British Open Tips

THE 142nd OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP - Muirfield, East Lothian

18 July 2013 - 21 July 2013

Tip date: 15 July 2013

Muirfield is widely regarded as the fairest and hardest test of all the courses on the Open rota. The 7192 yard par 71 is sure to be playing hard and fast this week. The rough is thick and finding fairways is going to be crucial. However, many players will be able to use irons from most tees. The greens are firming up and a sure putting touch will be crucial. Ernie Els won with -6 last time at Muirfield in 2002. The forecast is warm and dry throughout with just a light breeze. We feel the event this year is wide open and none of the real favourites are ticking the boxes for us.

NOTE Betvictor are offering 1/4 odds the top EIGHT and Paddypower, Bet365 and Stan James are going 1/4 odds the first SEVEN.

Name	Odds	Bookmaker
Brandt Snedeker	2pt each way 40-1	Paddypower ¼ odds TOP SEVEN	Finishing position: T11 Back Brandt Snedeker Again
Brandt was a shock early leader last year at the Open, but it wasn’t really a shock at all. He eventually finished T3. This guy is a genuine World Class player and he’s banging on the door of his first major. Last year’s experience can only have helped his development and winning the Fedex Cup can’t have hurt either. He’s had a great year this time around and we feel he’s well worth a punt at quite attractive odds.
Thomas Bjorn	2pt each way 66-1	Bet365 TOP SEVEN	Finishing position: T73 Back Thomas Bjorn Again
Thomas is playing some of his best golf for years right now. Form figures of T4-2-2-T18-T8 before last week’s withdrawal tell everything about the state of his game right now. Have no fear about his ability to cope with the Open’s unique conditions. He’s a vastly experienced competitor and should have won at least one. He had a T8 at Muirfield in 2002 and we reckon he can go even better this week.
Martin Laird	1pt each way 110-1	Bet365 TOP SEVEN	Finishing position: T44 Back Martin Laird Again
We make no apology for including Martin Laird again this week after he did us a small favour at the Scottish Open (breezy, dry links conditions). He’s a fearsome competitor, proven winner who’s in good form right now and will know exactly what Scottish golf can throw at him. Last week’s T5 adds to the appeal. In a tournament that could be a lottery Laird will not be afraid to win if the opportunity comes his way.
Hunter Mahan	1.5pt each way 70-1	BetVictor TOP EIGHT	Finishing position: T9 Back Hunter Mahan Again
In a week where quality ball striking is in order then look no further than Mr. Mahan. Heeping the ball in play will be crucial this week and that is Mahan’s forte. He should be able to plot his way round Muirfield very nicely. He had a nice T19 last year and being in contention at the US Open will have done him no harm. In a tournament where the winning score could not be that much under par, Hunter could well be in the frame .