2023 Genesis Scottish Open: Preview and Betting Guide

As Hoylake gears up for the final major of the year next week, first up, Renaissance hosts the 2023 Genesis Scottish Open, beginning on Thursday.

One of five Rolex Series events, North Berwick welcomes the cream of golf in its second year as a PGA Tour event.

A traditional warm-up to the Open Championship, the week prior in Scotland is now bigger than ever before.

Won last year by Xander Schauffele, this year’s purse is the richest yet, with the winner netting a cool $1.62million.

Who are we looking at to contend in East Lothian?

Fowler holds momentum – 18/1 for 8 places with BoyleSports

For Rickie Fowler, the story of the season has been of his own Renaissance.

The 34-year-old from California, for large parts of last month’s US Open at LA Country Club, looked set to finally end his 15-year wait for a first major title.

Having led wire-to-wire in his native Golden State up until Sunday, to the huge disappointment of his many fans then fell away over the final 18 holes at LACC, finishing T5.

However, following a rather bitter pill two weeks prior, Fowler then picked up his first PGA Tour win in over four years.

Sealing the Rocket Mortgage in Detroit via a playoff win over Adam Hadwin and Collin Morikawa, Fowler arrives in Scotland in fine fettle.

Indeed, not only does he stand as a winner of this event in 2015 at Gullane, the Californian boasts a good links record with three T6 or better finishes at the Open

Coming into this year’s tournament on the back of eight top 10 finishes also, Fowler could be a big player this week.

Lowry lurking – 30/1 for 8 places with 888sport

A bigger price in the betting but still a name who will have many backers at Renaissance, Shane Lowry can be prominent.

Not only is Lowry, 36, 15th in the Power Rankings, the weather this week is set to play to Lowry’s strengths.

Having blossomed at Royal Portrush to claim what remains his only major in 2019, though the Irishman has proved his game in all conditions, it is in the wet where he will always thrive.

The man from County Offaly is not only a links pro but won the BMW PGA Championship on British soil at Wentworth last season.

When the going gets tough, the rough gets tough but on many occasions, the Irishman has proved his staying power in the elements.

If the rain and wind linger in North Berwick, Lowry looks a very decent shout.

The outsiders

In true testing links going, the list of contenders this week is indeed long.

One of the big outsiders certainly not in name, Justin Rose will still be regarded as an outsider at Renaissance, but very much a dark horse.

Winner at Royal Aberdeen nine years back, the Englishman has not won on home British soil since 2014, but carries hopes here at 45/1.

Having notched nine top 25 finishes across the globe this term, only a fortnight ago Rose came T4 at the Belfry.

Royal Liverpool may suit his game more, but Rose might yet be celebrating early.

Other names in the frame include an 18/1 ready-made links winner Viktor Hovland, who can go so much better after missing the cut last year.

Documenting Schauffele’s chances already, the defending champ is in good shape with 10-straight T25 finishes, whilst Patrick Cantlay was fourth here in 2022 and is currently top in the all-round rankings at 14/1.

Tommy Fleetwood will be a big local favourite in Liverpool next week and should also feature, whilst Tyrrell Hatton and Matt Fitzpatrick are ready to impress amongst a strong English field.

Fitzpatrick is the longest-priced of those at Genesis, on the table at some 25/1.

For a longer punt, but by no means a wild stab in the dark, Kurt Kitayama was runner-up here 12 months ago and can be snapped up for treble figures at a best price of 110s.

What to expect at North Berwick this week

The Renaissance Club at North Berwick is a stern links test where wind, firm fairways and gnarly rough can reshape the leaderboards each day.

Expect scoring to swing widely between calm and blustery conditions, making course management and par-saving key for contenders.

Course setup and weather: impact on scoring

North Berwick rewards low, controlled ball flights and short-game creativity around firm, quick greens.

The forecast in the build-up should be monitored closely as even moderate wind increases volatility across the betting markets.

Which players have the strongest links form

Players with recent top finishes in UK and European links events, or strong historical Open performances, deserve closer attention.

Look for names with consistent short-game and shot-shaping statistics rather than purely recent wins on parkland courses.

