US Open betting guide

With the early starters making their final preparations before the big US Open tee-off, we take a look at who William Hill are picking to win this year.

Phil Mickelson’s chances

Phil Mickelson will attempt to break his duck in the US Open this week as the second major of the golf calendar rolls into Pinehurst. Mickelson has finished second an incredible six times, with his latest runner-up effort coming a year ago when he tied for second behind Justin Rose.

“We believe Phil is far more likely to finish second than win the tournament.”

Consistently missing out by the narrowest margin has had an effect on the betting market, with William Hill offering 16/1 that he wins the tournament, but just 10/1 that he finishes second.

Jon Ivan-Duke, spokesman for William Hill, explains the short odds for a Mickelson runner-up spot.

“We believe Phil is far more likely to finish second than win the tournament,” he said.

“If he’s still in contention on the final day, he could really feel the pressure to win the only major missing from his CV.

“There’s one phrase that springs to mind when you think Mickelson and US Open – always the bridesmaid and never the bride.”

GB&I winner

William Hill are offer odds of 4/1 for any British or Irish winner – a tempting price given Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose have won three of the last four US Opens.

This year McIlroy is the 11/1 favourite, with defending champion Justin Rose priced at 25/1. Scots pairing Stephen Gallacher and Chris Doak are big outsiders. Gallacher is available at 125/1 while Doak is way out on 500/1.

Each way bets

This year’s US Open sees William Hill offer six places for each way bets at quarter odds. That’s 10/1 on Lee Westwood, Jim Furyk or Jason Dufner to finish in the top-six. Worth a punt?

US Open outright winner odds

11/1 Rory McIlroy

12/1 Adam Scott

16/1 Bubba Watson

16/1 Phil Mickelson

25/1 Jordan Spieth

25/1 Justin Rose

25/1 Matt Kuchar

28/1 Henrik Stenson

33/1 Dustin Johnson

33/1 Jason Day

33/1 Sergio Garcia

35/1 Martin Kaymer

40/1 Hideki Matsuyama

40/1 Jason Dufner

40/1 Jim Furyk

40/1 Lee Westwood

40/1 Luke Donald

40/1 Steve Stricker

40/1 Webb Simpson

50/1 Charl Schwartzel

50/1 Jimmy Walker

55/1 Graeme McDowell