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The British Open Betting Tips
The British Open is one of the most high profile, prestigious golf tournaments around and is also the only major to be played outside of the USA.
This year’s event will be hosted in Southport’s Royal Birkdale, which has hosted The Open on nine different occasions previously. The last time they event was played at Royal Birkdale was in 2008, where Irishman Padraig Harrington won his second Open championship, one year after his previous success at Carnoustie.
Previously Royal Birkdale winners include Mark O’Meara back in 1998, Arnold Palmer all the way back in 1961, and Peter Thomson and Tom Watson in 1965 and 1983 respectively, who both won their fifth Open championships in Southport.
Royal Birkdale is a par 70 course measuring over 7000 yards in length. The course is particularly tricky to handle due to regular bouts of wind and rain, which are expected to be forecasted for this year’s event. The ability to go long off the tee is crucial to this event and will undoubtedly make or break many players tournaments. The four Par 3 holes are also very tough to make, especially considering the weather situation, and will play a huge part in the final outcome.
Last year’s champion was Swede Henrik Stenson who toppled Phil Mickelson by three strokes at Royal Troon to earn a winning share of £1,175,000. Mickelson himself has been in the running for three of the last six Open tournaments, winning the 2013 event in Muirfield ahead of Stenson, whilst placing joint second in 2011 behind Darren Clarke.
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Mickelson is a links specialist and has to be considered due to having the best Open record in the field for the previous six years. A split from long-term caddie Jim Mackay could be turned into a positive as he aligns with his brother Tim, Mackay’s replacement. Mickelson missed this year’s US Open following hernia surgeries and should be eager to continue his solid Open record. He is available at 50/1 with William Hill to win this year’s Open.
Looking elsewhere, Sergio Garcia arrives in the best shape of his career and carries terrific experience in links competitions. The Masters champion has, however, suffered heartbreak at this course and competition previously, finishing runner-up to Padraig Harrington in 2007, one of two second place finishes. Garcia could be worth a small punt at 20/1 with Coral, though previous scars and heartbreak at this tournament will have to play on punters minds.
Our final tip rests with Southport’s very own Tommy Fleetwood who impressed with a fourth place finish at the US Open. Royal Birkdale is Fleetwood’s home course and the 26 year old has shown a penchant for links golfing in the past. This tournament will be his ninth major appearance and his quality is looking more prominent as time passes by. Fleetwood has a tremendous attitude to the sport and the added pressure doesn’t appear to faze him one bit, so an each way punt at 25/1 on the rising talent is a wise move.
