Who is going to win the 2014 Open at Hoylake?
James Tompkinson (JT) – Adam Scott has come very close to winning the last two Opens and I think of all the favourites, he is the one to back. He seems to love the Open and won’t throw it away again if he gets into a winning position this time around.
James Savage (JS) – I like the look of Henrik Stenson to clinch his first major. Just like last year, he seems to be finding form at the start of the summer and put on a decent showing at the US Open.
Mark Townsend (MT) – My favourite would have to be Adam Scott, now at a stage of his career where he should threaten to win a Major once a year. Almost certain to give you a run for your money.
JT: Looking down the odds list there are very few names that jump out below the 50/1 price bracket. You can get Jamie Donaldson as long as 80/1 this week which I think is a great price for someone who is third on the Race to Dubai rankings. He has finished T5 in his last two events so carries some form into the Open as well.
He knows his way around the links and is desperate to force himself back into the reckoning for a Ryder Cup berth JS – History tells us that 66/1 for Ernie Els is a pretty decent each-way bet. He was similar odds when he triumphed at Royal Lytham two years ago…
MT – You can get 80/1 on Jim Furyk who was 4th here in 2006. Second at Sawgrass and Quail Hollow and been close in recent years to doubling his Major tally.
JT – My rank outsider is European-based American Peter Uihlein (250/1). Although he doesn’t carry great seasonal form, the young American’s amateur career is exemplary and he could be a good one to look at for a top-10 finish.
JS – He hasn’t got much recent form but Paul Lawrie catches my eye at a hefty 150/1. He knows his way around the links and is desperate to force himself back into the reckoning for a Ryder Cup berth.
MT – Around the 150s mark sits Rafa Cabrera-Bello who looks like a win waiting to happen. Second in Germany along with several other top 10s, now needs to produce on the biggest stage and plenty capable of doing so.
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James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.