British Open Preview
After a long break from posting, I am back and will be for the near future. Along with previews for some key golf events, I will also be talking to the upcoming football seasons in both College and Pro. I am developing a College Football Power Ratings system I will be unvailing shortly, along with my picks for the Big 6 conferences (hit all champs last year except Wake in the ACC).
OK, the Open Championship. Can Tiger Woods pull off his third straight British win, which hasnt happened since the 50s? It is always hard to bet against Woods as he is the favorite (rightfully so) every time he tees it up. However, his only event since becoming a pro didnt work out so well as he never threatened for the win in the event he was hosting. Though he did perform relatively well the last time the tourney was held in Carnoustie, I dont see that really coming into play this week since the course will be playing so much different. Fairways will be slightly wider, and the rough will not be so penal (have decent chance at reaching green from it), but I feel Tiger's erratic driving will be a factor this week he will not be able to overcome. The last two Opens at St Andrews and Hoylake, the courses played extremely short yardage wise, and due to the weather. This year's course is stretched out to 7400+ yards, some 200+ yards compared to the last two years. Also, recent wet weather in the area will have this course playing soft, which only adds to length being key. I know, Tiger is the King of length. However, his strategy the last two opens was to hit stingers off the tee with irons, and use longer irons for his approach shots. This week he will be forced to hit driver more often, and it will prevent him from taking his third straight. Also, his putting is not as great as usual. Look for a Top 20 out of Woods, with possibly minimal contention on Sunday morning.
Though Phil played well last week before imploding down the stretch, I dont like his chances either this week. He does not typically play well overseas, and with his wrist injury, and the coaching changes, its not his time. If he is going to win a major for the fourth straight season, its going to have to be the PGA.
On to our contenders as I see it. Here is my Top 10:
1-Donald 33-1: He is ready to win a major, and I feel this is going to be a great chance for him. On the Euro tour, he ranks 5th in fairways, 14th in GIR, and 29th in putting. Those are great numbers, the best combo of anyone in the field, and being in his home country, I like his chances.
2-Harrington 20-1: He has been the "Euro leader" in best player not to win a major for a while now. Last week he teed it up in Ireland and played a links course to prepare. Has had good experiences on Carnoustie in the Dunhill Championships, and tied for 29th in '99. Has had a fabulous putting year, but can he hold up under the pressure?
3-Garcia 33-1: Finally coming in under the radar, the way he likes it. New hairdo also. 5 Top 10s in his last 8 appearances means he has been around the top of the board consistently, but can his putter put him over the top? Ranked 21st in putts per round this year on the PGA, maybe things are turning around.
4-Westwood 66-1: Super under the radar with this selection, I think he has a great chance at picking up the Claret Jug this week. Ranked 10th in fairways, 2nd in GIR this year. Finished 18th in '99.
5-Casey 40-1: Certainly has the ability to get hot and post a low number. Ranked 9th in GIR this year. Has contended before in Masters and US Open, not really in the British. But this would be his biggest win, and certainly is his favorite event.
6-Montgomerie 40-1: Yes, Colin makes my Top 10. How could he not? Win in Ireland few weeks ago, challenged in US Open last year, and British the year before finishing in Top 5 of both events. At 44, he can still get it done, and would make quite a story were he to win in his homeland. Ranked 24th in fairways, 20th in GIR. Putting decent enough to win. Can he keep his emotions in check if he puts himself in contention?
7-Els 10-1: Hasnt really gotten back to his top level of play since knee injury. But what better place to return to his old form than the British where he has one win and 5 Top 10s in the last 8 years. Finished in 24th in '99. Ranked 5th in GIR this year. Not really sure he is playing well enough, but past performances alone warrant him a spot on this list.
8-Rose 25-1: Since bursting on the scene with a Top 5 in his first Open, he hasnt really performed to the level many expected since then. This is more a gut pick than anything else.
9-Verplank 66-1: Lone American on the list, he plays very well and consistent on all courses in the roto. He is the ultimate grinder which fits this British course more than most others where birdies are plentiful. Closer to par the score remains, more the wind blows, better his chances. Ranked 10th in GIR, 20th in putting. Does he have the length to get the job done?
10-Scott 50-1: Talented, probably the most talented now without a major. Only 1 Top 10 in last 7 Opens. Recently has slid off a little since his implosion a few weeks back on the back 9 in Hartford. Hits the ball high and long, but can be erratic at times. Probably not his week, but he certainly has a chance.
I look for a European to win this thing, with a score around -4.
