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Interesting that there's so little American backing. Tiger gets a couple of mentions, but only Steve Stricker apart from that. Americans have won the last three majors, so you'd expect people like Hunter Mahan and Jason Dufner to get a mention. I like Graeme McDowell of the Europeans. Sadly, I think there will be a question mark over the self belief of Westwood and Donald in the heat of the back nine until they win one.

yes, talk is cheap; why not just wait and see the scores at the end of the week

Why so many predictions for Donald & Westwood? They are both big chokers in the majors.

Els and Harrington i've been thinking for this last 7 days

followed up with stirring displays by Dufner and Curtis

come on the golf

@1&3
World Rankings:
1. Donald 9.55
2. McIlroy 8.53
3. Westwood 7.97

I think the whole it will be European winner thinking is short sighted, they have won 11 of the 20 open's so have won in all conditions, the likes of Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickleson & Tiger Woods have all won around Pebble Beach in February's so are hardly fair weather winners

So thats the kiss of death for lee and Luke then once the pundits say your favourite it's like the dreaded chairmans vote of confidence.

5

Yes, the world rankings show Europeans have been most consistent. I'm not saying the experts are wrong to pick Europeans; just the American threat ought not to be under-estimated. What worries me about Donald and Westwood is they've been near the top for a long time and still not won a major. That could take its toll psychologically.

I think Neil Squires has it spot on.

Harrington is playing well and has just the game for this course. Tiger will also be a big threat as will McDowell.

Obviously there are lots of possible winners but I just don't see an English winner. Westwood, Donald, Poulter and Rose are all fine players but winning on home soil is difficult.

Of the Rest of the world, I'm surprised nobody mentioned Oosthuizen or Jason Day although their form has been patchy.

Of the Americans? Tiger has to be the favourite, Rickie Fowler doesn't seem to mind the changeable weather either. Watch out for Hunter! His swing just keeps getting better and now he can chip!

I like Stricker for the Open. From our side of the pond Paul Lawrie has had a great year and knows how to win the open. Donald and Westwood, frankly, don't. Would love to see the Big Easy do well though, no finer sight in Golf than Ernie playing well. Good luck to all and let's have an open to remember.

Totally agree with aardvarkachilles. I was listening to Andrew Cotter and co. pontificating about the outcome of the Scottish Open prior to the last round. He predicted with some authority that the winner would come from the last two groups and that Molinari would shoot no worse than a 68 or 69. Neither came to pass. There are 156 players in the field. It might be fun to try to guess who will win the Open but that's all it is - guesswork.

I don't quite understand why Woods is still even mentioned ...

I think the Americans will do better than these guys seem to think. The likes of Fowler, Dufner, Bradley, Watson, the Johnson's, Mahan, Watney and Mickelson are all dangerous players, let alone Tiger Woods.

Its a bit silly to criticise pundits for making a prediction when asked to do so. Its also not surprising that they would choose the World's number one golfer, they best overall performer in majors for the last two years, and the man with the most major wins currently playing.
The guys that picked Stricker and Fowler, are taking the biggest risk, though once the players tee-off who will remember, or care about these predictions?

My guess is that someone comes from nowhere and wins it. The British Open keeps turning up one off winners, and surprises, I think this week will be the same.

Is it really too much to say Molinari has a good chance? He is currently lying 2nd in the Road to Dubai and although Majors are a different story to the European Tour he has some consistently high finishes in the last few weeks. I feel a top 10 finish at least.

Some unkown steroid pumped American will turn up and whqck it and take the jug home. Westwood is not brave enough to win it and McCiloroy has no form this year.

Surely one of Rose, Donald or Westwood has to win a major soon. They have been there and thereabouts so many times. I doubt if the American contingent will like the ragged rough at Royal Lythams so the British players have a great chance this time. But for me it is has to be Graeme McDowall as he has the sort of game that will suit this course.

Rob Hodgetts is infatuated with Tiger Woods. He has probably tipped Tiger to win the Olympic 100metres and the UEFA Champions League as well.

#1 Most of the pundits are not from the USA so surprise surprise they predict a homie. Secondly, #17, when has Justin Rose come anywhere near winning a Major in recent years? Seriously, when? If this was another tournament in the Far East, then Westwood would be a cert, but consistent golf around the far flung corners of the globe doesn't translate into Open Champion material.
The Open, like it or not, does produce a whole host of one-hit wonders: Rogers, Calcavecchia, Curtis, Lawrie, Leonard, Hamilton, and Darren Clarke, amongst others.