How recent performance translates to North Berwick

Recent top-10s show current form but adjust expectations for players who have only excelled on softer, inland setups this season.

Past performance at the Open or on Scottish links tends to be the most reliable guide to potential success in East Lothian.

Value betting angles and market strategies explained

Backing a player with a proven links record at slightly longer odds can offer value over favourite-heavy markets ahead of final tee times.

Consider splitting stakes across each-way and place-focused bets rather than backing a single winner to spread risk responsibly.

Key stats to check before placing a wager

Prioritise strokes gained around the green, scrambling percentage and average approach proximity for firm links setups.

Short-term form matters, but combine it with historic links performance and wind play to build an evidence-based view.

How to use bookmaker offers wisely and safely

Bookmaker incentives can enhance value but read terms carefully and factor rollover or odds restrictions into any staking plan.

You can explore current bookmaker offers through our comparison tools if you choose to bet responsibly.

Responsible gambling advice for informed customers

Betting is for people aged 18 and over and should be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems.

Set limits, stick to a budget you can afford to lose, and take breaks if betting stops being enjoyable or begins to feel risky.

In-play and tactical betting opportunities

Links tournaments often present in-play value as leaders adjust to changing wind and pin positions across rounds.

Smaller stake in-play bets on place markets can be sensible for experienced punters who follow live conditions closely.

Comparing bookmaker odds and finding best value

Shop around for the best price and check place terms as different firms can vary considerably in how many places they pay and at what fractions.

Using a price comparison approach reduces downside and increases long-term value when matched with disciplined staking.

How weather and tee times affect market moves

Early and late tee times can face very different conditions; consider splitting stakes by tee time if the forecast differs across the day.

Weather-affected rounds can create late market movers — patience before committing to larger stakes is advised.

Staking plans to manage variance in golf betting

Flat stakes or small percentage staking based on a pre-defined bankroll helps limit losses during volatile links weeks.

Avoid chasing losses and never increase stakes to recoup previous deficits; maintain consistent, responsible sizing.

Using form across football, racing and golf for insight

As a betting publisher with expertise in football and horse racing, we emphasise process over impulse and data over hype.

Cross-sport insights around market efficiency and odds movement can sharpen your approach to golf markets as well.

Where to find reliable live coverage and statistics

Official tournament feeds, on-course trackers and established statistics providers offer the best single-round metrics for in-play decisions.

Combine live stats with on-the-ground weather reports to refine any short-term market plays you plan to make.

Responsible gambling reminder: betting is only for those aged 18+, and should always be undertaken responsibly.

You can explore our current recommended bookmaker offers and free bet deals at BestOfBets free bets to compare odds and terms before you place a bet.

For players interested in casino promotions, view our recommended casino bonus offers at BestOfBets casino bonus and always gamble responsibly.

Is the Genesis Scottish Open suitable for betting

Yes, it offers many market opportunities but betting should be treated as entertainment and restricted to those aged 18 and over.

Prioritise research and disciplined staking and do not view betting as a way to make money.

Which factors most influence links golf outcomes

Wind, firmness, player short game and the ability to control ball flight are the primary determinants on links courses.

Use those metrics when comparing players rather than relying solely on headline recent finishes.

How should I interpret prices and market moves

Market moves reflect money and information flow; large shifts often follow weather updates, tee-time releases or injury news.

Compare prices across firms and look for discrepancies that align with your own assessment of form and conditions.

Are there safe ways to use free bet offers

Yes, but read the T&Cs, check minimum odds and wagering requirements, and treat free bets as a chance to trial markets rather than a guaranteed profit.

Apply small, controlled stakes and avoid over-extending because of promotional incentives.

What age and responsible gambling rules apply here

All betting information is intended for people aged 18 or older; please do not bet if you are under 18.

If you have concerns about your gambling, seek support from organisations such as GamCare or Gamban and use bookmaker safeguards.

How can form at other events predict links results

Good recent form matters, but give more weight to performances on similar firm, windy conditions and past links results.

Players who show strong scrambling and short-game stats on firm courses are more likely to convert form into success at North Berwick.