Tiger Woods talks with the media during a press conference prior to the 150th Open Championship golf tournament at St. Andrews Old Course. Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

Open Championship: Bettors backing Tiger Woods at St. Andrews

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 7/13/22

After all these years, Tiger Woods still gets golf fans to buy into the game. So perhaps it isn't too big of a surprise that they're hoping for him to pull off something magnificent on the Old Course at St. Andrews this weekend.

While Rory McIlroy has been the overwhelming favorite at sportsbooks to win the Open Championship, which tees off on Thursday, ESPN reported that Woods is a very popular long shot across the board -- even though he is listed as a 110-1 shot to lift the Claret Jug.

MAJOR WEEK. ⛳️

(p.s. Tiger Woods is +8000)

odds via @FOXBet pic.twitter.com/FR7EDz6P2w
— FOX Bet Live (@FOXBetLive) July 11, 2022

ESPN reported that more money had been put on Woods than any other golfer as of Tuesday. This is, of course, a huge liability for sportsbooks, who stand to lose a staggering amount of money if he pulls off an unprecedented victory.

"The Tiger appeal is always going to be there," Caesars Sportsbook lead golf trader Anthony Salleroli told ESPN. "Truth be told, his natural odds are probably more like 125-1. You just have to mitigate some liability by keeping his number lower. Nonetheless, you're going to have enormous liability because people want the Cinderella story."

Woods is playing in just his third event this season in a grand return after a car crash in February 2021 left him with career and life-threatening injuries. He has not won a tournament since his surprise victory at The Masters in 2019.

ESPN reported that Phil Mickelson is another veteran long shot that has attracted large wagers from bettors. As of Wednesday, Caesars Sportsbook had Lefty listed as a 200-1 long shot.

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