Of the big 5 McIlroy is my pick.Oosthuizen very strong and Garcia has a good chance

Thomas Bjorn
Ben Curtis
Ernie Els
Rickie Fowler
Padraig Harrington
Hunter Mahan

Woods to win in these conditions? Thats got to be the most silly prediction of them all. Unless its perfect conditions and preferably straight, Woods can't play well. My prediction for Woods is mid to high 70s and maybe even an 80 round.

Look at the top 8 in the current US Ryder Cup team standings, Simpson's absence aside, they have a lot of players playing really well. Add in Stricker and Furyk and I reckon they have a good chance, especially as the weather forecast is decent.

Of the Europeans, Molly Rose and Westie are the best bet.

For those scoffing at the idea of Woods winning, the bookies have him as favourite at the min. Bet against him if you are so sure

@2 Because that would be boring and we'd have nowt to talk about.

I'm going for Gmac, Oosthuizen or Westwood.

I almost dont want to say Westy because (and i've said it on here before), I firmly believe that if he ever wins a major, it will be down the line when there is absolute zero pressure on him. Like when Clarkey won it last year. Nobody expected it, nobody had mentioned him. I reckon it will take something like that to happen to Westy before he wins one. Just a funny feeling I get. So I almost dont want to mention him for this year because thats going against what I just said, but I couldnt forgive myself if I didnt throw his name out cos I'm a Notts lad and you have to support your own. In truth, I'd watch him and support him any time, any where, major win or no major win. Thats how it works.

@12: alikatuk.....if you're not on the wind-up then I'd suggest it's cos he's won 3 times this year, is a former Open champion, and is currently ranked 4th in the world. There are many reasons to think he won't win, but to act as though the suggestion that he will is ridiculous is, frankly, idiotic.

A lot of people on here need to get some perspective: we're all (presumably) sports fans. What do sports fans love more than talking endlessly about upcoming events, making predictions, placing bets, dishing out petty abuse etc etc? We come on the ´óÏó´«Ã½ sport website looking for some hype to get the juices flowing for the upcoming Open, and yet some of you are having a pop at these lads for giving us what we want??!!! Of course it's just guesswork, of course the opinions expressed will deviate from your own, but who cares??! "Major winners are unpredictable, therefore people should not try to predict".......er, what?! You've gone mental

Young Bobblehead (Rory)would have a great chance if back to his best and has a good late early tee time Nick Watney is the opposite early late

I like to pick 2 early and 2 late long shot starters from thursday

Kyle Stanley and Rafa Carbrera Bello early

Branden Grace and Bo van Pelt late

anyone picking westwood as their winner is an idiot, he will never win a major he's the new monty, no one who openly admits to having a problem with his putting has a hope in hell of ever winning a major, its really as simple as that.

oh and if the weather holds up tiger will win. look out for lawrie to have a big week.

You mean Jay Townsend didn't pick Rory?

@18
That was great. My lovely glass of Single-Quinta just got spat, all over the keyboard. Really funny

The 'experts' pick Lee Westwood and Luke Donald for almost every major but I'd stay clear of them until they actually prove they can win one. Too much expectation on them, like everything English.

It's make or break for Donald, he has to at least contend this one to be taken seriously as a world no.1 golfer.

Surely John Terry has to be in with a shout for lifting the claret jug!!!!

Would love to see Westwood lift it, and fancy Paul Lawrie each way for my outside bet

I believe that this year's open is going to throw up another maiden major winner. I have a sneaky feeling that we'll see somebody like Ryo Ishikawa or Jeev Milka Singh be near the final group going into the final day.

Someone I don't see competing well is Rory McIlroy, he himself has admitted that he's a 'sunshine' golfer so don't see him being up for it in these conditions. I'd love to see him win another major but I just can't see it happening at Royal Lytham.

The course is setup perfectly for Westwood given his accuracy and consistency from tee to green, however, I have a feeling his putting will again let him down especially on the tricky links greens. Certainly worth backing for a top 5 finish.

I'm surprised by the number of backers who've plumped for all of the same players: Donald, Westwood etc. One thing the last 12 majors has told us is that there is always a surprise package lurking in the pack who'll quietly go about his business for the first 54 holes only to surge as a leading contender.

Louis Oosthuizen (former open winner), knows what links golf is about and is already a proven winner at this level so what's to say he doesn't emerge in the top 10 at a later stage.

