The 139th British Open tees off Thursday at the coveted St. Andrew’s golf course in Scotland. The world’s oldest major championship is bringing the best golfers from around the world to compete for the claret jug.
Tiger Woods is the early leader by oddsmakers despite not winning a major since the 2008 U.S. Open. He faced injuries and marital problems since then but showed a comeback at the 2010 U.S. Open where he tied for fourth. Woods leads the odds because he has won the British Open both times he competed and has the stamina to get through the tough course. Still, he hasn’t shown the form we’ve seen from him in the past so he remains just a solid lay bet.
Phil Mickelson has taken advantage of Woods’ down year. Mickelson took the U.S. Masters title earlier this year and finished in the top four at the U.S. Open. He has five top 10 finishes this season so keep an eye on him at St. Andrews. But, Mickelson’s best finish was third at the British Open in 2004. Apart from that, he finished in a tie for 11th in 2000. He is priced too high for a lay bet but still has good each-way value.
Lee Westwood is Britain’s best shot at the British Open. Westwood won the St. Jude Championship and had top five finishes at the U.S. Masters, Players Championship and Dubai Desert Classic. He plays well at St. Andrews with two top five finishes, including third in 2009. He’s a great each-way bet at William Hill for those looking for a top five finish from the Englishman.
Ernie Els is a solid longshot bet since he is terribly overpriced as one of the best form golfers on the PGA Tour in 2010. Els has two wins, a top four finish at the U.S. Open and another seven top 10 finishes on the season. The seasoned veteran has finished in the top 10 at the British Open 12 times before, including one win. He knows the course better than anyone else in the field, making him the best each-way value paying to fifth place.
Another great longshot is Justin Rose, who is second in the FedEx Cup points and has two wins on the season with the Memorial and AT&T National. The Englishman made a name for himself in 2010 after tying with Els at the Tavistock Cup and finishing third in the Honda Classic. He will have the home crowd behind him at St. Andrews and is a good each-way bet despite only cracking the top ten at the British Open once in his career.
British Open Outright Odds (odds provided by William Hill)
Tiger Woods: 5/1
Rory McIlroy: 18/1
Phil Mickelson: 19/1
Lee Westwood: 20/1
Ernie Els: 22/1
Justin Rose: 22/1
Padraig Harrington: 25/1
Graeme McDowell: 30/1
Ian Poulter: 35/1
Martin Kaymer: 38/1
Steve Stricker: 40/1
Paul Casey: 40/1
Luke Donald: 45/1
Jim Furyk: 50/1