Billy Seagull
Bookie Basher
- Jul 5, 2003
- 1,439
The 137th Open Championship starts on Thursday at Royal Birkdale. Unfortunately, Tiger's not playing but it leaves The Open, very open. I have adopted a scattergun approach to finding the winner and have had 7 bets so far:
Stewart Cink - world number 5, winner last time out in America and 6th in The Open last year. Also had a good tournament at Birkdale in 1998 apart from the Saturday when the whole field got blown off course. Available at 40 on Betfair which is great value. I'm on at an average of 49.
Jim Furyk - usually very consistent and another player who is overpriced. He was 4th in 1998 and has also been in the top 10 on two other occasions. 4th last time out in America. A swing all of his own and available at 26. I'm on at 38.
Andres Romero - very inconsistent but a winner on the PGA Tour this year and 3rd last year when he looked like winning. He has the occasional nightmare hole and started well in Scotland this which is a good sign. I'm on at 40 but 42 is available now.
Angel Cabrera - another inconsistent Argentinian but is in form at the moment. Two good rounds in Scotland but not quite so good Today with two triple bogeys. Don't mind that as I want him to win next week not this. I'm on at 75 and 55s is available now after his good showing this week.
Hunter Mahan - American young gun who has been in good form this season with last three events being 18th, 2nd and 12th. Was 6th in the Open last year and has the look of a major winner in waiting especially without Tiger in the field. I'm on at 75, 65 available now.
Real outside picks are Soren Hansen (120) and Brandt Snedeker (160).
The favourites - Sergio Garcia is a very poor favourite in my eyes and should have won last year when blowing a 3 shot lead. Ernie Els is out of form and putting like a 36 handicapper. Phil Mickelson has an awful Open record, Lee Westwood has never done it in a major and Padraig Harrington has done it once, thanks to Garcia blowing last year.
A wide open event which should be 4 great days sport even without Tiger. Wouldn't be surprised if the SP of the winner is 100/1+. If I had to pick one player it would be Cink.
Stewart Cink - world number 5, winner last time out in America and 6th in The Open last year. Also had a good tournament at Birkdale in 1998 apart from the Saturday when the whole field got blown off course. Available at 40 on Betfair which is great value. I'm on at an average of 49.
Jim Furyk - usually very consistent and another player who is overpriced. He was 4th in 1998 and has also been in the top 10 on two other occasions. 4th last time out in America. A swing all of his own and available at 26. I'm on at 38.
Andres Romero - very inconsistent but a winner on the PGA Tour this year and 3rd last year when he looked like winning. He has the occasional nightmare hole and started well in Scotland this which is a good sign. I'm on at 40 but 42 is available now.
Angel Cabrera - another inconsistent Argentinian but is in form at the moment. Two good rounds in Scotland but not quite so good Today with two triple bogeys. Don't mind that as I want him to win next week not this. I'm on at 75 and 55s is available now after his good showing this week.
Hunter Mahan - American young gun who has been in good form this season with last three events being 18th, 2nd and 12th. Was 6th in the Open last year and has the look of a major winner in waiting especially without Tiger in the field. I'm on at 75, 65 available now.
Real outside picks are Soren Hansen (120) and Brandt Snedeker (160).
The favourites - Sergio Garcia is a very poor favourite in my eyes and should have won last year when blowing a 3 shot lead. Ernie Els is out of form and putting like a 36 handicapper. Phil Mickelson has an awful Open record, Lee Westwood has never done it in a major and Padraig Harrington has done it once, thanks to Garcia blowing last year.
A wide open event which should be 4 great days sport even without Tiger. Wouldn't be surprised if the SP of the winner is 100/1+. If I had to pick one player it would be Cink.