Good luck, golf is a tough thing to bet, but there are certainly some nice odds worth at least throwing a few bucks on.
Will be back soon with some football talk.
OK, the Open Championship. Can Tiger Woods pull off his third straight British win, which hasnt happened since the 50s? It is always hard to bet against Woods as he is the favorite (rightfully so) every time he tees it up. However, his only event since becoming a pro didnt work out so well as he never threatened for the win in the event he was hosting. Though he did perform relatively well the last time the tourney was held in Carnoustie, I dont see that really coming into play this week since the course will be playing so much different. Fairways will be slightly wider, and the rough will not be so penal (have decent chance at reaching green from it), but I feel Tiger's erratic driving will be a factor this week he will not be able to overcome. The last two Opens at St Andrews and Hoylake, the courses played extremely short yardage wise, and due to the weather. This year's course is stretched out to 7400+ yards, some 200+ yards compared to the last two years. Also, recent wet weather in the area will have this course playing soft, which only adds to length being key. I know, Tiger is the King of length. However, his strategy the last two opens was to hit stingers off the tee with irons, and use longer irons for his approach shots. This week he will be forced to hit driver more often, and it will prevent him from taking his third straight. Also, his putting is not as great as usual. Look for a Top 20 out of Woods, with possibly minimal contention on Sunday morning.
Though Phil played well last week before imploding down the stretch, I dont like his chances either this week. He does not typically play well overseas, and with his wrist injury, and the coaching changes, its not his time. If he is going to win a major for the fourth straight season, its going to have to be the PGA.
On to our contenders as I see it. Here is my Top 10:
1-Donald 33-1: He is ready to win a major, and I feel this is going to be a great chance for him. On the Euro tour, he ranks 5th in fairways, 14th in GIR, and 29th in putting. Those are great numbers, the best combo of anyone in the field, and being in his home country, I like his chances.
2-Harrington 20-1: He has been the "Euro leader" in best player not to win a major for a while now. Last week he teed it up in Ireland and played a links course to prepare. Has had good experiences on Carnoustie in the Dunhill Championships, and tied for 29th in '99. Has had a fabulous putting year, but can he hold up under the pressure?
3-Garcia 33-1: Finally coming in under the radar, the way he likes it. New hairdo also. 5 Top 10s in his last 8 appearances means he has been around the top of the board consistently, but can his putter put him over the top? Ranked 21st in putts per round this year on the PGA, maybe things are turning around.
4-Westwood 66-1: Super under the radar with this selection, I think he has a great chance at picking up the Claret Jug this week. Ranked 10th in fairways, 2nd in GIR this year. Finished 18th in '99.
5-Casey 40-1: Certainly has the ability to get hot and post a low number. Ranked 9th in GIR this year. Has contended before in Masters and US Open, not really in the British. But this would be his biggest win, and certainly is his favorite event.
6-Montgomerie 40-1: Yes, Colin makes my Top 10. How could he not? Win in Ireland few weeks ago, challenged in US Open last year, and British the year before finishing in Top 5 of both events. At 44, he can still get it done, and would make quite a story were he to win in his homeland. Ranked 24th in fairways, 20th in GIR. Putting decent enough to win. Can he keep his emotions in check if he puts himself in contention?
7-Els 10-1: Hasnt really gotten back to his top level of play since knee injury. But what better place to return to his old form than the British where he has one win and 5 Top 10s in the last 8 years. Finished in 24th in '99. Ranked 5th in GIR this year. Not really sure he is playing well enough, but past performances alone warrant him a spot on this list.
8-Rose 25-1: Since bursting on the scene with a Top 5 in his first Open, he hasnt really performed to the level many expected since then. This is more a gut pick than anything else.
9-Verplank 66-1: Lone American on the list, he plays very well and consistent on all courses in the roto. He is the ultimate grinder which fits this British course more than most others where birdies are plentiful. Closer to par the score remains, more the wind blows, better his chances. Ranked 10th in GIR, 20th in putting. Does he have the length to get the job done?
10-Scott 50-1: Talented, probably the most talented now without a major. Only 1 Top 10 in last 7 Opens. Recently has slid off a little since his implosion a few weeks back on the back 9 in Hartford. Hits the ball high and long, but can be erratic at times. Probably not his week, but he certainly has a chance.
I look for a European to win this thing, with a score around -4.
Good luck, golf is a tough thing to bet, but there are certainly some nice odds worth at least throwing a few bucks on.
Will be back soon with some football talk.
posted by Pounder at 4:42 PM
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