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2009 British Open Picks & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

Betting on the British Open odds this week is eerily similar to Tour de France betting. Why? Because both events can trick you into picking the big superstar to win. Lance Armstrong is probably too old and rusty to triumph on his bike and, for totally different reasons, Tiger Woods could lead you astray this week. Let’s have a look at the most talked about British Open picks this week.

Tiger Woods (+185)

Why he could win: Do we need another reason besides “Because he’s Tiger Woods”? Well, we know Tiger lives in the top 10 at virtually every major, so he’ll contend even if he’s not at his best. We also know that the last three Open Championship winners at Turnberry were ranked first in the world at the time.

Why he won’t win: His length off the tee won’t really help him since Turnberry isn’t overly long. Also, Turnberry punishes poor course management and inaccurate drives. Tiger has struggled to find the fairway all season and may have to scramble for pars this week if he finds the rough.

Padraig Harrington (+2200)

Why he could win: He’s an obvious sportsbook pick simply because he won the last two British Opens. The Irishman is used to links golf and known as one of the best course managers on tour, so he’ll know how to play Turnberry.

Why he won’t win: The 2008 Player of the Year looks like Nationwide Tour material this season. Paddy’s been beyond bad, missing five straight cuts and posting zero top 10s. It’s betting management suicide to pick him.

Steve Stricker (+3300)

Why he could win: He’s as hot as anyone entering the tournament, having won last week and twice in the last four weeks. He’s played well all year, posting seven top-10s, and he’s cracked the top 10 in the last two British Opens. He’s a good scrambler and putter who doesn’t make many mistakes on the course.

Why he won’t win: As well as he’s played, Stricker’s wins always seem to come in Mickey-Mouse events with weak fields right before or after a major. He often crumbles in pressure situations when paired with top players, so history suggests that will happen should he reach the final group on Sunday.
Henrik Stenson (+4000)

Why he could win: Looking cool as a cucumber, Stenson outdueled bigtime fields to win the World Match Play and the Players Championship this season. He also has top-10s in three of his last four majors, so he’s on the cusp of victory.

Why he won’t win: He may be a bit rusty playing against a field this big. He’s played just two PGA events since May, so he may have to clear the cobwebs and readjust to playing under the spotlight.

Daily sports pick: Stenson. He can handle the pressure, even after a layoff, and he’s playing well overall in 2009.

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