This week sees the players line up for the third major of the golfing season - The Open Championship, and as ever, there are a number of possible fantastic stories waiting to be told.
The venue is Royal St George, Sandwich, a course that was last used in 2003, when Ben Curtis' final round 69 was enough, along with Thomas Bjorn's collapse, to provide one of the greatest shocks in sport.
Bjorn had a 3 shot lead with 4 to play that day, but bogeyed 15, took 3 to get out of a bunker on the par 3 16th, and bogeyed 17. Bjorn had already received a 2 shot penalty in the first round for striking a bunker in anger after leaving his ball in the sand attempting a chip. His meltdown is still one of the Open Championships more memorable finishes, and many will be hoping this week lives up to the drama 8 years ago.
Bjorn himself is first reserve this week, so will only get the chance to exorcise his demons if someone withdraws. His caddie that day, Billy Foster, has a realistic chance of stopping the nightmares this week however, being on the bag for second favourite, Lee Westwood.
Tiger is conspicuous by his absence once again, and one has to wonder whether his knee, which is currently recovering from its 7th major operation, will ever let Tiger compete at full fitness ever again.
Finally, however, in the shape of US Open winner Rory Mcllroy, we have a new golfing idol to replace King Tiger. Rory won in such style at Congressional that he is rightly favourite for this event at a best price of 13/2. If he is in
Anything like the form he showed that week he could win by 5 shots or more. At St Andrews last year, Rory hit a first round 63 to lead the field at -9, before showing the pre-Congressional fragility we thought we knew so well.
The man who took full advantage last year was Luis Oosthuizen, a South African who seemingly came from nowhere, strolled about without noticing the world class field chasing his tail, and won by 7 shots from Westwood. Oosthuizen, who was a 250/1 shot, has hardly competed for wins since last year's triumph, and it is difficult to envisage a repeat performance.
Rory and 'Oostie' will be doing the lion's share of the media work this time round, and the effect this will have on their practice routines has to be taken into account. As such, this guinea pig is willing to take the Market favourite and last year's winner on. Rory hasnt played competitively since that famous win, and although he has apparently been practising hard, I would have liked to see him at least one run out coming into this event.
Next in the market come a whole host of European names, all of which are credible hopes. Westwood, currently world no.2, and Donald, who just deposed him as no.1, are ultra consistent. It is easy to see them both being there or thereabouts on the Sunday, and there will be plenty of money for them both to win, as well as for top 5 or 10 finish.
Donald was superb this week in winning the Scottish Open, and his game; peppering flags with pinpoint irons and a peerless short game; is ideal for an Open Championship. Backing him for a top 10 finish at Will Hill 10/11 is virtually buying money. No-one has ever done the Scottish/Open double, but Luke has a super chance this week.
Westwood is slightly shorter than Luke Donald in the outright markets, which is largely down to his mega consistent record in the majors. He has had 6 top 3 finishes in his last 11 majors, including 2nd last year to Oosthuizen. However, the setup at St George might not quite suit his game as well as some others, and I can see another narrow defeat this week.
USPGA winner Martin Kaymer still doesn't look back to his best, McDowell has had a tendency to chuck himself out of contention with a bad hole or two recently, Sergio has shown an encouraging return to form but could you really see him winning?
Of the other Europeans towards the top of the market, Harrington is hitting the ball superbly in practice, but professes that when he won his 3 majors he was hitting the ball much worse! Rose, Poulter and Casey are all capable of competing on their day but they would have to bring a game well in advance of anything they have demonstrated recently.
The venue is Royal St George, Sandwich, a course that was last used in 2003, when Ben Curtis' final round 69 was enough, along with Thomas Bjorn's collapse, to provide one of the greatest shocks in sport.
Bjorn had a 3 shot lead with 4 to play that day, but bogeyed 15, took 3 to get out of a bunker on the par 3 16th, and bogeyed 17. Bjorn had already received a 2 shot penalty in the first round for striking a bunker in anger after leaving his ball in the sand attempting a chip. His meltdown is still one of the Open Championships more memorable finishes, and many will be hoping this week lives up to the drama 8 years ago.
Bjorn himself is first reserve this week, so will only get the chance to exorcise his demons if someone withdraws. His caddie that day, Billy Foster, has a realistic chance of stopping the nightmares this week however, being on the bag for second favourite, Lee Westwood.
Tiger is conspicuous by his absence once again, and one has to wonder whether his knee, which is currently recovering from its 7th major operation, will ever let Tiger compete at full fitness ever again.
Finally, however, in the shape of US Open winner Rory Mcllroy, we have a new golfing idol to replace King Tiger. Rory won in such style at Congressional that he is rightly favourite for this event at a best price of 13/2. If he is in
Anything like the form he showed that week he could win by 5 shots or more. At St Andrews last year, Rory hit a first round 63 to lead the field at -9, before showing the pre-Congressional fragility we thought we knew so well.
