THE US Open golf taking place in Erin, Wisconsin, is the highlight of the sporting week and as ever, the bookmakers have priced up an inordinate amount of markets. 

Dustin Johnson is the 8/1 favourite to win the event, Rory McIlroy 12/1, Jason Day and Jordan Spieth 14/1, Jon Rahm and Rickie Fowler 22/1, Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia 25/1 and thereafter it is 33/1 bar. 

There are three Scottish players competing: Martin Laird and Russell Knox are 250/1 and Richie Ramsay 500/1. Most layers are offering place terms of ¼ odds 1-6 but some are ⅕ odds 1-7 and even ⅕ odds 1-8.

The advice is unless there is a sizable difference in price, try to take the extra places because with firms paying out (albeit reduced amounts) on ties it is perfectly possible for 10 or 12 golfers to reward each way backers off eight places.

The bookies give the punter the option to narrow the field by splitting the competitors into regions or individual countries and invite bets as to which golfer will prevail. For example, ‘Top Scot’ has Laird at 6/4 (Boylesports), Knox at 6/4 (Skybet) and Ramsay 18/5 (Betfred).

Under the ‘Top GB/Ireland’ category, Laird and Knox are 40/1 and Ramsay 66/1 (each way terms ¼ odds 1, 2, 3).

Other popular wagering opportunities include the 18-hole match betting, first round leader, top 20 finish, making or missing the cut, whether there will be a hole in one (yes is 10/11 with Betvictor, no 11/10 with Skybet) and the chance of a play-off (yes is 7/2 with Stan James, no 1/4 with Betfred).

There are a number of rugby union internationals occurring this weekend, none bigger than Scotland’s trip down under (Sky Sports 1, Saturday 6am). The Wallabies are 1/6 (Bet365/Betvictor), Scotland 9/2 and a draw 33/1. The handicap line is drawn at 14 with both sides 10/11 and a tie 19/1 (Paddy Power). 

Argentina play England later that day (BBC2, 8.15pm) and after last week’s close high-scoring encounter, the bookies make the Pumas 10/11 (Betfred), England 21/20 (Boylesports) and a draw 22/1 (Paddy Power).
Ireland and Wales are considered to have much easier tasks in their respective matches; the Irish are no bigger than 1/7 to see off Japan (Premier Sports, Saturday 6am) with the hosts 5/1 (Betfred) and a draw 40/1. The handicap mark is either at -14 Ireland or +15 Japan depending on which team you fancy. 

Wales are 1/25 to dispose of Tonga (BBC2 Wales, Friday 6.30am) and on the handicap are -24 at 10/11.