My picks:
Ryo Ishikawa;
Lee Westwood;
Miguel Jiminez;
Louis Oosthuizen;
Jeev Milka Singh.

All these so called predictions are mere wishes on the part of these journalists!
It ranks of British biasness without merit. Golf is all about form and pedegree and of the one touted none are in form at the moment there are too many nearly men in the field to take these journalists seriously....

Alikatuk at 12
Woods is mentioned because he is a winner!.... Simples.

Barry Lane hit the first tee shot. Good thing players like him are relegated to a 6.30 am slot. Would rather watch Tiger et al. The Open has way too many average players in it - hope a top class golfer wins it as that is what it deserves.

Adam Scott to win - Westwood, Mickleson, Poulter and Garcia to have strong weeks -and for an outside bet, Snedeker @175/1 looks value...

(Now watch Tiger clean up...)

Maybe Woods is mentioned as he has won 3 times this year? They were in different conditions to what it will be these 4 days but he has still won them. I think Westwood or somebody unexpected and out of the blue to be there come Sunday.

My prediction Ben Ainslie or Bradley Wiggins - they can do no wrong!! As for the Open - its gonna be the 16th First timer!

Good chance of an unknown (or near unknown) winner since The Open is the worst of the majors in that too much luck can be involved and less an emphasis on skill. It's why, apart from a lot of the British players it is the one most players do not like (as they'll tell you when not on camera).

#41 - Don't think Open is the worst of the majors. I would put them (best first):

1) US Masters
2) US Open
3) Open
4) US PGA

If someone said to me you can win only one major and you have to choose which one I would choose the Masters every time.

Jimenez for me, and then he loses it on an objection for dropping cigar ash on the 18th.

Darren Clarke to break wind and 80.

Predicting the Open winner is a little like predicting the British weather at the moment!! On that subject, the weather could have a big say in who wins the tournament, as usual with the Open, in as much as how a player is mentally set after the first two days. A good seaside battering could see a few off!

For me Westwood has to putt well to win (his achilles heel every major), Donald warmed up nicely at Loch Lomond, I can't see Poulter or McIlroy doing much to be honest and who knows what mood Tiger will be in. I would like to see Harrington or Clarke win it again but I have a inkling that an outsider may prevail.

I seem to remember that lots of people were moaning as to why golf coverage focuses so much on Tiger. They should be watching now - noone better when he is on song.

@18 and why not ?

just watched scotts second shot at the 15th on bbc2. did anybody else notice the ball move as he addressed it just prior to the strike.

2012 olympics:)

I almost stopped reading this article after the 1st prediction. Westwood to win is fine but to then suggest that Poulter will have a big week because of a good short game being a characteristic of every winner here surely negates the prediction of a Westwood win?!?

Always amusing to read comments about chokers from, at best, Saturday Club players concerning tried and tested professionals who make a living from the game. Very funny.

"Predicting the Open winner is a little like predicting the British weather at the moment!!"

...it is nowhere near as easy as that!

Loving the Lee Westwood tips haha

Westwood is already out of it I feel. Great start, but a poor round in the end, already 9 shots off the lead.

Don't think it will be Westwood. He's not even in contention right now.
People still write Tiger off. Infact one poster wanted to know why he still gets a mention. Despite winning 3 titles this year.
I'm surprised Rory didnt get more of a mention over Lee. At least Rory has done it before.

My dad would not class himself as a betting man but he has recently liked the odd flutter on the golf majors. In 2009 we went to the Open championship at turnberry and after the first two days, my dad put money on Tom Watson to win, however he won no money as he did not bet each way. In 2010, he put money on Anthony Kim to win, but unluckly, Kim came third so he won no money as he did not bet each way.
So at the Open that year at st. andrews, he decided to bet on Rory Mcilroy each way, and guess what...... he won money, as Mcilroy came in third. Then at the Masters this year, he put money on Bubba Watson and won over £300. He has also won money on Anders Hanson at the 2011 US PGA Championship and Jason Dufner at the 2012 US Open.

