2025 The Open Championship: Chris 'The Bear' Fallica's Expert Picks, Best Bets

"Bear Bets" are real wagers that Chris "The Bear" Fallica is actually making.

The 153rd Open Championship tees off this week from Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, and I've got a few wagers I'm making before the tournament gets underway.

Let's dive into what I'm eyeing at the moment.

Outright and Top Finish Markets 

Viktor Hovland outright winner, Top 10, Top 20 

This has long felt to me like the major Hovland was most likely to win. The greens at The Open are not as slick as the ones Hovland faces in the U.S. Open or Masters and that's huge for him, since that's the weakest part of his game. Coming off a third-place finish at Oakmont where he very easily could have won, it seems like he’s built up a bit of battle scars and is close to breaking through. Remember, he was the 54-hole leader at The Open in 2022 and had a couple of other top-15 finishes in the last few years. If you’re looking for someone other than Scottie, Rory or Rahm, he’s a great place to land. 

PICKS: 
Viktor Hovland (+3000) to win outright
Viktor Hovland (+280) Top-10 finish
Viktor Hovland (+130) Top-20 finish

Viktor Hovland of Norway is an option for those looking to fade the star players heading into The Open.

Sepp Straka  Top 20, Top 30

Surprisingly, Straka has missed all three cuts in majors this year, but this seems to be the one he’s played best in lately, finishing T-22 last year and T-2 in 2023 behind Brian Harman. His top-10 in Scotland last week should have him ready for a good effort this week. 

PICKS:
Sepp Straka (+150) Top-20 finish
Sepp Straka (+105) Top-30 finish

Sepp Straka of Austria has failed to make a cut in any of the first three majors this season.

Matt Fitzpatrick Top 20, Top 30

Maybe it’s been the