Harig predicted a storybook finish with Rory McIlroy reclaiming Portrush. After admitting a post-Masters lull, McIlroy has quietly gained strokes in every facet over his last four starts and arrives determined to atone for his missed cut at the 2019 home Open. Harig believes the Northern Irishman’s combination of driving distance (1st on Tour) and creativity around the greens gives him the perfect blend to handle Portrush’s rugged terrain and lift a drought-ending Claret Jug.

Harig called Cam Smith the best long-shot value on the entire board at 100-1. The 2022 Claret Jug winner owns the short-game creativity Portrush demands, and even in a down year he still ranks top-15 on LIV in strokes-gained putting. Harig argued that a past champion who thrives in wind should never be triple-digit odds, making Smith a mandatory flyer for outright tickets and each-way bets.

Bob Harig warned bettors that Bryson DeChambeau is severely overpriced for Royal Portrush. Harig pointed to DeChambeau’s lack of success on links—three missed cuts in his last four Open starts and nothing better than T8—as proof his bomb-and-gouge approach still does not translate overseas. Harig added that Bryson’s irons remain spotty and his lone 2025 highlight came on target-golf setups, making him a clear fade near the top of the odds board.