone for your support. A dream come true! H pic.twitter.com/jyVNh2Wmf2
— Henrik Stenson (@henrikstenson) July 18, 2016
Stenson sets new records after maiden Major win
As well as being the first man from Sweden and the whole of Scandinavia to win one of the four biggest golfing competitions, he also carded the best total at an Open Championship (-20) and managed joint-lowest ever final round score at a Major (63).
It is fair to say that Stenson was inspired ahead of finally claiming his maiden Major. The fact that he held off five-time Major champion Mickelson and being a whopping 14 shots ahead of third place just goes to show that he has what it takes to taste more success too.
He’s fared well at USPGA Championships before, finishing in the top three in two of the last three years and coming tied-fourth and tied-sixth before as well, so who’s to say he can’t claim another this title year?
Stenson, who is a three-time Ryder Cup winner with Europe, will no doubt play a big part in Darren Clarke’s team this September and October too, and is 11/10 to help them retain the title.
Number of stars drop down betting
As a result of Stenson moving up the outright betting for the USPGA, the likes of Adam Scott (25/1, from 22/1), Rickie Fowler (28/1, from 25/1) and Masters winner Danny Willett (50/1, from 28/1) have seen their odds lengthen.
Mickelson maybe be a decent shout to back after his epic fight with Stenson, although his price for a second victory at the Major has been cut in half to 25/1.
The left-handed American claimed the USPGA crown over a decade ago in 2005, incidentally on the same upcoming Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, and beating another Scandinavian Thomas Bjorn of Denmark to the title.
Now aged 46, may thought his Major trophy-challenging days were over, but seemingly not after his consistent showing at Troon.
As for the favourites, behind double champion McIlroy, is title holder Jason Day (8/1, from 15/2), who now goes ahead of Jordan Spieth (11/1, also from 15/2). Dustin Johnson, meanwhile, moved up slightly to 11/1 from 12/1.
Meanwhile, Englishman Andrew ‘Beefy’ Johnston was arguably the surprise package of The Open, after threatening to lead the way at times. His unique personality certainly got the crowd behind him, and he’ll be aiming to build on his commendable eighth place at the USPGA.
Open Championship leaderboard
1 Henrik Stenson -20
2 Phil Mickelson -17
3 JB Holmes -6
4 Steve Stricker -5
T5 Sergio Garcia -4
T5 Tyrrell Hatton -4
T5 Rory McIlroy -4
8 Andrew Johnston -3
T9 Bill Haas -2
T9 Dustin Johnson -2
T9 Soren Kjeldsen -2
T12 Zach Johnson -1
T22 Jason Day +1
T30 Jordan Spieth +2
T43 Adam Scott +5
T53 Danny Willett +7
78 Colin Montgomerie +17
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