This personally is my favourite week of the year, the truest, purest test of golf. Normally dictated by the elements, The Open is the oldest championship in tournament golf and thus winning this championship cements your name in the history of the game.
This year’s edition is much anticipated due to the championship not being played last year due to COVID. Royal St George’s on the coast of South England is the venue, a very demanding test of golf.
Unexpected Champions
2003 and 2011 saw some unexpected champions in Ben Curtis and Darren Clarke, Curtis joined a very illustrious list in being one of a very few to win The Championship having gone through the local qualifying to gain entry. Clarke was arguably in the twilight of his career and many thought a major had slipped his grasp. So, it’s safe to say that anything can happen, could another surprise victor claim the coveted claret jug on Sunday afternoon?
Cream of the Crop
That being said, in recent times the cream of the crop has risen to the top at major championships. Given the strength of the field this week and the way I expect the course to be set up, I think we will see a global name be crowned ‘the champion golfer of the year’ come Sunday.
2011 saw Clarke claim victory, however, some big names came very close. Dustin Johnson 18/1 being one, had it not been for a wayward drive in the final round at 14 that saw his ball go out of bounds, I think things may have been different.
I like the way Tommy Fleetwood’s 40/1 game has been trending and with his runner up finish to Shane Lowry 40/1 at Royal Portrush a year ago, I’m sure his good feelings will get him in the mix this week. Jon Rahm 7/1 for me will be threatening given his unbelievable form of late, it’s hard to think his name won’t be on the leaderboard at some point.
A plot twist could be Phil Mickelson 80/1, given his win at the USPGA championship along with his runner up finish at this venue in 2011, could we see ‘Lefty’ create another piece of history this week?
A few others I think will do well
Louis Oosthuizen 25/1 because of his outrageous close calls at major championships since his 2010 British Open victory!
Adam Scott 50/1 knows the course very well, but for me it all depends on how he handles the greens. He admittedly loves The Open and has had some very close calls in the past, having finished runner up in 2012.
Brandon Grace 59/1 holds the lowest ever score at The Open Championship (63 – Royal Birkdale). His ball flight suits blustery conditions and it’s clear given his resume of victories that links golf suits him.
Regardless of who wins, it’s great to have the Open Championship back and I’ll be glued to it all week!
*All odds are correct at time of publication.