It seems as though my dad has a gift for beating the bookies and predicting golf majors. This open, he has predicted Hunter Mahan to come out on top.... so keep an eye out for Hunter climbing up that leaderboard

Ah the wonders of British pundits, so blinkered by jingoism most of the time. Like all the picks for Murray at Wimbledon we get all the Westwood picks here. Wishing it so doesn't make it so - just accept Britain, whether team sport or individual sport, is a nation of underachievers punching below their weight. Silly punditry won't change that and just looks foolish.

see how stupid all the people predicting westwood look now ? didnt I tell you that ?

theweeman they may make a living from the game but they still choke over 7 foot putts with a little break, people are chokers on their own level they can still make a living from the game, westwood is the archetypcal choker not a hope in hell of ever winning a major, I play off 3 so he would beat me like a ginger stepkid but it still doesnt mean I cant say that, he's proven it thoroughly already if you watch his career.

diesel you are american or crazy, the open is far and away the biggest and best of all majors, the masters is lucky to even be called a major being an invitational played on the same course every year that has to be freakishly tricked up just to make it challenging, always bordering on the farcical often slipping the wrong side of that border.

kc chiefs has never played links golf if he thinks theres not much skill, you have to control the flight of the ball way more than any other type, ask tom watson. the pros dont 'like' the open for the unpredictability factor though thats true, but for pure enjoyment all of them to a man prefer links golf, if you ask them off camera.

Anyone of these late starters should have at least 2-3 shot advantage if weather is correct pouring in the morning no rain in afternoon.
Good luck on any early starters trying to make up ground on the leaders.

Donaldson G Mac Lawrie all step on the gas try to open up a lead


13:21 Jamie Donaldson (Wal), Bill Haas (USA), Y.E. Yang (Kor)

13:32 Davis Love III (US), Tim Clark (SA), Paul Lawrie (Sco)

13:43 Adam Scott (Aus), Alan Dunbar (NI), Matt Kuchar (US)

13:59 Vijay Singh (Fij), Ian Poulter (Eng), Nick Watney (US)

14:10 Ernie Els (SA), Darren Clarke (NI), Zach Johnson (US)

14:21 Lee Westwood (Eng), Yoshinori Fujimoto (Jpn), Bubba Watson (US)

14:32 Dustin Johnson (US), Graeme McDowell (NI), Hiroyuki Fujita (Jpn)

14:43 Justin Rose (Eng), Tiger Woods (US), Sergio Garcia (Spa)

14:54 Ryo Ishikawa (Jpn), Martin Kaymer (Ger), Tom Watson (US)

15:05 Aaron Baddeley (Aus), Thomas Bjorn (Den), Charl Schwartzel (SA)

15:16 Martin Laird (Sco), Jason Dufner (US), Kevin Na (US)

15:27 James Morrison (Eng), Daniel Chopra (Swe), Joost Luiten (Ned)

15:38 Troy Matteson (US), Thorbjorn Olesen (Den), Thomas Aiken (SA)

15:49 Brad Kennedy (Aus), Mardan Mamat (Sin), Steven Tiley (Eng)

16:00 Warren Bennett (Eng), Aaron Townsend (Aus), Grant Veenstra (SA)

16:11 Dale Whitnell (Eng), Sam Walker (Eng), Elliot Saltman (Sco)

42

I disagree with your ranking of the majors. Links golf is the most interesting, I would say. The variety of conditions make for varied play.

I'd rank the majors thus:

1 Open
2 Masters
3 PGA
4 US Open

Okay, maybe I'm being hard on the US Open, which has more history than the PGA. But the USGA's obsession with par has led to ridiculously set up courses. The last pin at Olympic this year was a joke; McDowell played the hole more or less perfectly and that still meant a very slim chance of making birdie. What exactly does that prove? A tedious event.

Extremely interesting opening round, some highlights and lowlights depending on your preferred players, my thoughts are outlined in my blog linked below, but can't wait till 9am tomorrow to see how tournament develops tomorrow

rodge hodgett obessed with tiger woods again...please sack the guy, hes must be on nikes pay roll

There are plenty of contenders for the Trophy aren't there - what I wonder is why is there such a reluctance to show any of the other serious challengers when Tiger Woods is playing - I seriously believe I am not the ONLY person seriously turned off when close up shots are repeatedly shown as if there were no other shot makers on the course. His close up face is not the most endearing sight either. So I would like to see a more balanced display of all of the great shot makers. I had always believed ´óÏó´«Ã½ were much better at that than competitors but ,,,,,,,,

Woods is going to have to change his nickname to 'tefal'. His constant use of the 'iron' around Lytham, is exciting as pressing my underpants and vests. Ironically, Scott, with 'tefals' old swing and caddie, is far more exciting to watch. Come on 'tefal', get the driver out..!! There's no wind, and only 4 Majors a year you know..!!

you dont need a driver when you can hit a 2 iron 300 yards