new par-70 layout measuring approximately 7,223 yards<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nSeveral holes have been redesigned, including a new drivable 5th, a shorter but more demanding 7th, a completely reworked 14th, and a brand-new long par-3 15th. New tees, rebuilt bunkers, and reshaped green surrounds have modernized the course while preserving its classic links identity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Unlike many traditional links courses, Royal Birkdale is known for its relatively flat fairways and straightforward sightlines, rewarding quality golf more than fortunate bounces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Players still face deep revetted bunkers, thick fescue, firm fairways, and fast greens, but success here comes from precision ball-striking, smart course management, and controlling trajectory in the coastal winds<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nThe redesigned holes place an even greater emphasis on decision-making, forcing players to carefully weigh risk and reward throughout the round. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Royal Birkdale has consistently produced deserving champions because it rarely favors one style of player over another. Long hitters can take advantage of scoring opportunities, but accuracy and patience remain just as important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
With its updated layout and classic links conditions, expect another demanding Open Championship where avoiding mistakes, navigating the bunkers, and handling the wind will ultimately determine who lifts the Claret Jug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Golfers to Avoid Betting at The Open<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Xander Schauffele <\/strong>missing the cut at the Scottish Open is a major red flag heading into The Open. It\u2019s now just one Top 10 finish in his last seven tournaments<\/strong>, and the underlying numbers aren\u2019t much better, ranking 25th in total strokes gained <\/strong>over the last three months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nFor a player still being priced near the top of the board, that simply isn\u2019t elite form. Until he starts stringing together consistent results again, I\u2019m staying away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Ludvig \u00c5berg <\/strong>has reached the point where it feels like something just isn\u2019t right. Whether it\u2019s an injury or simply poor form, the results continue to disappoint\u2014missed cut last week, 55th the week before, and no Top 15 finishes in his last five starts<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nHis Open Championship record isn\u2019t inspiring either, with a 23rd and a missed cut<\/strong>. Yet the sportsbooks continue to price him like a Top 10 golfer every week. Based on what we\u2019ve seen lately, that\u2019s hard to justify. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nCameron Young <\/strong>is finally seeing his odds come down, but I still think he\u2019s overpriced. He\u2019s posted three straight finishes outside the Top 40<\/strong>, and his Open Championship history includes a missed cut and a 31st <\/strong>in his last two appearances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nEven more concerning, over the last six weeks he ranks outside the Top 75 in total strokes gained<\/strong>, showing how much his overall game has slipped. The talent is there, but the current form simply isn\u2019t. He\u2019s another easy fade this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Open<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>: Best DraftKings DFS Picks for The Open<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\nBrian Harman ($6,600) <\/strong>always seems to elevate his game when The Open rolls around. He\u2019s made five straight Open Championship cuts<\/strong>, with four Top 20 finishes and a Claret Jug <\/strong>during that stretch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nHe also made the cut at the Scottish Open last week with a 36th-place finish and has now made 14 of his last 15 cuts<\/strong>, including all four majors this season. At this salary, you\u2019re getting one of the safest major championship players in the field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nPatrick Reed ($7,000) <\/strong>is exactly the type of player who seems to elevate his game when the stage gets bigger. He missed the cut at the U.S. Open, but outside of that he\u2019s been outstanding in marquee events this season, finishing 12th at The Masters<\/strong>, 10th at the PGA Championship<\/strong>, and 13th last week at the Scottish Open<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nHe\u2019s also won twice <\/strong>and added a runner-up <\/strong>on the DP World Tour, proving his form is no fluke. Reed has built a career on thriving in difficult conditions and high-pressure tournaments, making him one of the best values on the DFS board at just $7,000<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nRussell Henley ($7,700) <\/strong>is built for this style of golf. He\u2019s finished 5th and 10th <\/strong>in the last two Open Championships and posted a respectable 37th <\/strong>the last time this course hosted in 2017. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nHenley remains one of the most accurate drivers in the field, and both his approach play and putting have been elite throughout the season. With precision at a premium this week, he profiles as one of the strongest DFS plays in this price range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Rest Of Lineup: Alex Fitzpatrick $7400, Matthew Fitzpatrick $10,000, Tommy Fleetwood $10,500<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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