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Get the Best Open Championship Free Bets
The Open Championship – often referred to as The Open – is one of the most prestigious events in golf, and each year it attracts millions of viewers and punters alike. If you're looking for the best free bets and betting offers for The Open 2025, you're in the right place.
We've got you a round-up of the latest bookmaker promotions, plus everything you need to know about the tournament itself – from key dates and venues to past winners and tips on where to watch the action unfold.
Latest Free Bets & Betting Offers for The Open 2025
Whether you’re a seasoned golf punter or placing your first bet on The Open, bookmakers roll out some of their most competitive promotions for this major, especially in the UK.
Before and during the tournament you can expect to see:
Bet X Get Y Sign-up offers
The most common offer for new customers, simply click the offer and create your account, once your first bet of the required amount (usually £5) settles, you are credited with your free bets!
Enhanced odds offers
An increasingly popular and common type of welcome offer. You will be offered incredibly generous odds on a simple and likely outcome. For example, Rory McIlroy to birdie a hole in his first round at 40/1.
This does mean the free bets are not guaranteed like with other offers, but may be more generous
No deposit free bets
No deposit free bets can be available for both new and existing customers. For new customers they are rarer and will usually credit you with £30-£50 in free bets as soon as you open the account, with no qualifying bet or deposit required.
For existing customers, the amount is lower, usually between £1-£10 and are tied to a specific event or market. For example, Paddy Power may offer a free £1 bet on the outright winner of The Open. You can usually claim these offers on the app homepage.
Each-way boosts and extra places
All our partners have a variety of each-way offers for The Open. Whether it is pick your places or just boosted each-way terms. They give you more opportunities to try win on bigger prices and are available to new and existing customers.
Our leading bookmaker partners are all likely to feature prominently in the build-up to The Open, with fresh golf betting offers and price boosts released closer to the start of the tournament. Keep checking this page as we’ll keep it updated with the best free bet offers as they go live.
How to Claim Golf Free Bets for The Open
Claiming your free bet offer is easy, simply follow the below steps to claim your free bets:
- 1.Choose a bookmaker from our offers list.
- 2.Read the terms and conditions.
- 3.Register and meet the qualifying deposit or stake requirement if there is one.
- 4.Receive your free bets.
Terms and conditions always apply, so be sure to read the offer details before betting to avoid disappointment.
Why Use Free Bets for The Open Championship?
Free bets are a great way for you to get involved in betting markets during The Open. With a wide range of player options and fast-changing odds, golf betting can offer excellent value — especially with free bets that remove the need to stake real money.
Using free bets lets you:
- Back outsiders each-way, aiming for a bigger return.
- Get involved in betting on The Open without staking your own money.
- Enjoy the difficult and unpredictable conditions while cheering on your chosen player!
The Best Ways to Use Free Bets on Golf
Not sure how to get the most from your free bets? Here are some strategic tips:
- Each-Way Bets on Outsiders: Golf is one of the best sports for each-way betting, and free bets are ideal for backing long-odds players with big returns if they finish in the top 5, 10, or even 15!
- Top Nationality Markets: If you have a free bet, consider a Top American, Top European, or Top GB & Ireland market – they can often be easier to land than the outright winner but are at worse odds.
- First Round Leader Bets: Use a free bet on a player known for fast starts — often high in value and rewarding with rising stars leading early on!
- In-Play Momentum Swings: Free bets can be used mid-round if your bookmaker allows in-play staking, especially when weather quickly changes conditions across the course.
How to Spot Value in Open Championship Odds
Betting on The Open isn’t just about picking a winner — it’s about finding value. Here’s what to look for:
- Course fit – Players who thrive in links conditions often outperform their odds.
- Form in windy conditions – Strong wind players tend to go under the radar in markets.
- Public favourites – Short odds on big names like Rory McIlroy or Jon Rahm often reflect popularity more than betting value. Don’t be afraid to look elsewhere!
- Betting exchanges – Compare fixed odds with exchange prices to find real market confidence.
By combining smart picks with free bet offers, you increase your edge without increasing your risk.
