Starting tomorrow the Open Championship returns to St. Andrews. The 3rd major of the year at one of the most historic, beautiful and difficult courses in the world. Doesn't get better then this. The field this year is wide open and trying to predict who will hold the claret jug is extremely difficult. Weather is always a factor in the British Open, an early or a late tee time can mean the difference in posting a score of 78 or 67. The European players always have an advantage at this course because they play it more then the rest of the world. Especially with Tiger not being the dominant force he once was. Also Graeme McDowell is coming off a US Open major victory and many other of the European players playing so well in 2010. The Masters champion Phil Mickelson has never fared well at St. Andrews or most of the British Open events he has played in his career. I personally am always a sucker for the underdog at this event but I always root for Tiger no matter what event he plays in. Could this be the first victory of the year for him? Could Tiger get back on track at the course he has dominated before, and start chasing Jack's major title record? This place is historic and magical things always happen here at St. Andrews so anything is possible. A player like Justin Leonard could take advantage of the wind with his low ball flight and hot streaky putting. Justin Rose has won 2 of his last 3 starts including 2 weeks ago at the AT&T National. Ernie Els loves the Open Championship and has returned to spectactular form this year. What about former winner David Duval? 60 year old Tom Watson has rolled back father time and plays well in all majors. Local caddies this week are saying American J.B. Holmes will win. Rory McIlroy, Ian Poultier, and Padraig Harrington could easily emerge as the winner.
I will take a shot and predict 4 guys I think will win. Cut me a break, its tough to pick a winner in a golf tournament let alone the British Open.
1. Ian Poultier.......the guy has the attitude to win a major. Especially this one
2. Ernie Els.......the guy is playing well this year. He loves to play in this event.
3. Justin Leonard.....Not really sure I am picking him except for the fact if the wind is bad he will play well.
4. Tiger Woods.......He will get back on track at some point and start winning majors again. It will start in St Andrews.
Coverage starts at 4 am on Thursday and the same for Friday.
No comments:
Post a Comment