Event: 2013 Open Championship at Muirfield Links, Scotland
When: Begins Thursday, July 18th – First tee off at 3.32pm AEST
This 2013 British Open or 'The Open Championship' as its known, will be played at Muirfield Links in Scotland. It is a 7245 yard Par 71 Course and it has been described as the fairest of all Open courses. What this actually means is the 'easiest'. There are really no diabolical parts of the course, where if your ball lands you're basically dead. This is however still a links course and by no means will it be a walk in the park.
There is a rich History at Muirfield and a big-name in golf seems to win this championship. The last 6 winners here are Ernie Els, Nick Faldo, Tom Watson, Lee Travino, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. As you can see these are hall-of-fame caliber players. This doesn't mean a current top 10 golfer will automatically be handed the claret jug. I do however believe the cream will rise to the top.
The weather always plays a big role, especially at the Open Championship. Conditions this year look fairly good - cloudy with sunny breaks and mild wind. The flat bent grass greens will quicken throughout the championship, so superior short game is as always imperative.
We hit a $40-1 tip with Jordan Spieth winning the John Deere Classic PGA tour event last week and were able to make even more profits through laying off a few of the other selections throughout the event. As always with these big field sports like golf, adjust your betting units and make sure to watch the markets.
Phil Mickelson- This is my strongest play of the championship. Phil won the Scottish Open last week and while not many can back up a tour win with a Major win, the last person to do it was Phil Mickleson. The Driver isn’t even in the bag, which is a good thing as he blasts his 3 wood just as far, but finds the fairway more often. He seems to be having fun with golf and is in great form. I’m tipping Phil Mickleson as a great chance to win his first Open Championship.
Odds: $19 at Sportsbet
$21 at Betfair
Adam Scott- Just can’t leave this guy out of my picks. Picture perfect swing. Tee to green is among the best in the world and as long as the belly putter is legal he will be a threat. Has now won a major before and is confident as ever.
Odds: $21 at Sportsbet
$25 at Betfair
Henrick Stenson - One of my roughies. Has two top 3 finishes in 4 years at the Open. Great ball striker and a T3 at Castle Stuart. Good value at the odds that are being offered.
Odds: $46 at Sportsbet
$46 - $48 at Betfair
Nicolas Colsaerts- This guy is knocking at the door for a breakthrough. He’s very long off the tee and might just surprise everyone this week. Big odds and a big chance to at least make a strong showing.
Odds: $67 at Sportsbet
$70 at Betfair
Bill Haas- Hasn’t broke through with any results in a major, but presents great value as he is in very consistent form at the moment. Too good to look past at odds nearing three figures.
Odds: $91 at Sportsbet
$90 at Betfair
*Odds correct as of 12.00pm Wednesday, July 17th
Take note: The above tip is simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always bet responsibly. Happy punting!