Free Golf Betting Tips on Sporting Life
At Sporting Life, we combine trusted golf betting tips, in-depth tournament previews, and real-time odds comparisons to give punters everything they need to back a winner at The Open.
Whether you're hunting for the best Open Championship betting offers or want the latest news and analysis before making your picks, we’ve got you covered in our Golf Betting Tips Centre.
Are Free Bets Really Free?
Yes — free bets do not require you to stake any money when placing the bet. However, most free bet offers have qualifying criteria which may involve you depositing or placing a bet.
Remember that:
- Free bet stakes are not returned with winnings.
- Some offers come with minimum odds restrictions (usually 1/1 or 2.0).
- Wagering requirements may apply to winnings in certain cases. This can mean you may not able to withdraw the winnings immediately.
Always check the terms to make sure you aren’t disappointed. All our partners clearly label the requirements and restrictions on their offers.
When and Where is The Open 2025?
The 153rd Open Championship will take place from Thursday 17 July to Sunday 20 July 2025, returning to the historic Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland. The venue last hosted the tournament in 2019, and its challenging layout and coastal winds promise another captivating edition of links golf.
Where to Watch The Open 2025
UK viewers can watch live coverage of The Open on Sky Sports Golf, with extensive daily coverage from the opening tee shot to the final putt. Highlights and clips will also be available on BBC Sport, alongside radio coverage via BBC Radio 5 Live.
If you’re betting in-play, having access to live footage is key – many bookmakers also provide real-time shot trackers for their customers.
History of The Open Championship
First played in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club, The Open is the oldest golf major and remains the only one held outside the United States. Organised by The R&A, the tournament has become a cornerstone of the global sporting calendar, known for its links courses, unpredictable weather, and iconic Claret Jug.
It is one of golf’s four majors, alongside the Masters, PGA Championship and U.S. Open.
Most Successful Golfers in The Open
The most successful golfer at The Open is Harry Vardon, who won the Claret Jug six times between 1896 and 1914.
In more recent history, Tiger Woods won the coveted trophy three times in his career (2000, 2005, 2006), as did Jack Nicklaus (1966, 1970, 1978).
Recent Winners of The Open Championship
Here are The Open champions from the last ten years, as well as the course the championship took place at:
2024 Royal Troon – Xander Schuffele (-9)
2023 Royal Liverpool – Brian Harman (-13)
2022 St Andrews – Cameron Smith (-20)
2021 Royal St George's – Collin Morikawa (-15)
2019 Royal Portrush – Shane Lowry (-15)
2018 Carnoustie – Francesco Molinari (-8)
2017 Royal Birkdale – Jordan Spieth (-12)
2016 Royal Troon – Henrik Stenson (-20)
2015 St Andrews – Zach Johnson (-15)
2014 Royal Liverpool – Rory McIlroy (-17)
Betting Tips for The Open Championship
The Open presents a unique set of challenges every year, with unpredictable weather and unique course layouts testing every aspect of a player’s game. Winners of The Open often have to be incredibly talented in three key areas:
- Course experience – links golf is a completely different challenge to your typical golf course. With natural undulating terrain and sandy dunes testing a golfer's precision.
- Wind management – Being on the coast means conditions can change in a heartbeat, with wind a particularly important factor to consider.
- Scrambling ability – getting up and down around the greens is key here, the wind can often leave players in the rough near the greens and recovering is vital.
Watch out for players with strong form in previous Opens or links-style courses, and those with consistent putting stats. Closer to the event, our free golf betting tips will offer expert previews and picks.
Popular Golf Betting Markets for The Open
Golf has experienced a similar boom in market types to other sports, with a range now available across bookmakers. Below are som popular markets typically available for The Open Championship:
- Outright Winner
- Top 5 / Top 10 / Top 20 Finishes
- First Round Leader
- Top Nationalities (e.g. Top American, Top European)
- Group Betting
- Hole-in-One Specials
You can also explore live in-play betting, which has become increasingly popular as the fast-changing conditions shifts throughout the four rounds.
