British Open

[Wood]

If I were a betting man who looked at odds... I might have noticed that Tiger is an overwhelming favorite to win, according to the sports books. He is at 5:1 now, with the next closest at 12:1 (Phil). Usually in tourneys he is 2:1 or 3:1. Do you think that this is because of his layoff, or the fact that the Open just seems like anyone can win it?

Prediction time to all- who is gonna take it? Gimme you're favorite, and a darkhorse pick- and leave Barbaro out of the conversation.

I'm going with Tiger this time, and I never take Tiger. I like David Howell as a darkhorse. Somehow FIGJAM is creeping in to my thoughts.......

[Puttin4Bird]

This is an interesting British Open, there is very little hype so far, imagine if Phil (FIGJAM) had won the U.S. Open!? Never less it's still the British Open and I think the fact that Hoylake is so unknown it's lacking in build up.

Pick to win: Tiger- I think the US Open shouldn't be considered, he'll be ready now.
Darkhorse: Darren Clarke- it's time for him to win one, why not now?

[Thrash13]

In last week's Thrash Talk , I discussed a lot of these topics.

As I said in my article, I think Stuart Appleby will continue the Aussie success in 2006. He is overdue for his first major championship, and he has played well in past British Open appearances (Second Place in 2002).

Watch out for Ian Poulter too. He has a decent record in recent majors, and he has a lot of game.

[gripitandripit]

favorite: Mickelson
(semi)dark horses : Thomas Bjorn & Tim Clark

[iacas]

Our staff predictions go up tomorrow. I think Cody may link to this thread in the end so others can post their thoughts here...

I will say this: this Open, with the doglegs and all that business, and Phil talking of hitting HYBRIDS off certain tees, is probably more likely to have a surprise winner than any other Open played at the traditional Open rota courses.

[mnel]

I agree with the " surprise winner" theory. Dunno why, but I do.

Favourite: Goosen
Dark Horse: Schwartzel (he showed potential, maybe at the right time?)

[Puttin4Bird]

Dark Horse: Schwartzel (he showed potential, maybe at the right time?)

I've never heard of that guy....who knows, I wish him luck.

It does seem that the cream ALWAYS rises to the top at the majors, regardless of the venue these guys will be right up there. There will be a surprise or two contender but in the end, you've gotta expect one of those top guys to pull it out. That being said, another guy I'd put my money on is....Luke Donald- he's over due for a major and he played great last week at the Scotish Open so I expect great things.

[nurseduffer]

Did my picks in Reno. I don't bet on the big guys because of the odds:

Geoff Olgivy -I picked him in the US Open, he is on a roll..why not?

Tim Clark- finished 2nd in the Masters, 20th in GIRs...so what the heck?

Jim Furyk-has a lousy Open record but this year he is doing awesome 19th in GIRs and 5th in fairways hit

Aaron Olberholser- Bit of a Dark Horse...but he knows links golf

Colin Montgomerie- Betting with my heart, wouldn't him winning be great?

Thomas Levet- Bit of a Dark Horse. I read about him...in Golf Magazine "Of his 25 top-10 finishes on the Euro tour, 10 have been Seaside Courses and 10 have been in hard winds." What the heck...had to take an unknown so why not him?

It will be fun to watch anyway! Can't wait. Guys are going to have to be accurate, so I am not sure about the big guys if they choose to try and overpower the trouble and end up spraying their divers all over the place. Also saw that Tiger has brought his 2-iron. According to the forecast the wind might be down. Can't wait!

[Lefty2380]

The course is the deciding factor as always...if phil can keep it under control, he's winning it by 4 strokes...if he goes for broke, he's 5 off the pace going into the final day...

Dark Horse...Fred Funk...maybe i just like his name, but he's definetly got the game and i think he's a contender going into sunday...

[flap]

My man Phill will rule the day and Freddy will finish second.Winning score -7

[elivate]

I am going to pick from the heart, not my head...

And I will say my fellow countryman Mike Weir will win with Stephen Ames finishing second.

[allin]

Contenders: Irish-English Luke Donald, New Zealand Michael Campbell, European, Miquel Jimenez the mechanic, Journeman Thomas Levet, old timer Tom Lehman, USA Tiger. Winner Luke Donald

[elivate]

YES! My Boy Mike Weir came through with an opening round 68!

[3puttbert]

My favorite tournament. I love watching it. I really like when the BBC takes over the broadcast. Course looks terrible though. It looked really dry. Hopefully the weather kicks up or the scores are going to be low. Tiger is going to be tough to beat. 5 under and 1 shot back is right were he wants to be. It would be nice if he cracked a smile now and again.

[Lefty2380]

i agree, the course looked like crap...dry as all hell...and as a side note did you see the length of that rough???? holy crap thats what i call ROUGH haha

[jeffgladchun]

i agree, the course looked like crap...dry as all hell...and as a side note did you see the length of that rough???? holy crap thats what i call ROUGH haha

I think the course is awesome. It looks like playing golf in a parking lot! Only Tiger can hoist his irons high enough to hold these greens. Did you see his first few approaches?! they would have been perfect had the course still been hard!

The way the dust explodes on impact makes the shots look so cool

[mnel]

Hmmmm... Sabbatini is looking good (5 under after day 2) . There sure are gonna be some groans if he pulls it off... But don't worry, he won't, cause I just JINXED HIM! Good to see Adam Scott doing well too, but Tiger is looking mighty good (7 under thru 9, day 2)...

[NCGolfer]

How about Tom Watson? -4 on the day and for the Championship.

Not bad for a senior.