Golf Betting – Ernie Won’t be Worrying About Anybody Else

St Andrews is the spiritual home of the Open. They’ve been officially playing golf on the Prestwick links since 1552 and the Open itself celebrates its 150th anniversary this year back on the Old Course where it all began. They were only eight professionals in that first tournament, all of them from Scotland, but more than 180 of the world’s top players are due to tackle the unique Ayrshire course this week where nearly every bad shot gets punished, and some of the good shots likewise! The last twice the Open was staged at St Andrews, Tiger Woods has emerged triumphant so it’s no surprise the world number one has been installed as favourite by all the layers (Betfred, Sportingbet and Paddy Power all go 11/2) after showing signs that he’s about to recapture his best in the US Open. In a near gale, Woods played a practice round at St Andrews last weekend but still looks out of sorts to me and there must be better value elsewhere while Tiger continues to confront his personal demons. There must be high hopes of a British success on home soil with five of the world’s current top 10 from either Great Britain or Northern Ireland. Lee Westwood (a general 18/1) remains steadfast in his quest for that elusive first major and has won on the US Tour since that heart-breaking defeat by Phil Mickelson (20/1 with Sportingbet and Paddy Power) in the Masters. Rory McIlroy is also a general 18/1 in his bid to become the youngest winner of the Open since 1893, while Ian Poulter (widely available at 33/1), Paul Casey (40/1 in most places) and Luke Donald (44/1 on betfair) will also have their supporters. US Open winner Graeme McDowell, a 33/1 chance with totesport, is another Briton to consider and Justin Rose has won twice on the US Tour in recent weeks. It’s taken a long time for the 29-year-old to finally fulfil his potential but he’s heading in the right direction again now and is a general 25/1 to win the Open. I’d be equally as interested in the 15/2 quote from Betfred to be top GB and Ireland player. Americans have won 11 of the last 15 Opens and Jim Furyk (45/1 with Sportingbet and William Hill) is one I like from the States. He is 14/1 to finish as top American this week with Betfred and William Hill. Germany’s Martin Kaymer looks a big price to finish as top European at 16/1 with William Hill but the two I am going for in the overall win market are both South Africans. The unflappable Ernie Els generally saves his best for the big tournaments nowadays and is looking hungry again. The’ Big Easy’ was runner-up to Tiger Woods at St Andrews in 2000 and his overall record on links courses in the Open is formidable. He can be backed at 20/1 on betfair. Compatriot Retief Goosen is another who has thrived on the Old Course in the past. Fifth at Turnberry 12 months ago, Goosen filled the same position behind Woods at St Andrews in 2005 and the twice US Open champion looks a cracking each-way bet at a general 50/1 this week. Talking of each-way betting, boylesports and Paddy Power are both paying out a place on the first seven this week which should attract new customers.

• Ernie Els to win the Open – 20/1 on betfair
• Retief Goosen (Each Way) – 50/1 general
• Jim Furyk – Top US Player at 14/1 with Betfred and William Hill
• Martin Kaymer – Top European at 16/1 with William Hill
• Justin Rose – Top GB and Ireland Player at 15/2 with Betfred