The Open Championship (British Open), the third major of the year, starts later today.
This year The Open will be played at Royal Birkdale, Southport, England. It’s a par 70 links course, measuring 7,156 yards.
The Open was last played here in 2008, where it was survival of the fittest and Padraig Harrington won with a score of + 3. The forecast for the weekend looks tough and if the winds get up it could be another brutal test. Despite being nine years ago, I think the winner and runner up from that event are both great each-way value this year – Padraig Harrington (70/1) and Ian Poulter (100/1).
Clearly links form is crucial, and with The Scottish Open and Irish Open having been played in the previous two weeks, I think playing at least one of these events is a key. Harrington and Poulter have both played in recent weeks and showed decent form.
Experience is also important for The Open and age is certainly no barrier. I couldn’t back any debutants or even players that have only played in one or two Opens.
Of the leading players, I’m happy to oppose in the betting:
• Dustin Johnson (17/1) who hasn’t played in the last month and is still a query after his back injury.
• Rory McIlroy (22/1) who has been struggled recently and missed the cut in his past two events.
• Jon Rahm (18/1) who despite being on the up, lacks experience that might be crucial this week.
I’m also backing Ricky Fowler (17/1) who has great recent form and also good experience and solid results in previous Open Championships.
So in summary my bets for the Open are:
Harrington 0.5 units each-way @ 70/1
Poulter 0.5 units each-way @ 100/1
Fowler 1 unit to win @ 17/1
Good luck if you’re having a bet…