The Open at Royal St.George's kicks off next week and the stage is set for someone to seize the claret jug and cement their name in golfing history. I believe Lee Westwood is well placed to break his Major winning duck. The level headed Englishman is a majestic iron player and has the experience to finally land one of golf's big 4 titles. A sizzling 65 in the first round at The Scottish Open shows he is in the mood to go well in golf's oldest major.The winner is likely to be someone with a reputation for straight driving and impressive greens in regulation statistics. The importance of long, straight driving is emphasised more than usual by the quirky layout of the course.
Luke Donald is an obvious contender,with his long game precision, as is USPGA champion, Martin Kaymer. Rory Mcilroy is the favourite and is priced as short as 5/1 chance with the bookmakers. The 2011 US Open victory along with 3 strong rounds at Augusta illustrate that he is a threat, I just wonder whether the newly formed pressure of last month's performance will hinder his concentration and mental approach.
2010 US Open Champion Graeme Mcdowell has the ability to beat strong winds with low trajectory shot-making where necessary and a stunning 2nd round at The Scottish Open show that he is finding the groove at just the right time.
Charl Schwartzel will still be enjoying the confidence boost of his Masters win and has the length,shot shaping ability and accuracy off the tee to be a contender.
When considering outside shots for the Championship, Bubba Watson springs to mind. If the big American can avoid hitting too many errant tee shots, he can overpower this course if he gets things going on the greens. Matteo Mannasero and Anthony Kim will win majors one day. These two young stars have the power and accuracy to make them a threat at any tournament.
Padraig Harrington must be considered with his 3 major wins and who would write off Ernie Els? The experience, swing consistency and wind control shot-making of the South African could surprise many by going close next week.
Royal St. Georges has a habit of producing surprise winners. Could Phil Mickelson finally capture a British Open crown? I would be surprised if the big hitting left hander lifts the Claret Jug next Sunday but with his Major winning pedigree and amazing short game, who knows?
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