The Open Championship Betting Preview
The Open Championship will begin at Muirfield Golf Club, Scotland on Thursday for the first time since the links last hosted the event in 2002. That year it was the South African, Ernie Els who claimed the Claret Jug...
Els is also the defending champion going into this week’s event after winning his second Open Championship at Royal Lytham and St. Anne’s, last year. The Open is seen as the pinnacle of golf by many of the game’s stars. It is the oldest golf championship in the world and also houses the biggest field out of any of the four majors. All of these factors come together to make it one of the most unpredictable tournaments to take place each year.
As usual the bookies favourite to take home the Claret Jug on Sunday evening is Tiger Woods. It’s impossible to rule Tiger out of any tournament that he plays in, especially The Open, of which he’s won three. Tiger will like the look of Muirfield this week as it sets up to play very hard and fast after the glorious weather of the last few weeks. Conditions will be very reminiscent of Hoylake in 2006 when Tiger was victorious despite only using his driver once all week. Woods has said that he has only used the driver a few times so far in practice as he has more control over the ball when using irons or fairway woods off the tee. He will certainly be in contention and, at 10/1, he’s decent value, especially compared to his 4/1 price to win The Masters earlier on the year.
Second favourite (and my favourite for the tournament) is Phil Mickelson. ‘Lefty’ took the Scottish Open title last week on a Castle Stuart golf course that was playing much like Muirfield will play this week. Mickelson has never won an Open Championship title but must stand his best chance ever this week after his performance last weekend. The American’s odds were slashed last Sunday after his win but he is still good value going into this week at 18/1.
Of the Irish players competing this week Graeme McDowell looks to have the best chance after his French Open victory two weeks ago. He is at 25/1. I’d also fancy Shane Lowry to do well this week. The Clara native always seems relaxed and at ease with himself on the golf course, despite how he might be playing. Lowry might be worth at small stake at odds of 100/1.
If you’re looking for an outside bet to stick a few quid on, look no further than Dustin Johnson. The big-hitting American is 45/1 this week and has an excellent record in Open Championships. He has finished in the top 15 in his last three Opens, including a second place finish two years ago. Other players who have caught the eye recently are Justin Rose (22/1), Adam Scott (25/1) and Sergio Garcia (33/1).
For the best value on this year’s Open Championship, Paddy Power is the place to go. They are paying out seven places on each way bets and, if you open a new account, they will pay out TEN places and give you a free bet!