The man who took full advantage last year was Luis Oosthuizen, a South African who seemingly came from nowhere, strolled about without noticing the world class field chasing his tail, and won by 7 shots from Westwood. Oosthuizen, who was a 250/1 shot, has hardly competed for wins since last year's triumph, and it is difficult to envisage a repeat performance.
Rory and 'Oostie' will be doing the lion's share of the media work this time round, and the effect this will have on their practice routines has to be taken into account. As such, this guinea pig is willing to take the Market favourite and last year's winner on. Rory hasnt played competitively since that famous win, and although he has apparently been practising hard, I would have liked to see him at least one run out coming into this event.
Next in the market come a whole host of European names, all of which are credible hopes. Westwood, currently world no.2, and Donald, who just deposed him as no.1, are ultra consistent. It is easy to see them both being there or thereabouts on the Sunday, and there will be plenty of money for them both to win, as well as for top 5 or 10 finish.
Donald was superb this week in winning the Scottish Open, and his game; peppering flags with pinpoint irons and a peerless short game; is ideal for an Open Championship. Backing him for a top 10 finish at Will Hill 10/11 is virtually buying money. No-one has ever done the Scottish/Open double, but Luke has a super chance this week.
Westwood is slightly shorter than Luke Donald in the outright markets, which is largely down to his mega consistent record in the majors. He has had 6 top 3 finishes in his last 11 majors, including 2nd last year to Oosthuizen. However, the setup at St George might not quite suit his game as well as some others, and I can see another narrow defeat this week.
USPGA winner Martin Kaymer still doesn't look back to his best, McDowell has had a tendency to chuck himself out of contention with a bad hole or two recently, Sergio has shown an encouraging return to form but could you really see him winning?
Of the other Europeans towards the top of the market, Harrington is hitting the ball superbly in practice, but professes that when he won his 3 majors he was hitting the ball much worse! Rose, Poulter and Casey are all capable of competing on their day but they would have to bring a game well in advance of anything they have demonstrated recently.
So, it may pay to look away from the European players, and back over the pond. My first pick is a player who, with the exception of Luke Donald, is in arguably the best form of anyone in the world. STEVE STRICKER may have only won a pitch and putt contest at the John Deere Classic when defending for a second time, but the manner of his win was astonishing.
Sailing clear of the field approaching the back nine on Sunday, Stricker ran into trouble when his ball plugged in two different bunkers. At the same time, tour rookie Kyle Stanley hit 5 birdes in 6 holes two take a two shot lead. But Stanley bogeyed 18, and Stricker picked up a birdie on 17. This meant a par on the last would force a play off. This looked a tough ask when Stricker's drive found the left fairway bunker, leaving a 180 yard approach across water to a postage stamp sized green, with a lie in the trap half a yard below his feet. However, Stricker knocked his iron to 15 feet, and sank the putt from just off the green for a remarkable win.
Sailing clear of the field approaching the back nine on Sunday, Stricker ran into trouble when his ball plugged in two different bunkers. At the same time, tour rookie Kyle Stanley hit 5 birdes in 6 holes two take a two shot lead. But Stanley bogeyed 18, and Stricker picked up a birdie on 17. This meant a par on the last would force a play off. This looked a tough ask when Stricker's drive found the left fairway bunker, leaving a 180 yard approach across water to a postage stamp sized green, with a lie in the trap half a yard below his feet. However, Stricker knocked his iron to 15 feet, and sank the putt from just off the green for a remarkable win.
Stricker also won the Memorial, just before the US Open in which he finished T19th. In 2011, Stricks has played 12 tournaments, made 12 cuts, had 10 top 25s, and 5 top 10s including 2 wins. He is maybe only average in driving distance, but his other attributes are perfect for The Open - with excellent driving accuracy, GIR, scrambling and putting. The difference between the John Deere Classic and The Open Championship, in terms of Course and climate may be too much for some players to cope with, but Stricker is based in Madison, Wisconsin, way in the North, and he is well used to practiscing in the wind and rain. He has no problem with links golf either, finishing 8th and 7th in The Open in 2007 and 2008 respectively.
Control and patience will be two of the key attributes for this Championship and they are two things that Stricker's game is based upon. Stricker has been as big as 50/1 until recently, but 40/1 with Coral, who pay to 1/3 the odds for the first 5 places, is still well worth a punt and Stricker is the star pick for the pig.
Second pick for this event is MATT KUCHAR. Kuchar is a model of consistency, with 19 Top 10 finishes on the PGA Tour in 2010 and 2011, including 7 podiums. Kuch probably doesnt win as often as he should, but he is knocking on the door so often that the wins surely arent far away. He had a good time at Castle Stuart this week, finishing T10 on -13. Although the course should play very differently from Inverness, at least he will have a week of extra prep and acclimatisation, which will have been an important part of the plan for this tournament.
