It's a links course. So it's windy. And it's going to rain. So forget the Yanks. Fleetwood seems to stand out as an obvious candidate - but it depends if he's in form and gets the best of the weather. Anyone could win it - except the Yanks who don't do links courses.
Americans have won the Open twice as many times as the next best, the Scots. Hate to point this out mate but Americans very much do do the Open.
I've changed my bets. I'm binning Rahm, who will doubtless now win, and adding Westwood, who won't. It feels like I'm bound by some unwritten law to stick an each way bet on Lee Westwood until the day he retires. If he ever wins one I'll still be down. Anyway, 66-1 and a quid each way so might as well.
I'm talking 2017. Not ancient history. There was a time when 85% of the top 30 golfers were from the US. Brooks Koepka hasn't played the Open for 3 years. Where's his experience on links courses? If any get the best of the weather, they've a chance. But if the weather is as predicted, only the old guard (Mickelson etc) have any experience - and any chance in my view. But I have to concede that the Open, more than any other Major, throws up unlikely winners.
How far back is ancient history? 11 of the last 20 open champions were American? Or 2 of the last 4? You'll just have to take my word for it I guess but Yanks ****ing love the Open.
Rory will cock up the first two rounds, just make the cut, then make a late charge before falling away again. Does he support Utd? (He does)
Bets now placed. How Phil Mickelson is 50-1 is beyond me, completely baffling. Got Westwood at 80-1 so worth a quid. I'll probably lose a quid at some point over the weekend so same diff really.
Good shout on Rahm! And if the bugger wins we can both hold him in equal contempt! 66/1 e/w on Westwood is a no brainer! He'll be up there or about! I still haven't worked my bets out yet. Need to do it early on now big time!
To be fair to the bloke , I would say it very unlikely he'll miss the cut. The weather is always a factor though and tomorrow looks grim in the afternoon. Westwood is afternoon today so will be morning tomorrow. Same for Phil Mick.
Out on the links myself this evening, Saunton East Course. Superb track, definitely Open standard but a bastard to get to so will never host one.