open gambits
July 16th 2008 10:03
The British Open without Tiger Woods has become a real talking point mainly because it’s so hard to determine who might win.
Sergio Garcia is the favourite and that’s fair as his record at the Open is remarkable – he’s been in the top 10 for seven straight years, including last year’s loss to in a playoff to Padraig Harrington. And all those top-10 placings for Garcia came when his game was probably not as reliable as it is now.
If he putts well, Garcia will win, simple as that.
After that it’s an open field and I don’t really like the so-called favourites such as Phl Mickelson, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, Retief Goosen etc.
There’s a couple of factors to take into account at Royal Birkdale – it’s a lyout that favours accuracy over length, the weather will be a factor and there’s a certain kind of player who has done well there in the past.
It’s not so much about finding a straight hitter, such as Jim Furyk, but you need someone who can work the ball inboth directions, keep it low under the wind and hit the kind of bump and run shots that links golf requires.
If you look at the players who have won at Birkdale, one thing is runs through them is class: Peter Thomson, Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller, Lee Trevino, Mark O’Meara, and to a lesser extent, Ian Baker-Finch, the 1991 winner at Birkdale.
Secondly, at Royal Birkdale, Aussies have a pretty good record and during the week Craig Parry said the nature of the course suited Aussie players particularly those who grew up playing on the sandbelt courses in Melbourne.
That’s why I’ve thrown Robert Allenby into the mix. Birkdale requires, first and foremost, accurate hitting and the likely slower speed of the greens means Allenby’s nemesis, putting, might be less of a factor.
Other Aussies I like are Nick O’Hern, a proven links player who hits it straight and handles windy conditions, as does Stuart Appleby.
Rod Pampling has the right ball flight to handle windy conditions and is in a good vein of form.
I’m also a fan of young Americn Hunter Mahan. He’s in form and last year proved he could handle British Open conditions with a tie for sixth at Carnoustie. To me, he’s the top American hope.
Of the Europeans Miguel Angel Jiminez and Robert Karlsson are the two form players with major credentials. Jiminez knows how to raise to is game to major level and I like his chances this week.
But to narrow it down to five:
Sergio Garcia, Robert Allenby, Nick O’Hern, Miguel Angel Jiminez and Hunter Mahan.
Back in America, there’s a tournament in Milwaulkee and to me this is a two horse race between the amazing Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell. I’m keeping an eye on John Merrick and DJ Trahan, two guys I’ve tipped out in recent weeks who both have the game to contend. And Heath Slocum, after a short break and a below par tournament (by his current standards) last week, could shine again.
Sergio Garcia is the favourite and that’s fair as his record at the Open is remarkable – he’s been in the top 10 for seven straight years, including last year’s loss to in a playoff to Padraig Harrington. And all those top-10 placings for Garcia came when his game was probably not as reliable as it is now.
If he putts well, Garcia will win, simple as that.
After that it’s an open field and I don’t really like the so-called favourites such as Phl Mickelson, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, Retief Goosen etc.
There’s a couple of factors to take into account at Royal Birkdale – it’s a lyout that favours accuracy over length, the weather will be a factor and there’s a certain kind of player who has done well there in the past.
It’s not so much about finding a straight hitter, such as Jim Furyk, but you need someone who can work the ball inboth directions, keep it low under the wind and hit the kind of bump and run shots that links golf requires.
If you look at the players who have won at Birkdale, one thing is runs through them is class: Peter Thomson, Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller, Lee Trevino, Mark O’Meara, and to a lesser extent, Ian Baker-Finch, the 1991 winner at Birkdale.
Secondly, at Royal Birkdale, Aussies have a pretty good record and during the week Craig Parry said the nature of the course suited Aussie players particularly those who grew up playing on the sandbelt courses in Melbourne.
That’s why I’ve thrown Robert Allenby into the mix. Birkdale requires, first and foremost, accurate hitting and the likely slower speed of the greens means Allenby’s nemesis, putting, might be less of a factor.
Other Aussies I like are Nick O’Hern, a proven links player who hits it straight and handles windy conditions, as does Stuart Appleby.
Rod Pampling has the right ball flight to handle windy conditions and is in a good vein of form.
I’m also a fan of young Americn Hunter Mahan. He’s in form and last year proved he could handle British Open conditions with a tie for sixth at Carnoustie. To me, he’s the top American hope.
Of the Europeans Miguel Angel Jiminez and Robert Karlsson are the two form players with major credentials. Jiminez knows how to raise to is game to major level and I like his chances this week.
But to narrow it down to five:
Sergio Garcia, Robert Allenby, Nick O’Hern, Miguel Angel Jiminez and Hunter Mahan.
Back in America, there’s a tournament in Milwaulkee and to me this is a two horse race between the amazing Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell. I’m keeping an eye on John Merrick and DJ Trahan, two guys I’ve tipped out in recent weeks who both have the game to contend. And Heath Slocum, after a short break and a below par tournament (by his current standards) last week, could shine again.
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