The World no. 8 doesnt have the greatest Open record; struggling to break the top 100 in most of his previous attempts. Last year's 27th was a significant improvement however, and now he is so much more confident in his game he can threaten the trophy this time round.
The World no. 8 doesnt have the greatest Open record; struggling to break the top 100 in most of his previous attempts. Last year's 27th was a significant improvement however, and now he is so much more confident in his game he can threaten the trophy this time round.
Kuchar is a tall man, but he has a flat swing and low ball flight that should prove ideal for links golf if the wind blows.
Last year's Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor was further development for Kuchar, and although he only halved two matches in tandem with Stewart Cink, the experience of British conditions, very similar to Inverness this week, will stand him in good stead for The Open. I recommend backing Kuchar with Paddy Power, taking advantage of their each way terms of 7 places at 40/1.
Last year's Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor was further development for Kuchar, and although he only halved two matches in tandem with Stewart Cink, the experience of British conditions, very similar to Inverness this week, will stand him in good stead for The Open. I recommend backing Kuchar with Paddy Power, taking advantage of their each way terms of 7 places at 40/1.
The third pick is DANNY WILLETT. Willett was a pick from last week who didnt quite challenge after a great start when he was 5 under through 7 holes, before eventually finishing T31st on -10. Willett is a 23 year old from Sheffield who is ready to step up to the top table. Willett has course form, as in 2009 he won the English Amateur Championship here at Royal St George. He also won the Yorkshire Amateur Championship and was named as the World No. 1 Amateur. Willett hasn’t really fulfilled his potential this year, after an impressive debut year in 2010.
He finished runner up to Martin Kaymer in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and had six other top 10s. Willett has showed some signs of a return to form in recent weeks, contending in the BMW before fading away to 24th, before his 31st this week. He is far too good to continually stay away from the winners’ rostrum, and his game obviously fits St George, so back him with Bet 365s offer of 200/1 with 6 places.
At the same price with Sky Bet, make sure you get on ALEXANDER NOREN. Noren did reasonably well in the Us Open, coming 51st, but it was his perfomance two weeks previously, at the Welsh Open, that really catches the eye. He led from the front, and in terrible conditions, hardly put a foot wrong as he sailed two a two shot win from Gregory Bourdy and Anders Hansen. That was only his second tour win following his Omega European Masters triumph in 2009, but serves as evidence that Noren has come of age. His control on the Sunday that day was astonishing, and if he can keep his head in the same manner this week, he will have a chance of going deep in The Open.
He finished runner up to Martin Kaymer in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and had six other top 10s. Willett has showed some signs of a return to form in recent weeks, contending in the BMW before fading away to 24th, before his 31st this week. He is far too good to continually stay away from the winners’ rostrum, and his game obviously fits St George, so back him with Bet 365s offer of 200/1 with 6 places.
At the same price with Sky Bet, make sure you get on ALEXANDER NOREN. Noren did reasonably well in the Us Open, coming 51st, but it was his perfomance two weeks previously, at the Welsh Open, that really catches the eye. He led from the front, and in terrible conditions, hardly put a foot wrong as he sailed two a two shot win from Gregory Bourdy and Anders Hansen. That was only his second tour win following his Omega European Masters triumph in 2009, but serves as evidence that Noren has come of age. His control on the Sunday that day was astonishing, and if he can keep his head in the same manner this week, he will have a chance of going deep in The Open.
Lastly, I recommend a bet on PAUL LAWRIE. An open winner himself in 1999, Lawrie had struggled for form until this year, not having won since 2002. But his victory in Andalucia, holding Johan Edfors at bay by a shot, was a real return to form. He has the control of a man who knows his game and has come to terms with what he can, and crucially, cannot do. After that win, Lawrie confessed that his game was in great shape, and that he was now ready to kick on again and get back in the winners' enclosure more often. He had a decent week at the Scottish Open where he ended up at -11 for a 25th place finish, and if he does find himself at the right end of the leaderboard, he is one who will not be fazed by the lights. Lawrie is worth backing at BetFred or SkyBet,. getting 6 places and 250/1.
There is bound to be shocks and drama this week, I hope that if someone gives away a 3 shot lead with 4 to play that your pick plays the Ben Curtis character, not the Thomas Bjorn.
Selections
10pts Luke Donald top 10 finish Will Hill 10/11
4 pts ew Steve Stricker 33/1 Coral (1/3 odds 5 places)
2 pts ew Matt Kuchar 40/1 Paddy Power 40/1 (7 places)
.5 pts ew Danny Willett 200/1 Bet365 (6 places)
.5 pts ew Alexander Noren 200/1 SkyBet (6 places)
.5 pts ew Paul Lawrie 250/1 BetFred/SkyBet (6 places)
