Main Contenders
After their weekends victories, Rickie Folwer and Jordan Spieth will come into this years Open Championship as the front runners. With Jordan Spieth aiming for a third consecutive major win and Folwer looking for his first, they may be the men to beat this week. Folwer had a top 5 in last years championship and with a win last week in the links of Scotland, he has the game and experience to shine! Speith 6/1. Folwer 18/1
Challengers
Louis Oosthuizen and Shane Lowry head a group of players who have gone quietly about their business in the past. Five years ago, Oosthuizen gave a driving performace around the Old Course at St.Andrews to clinch his first major title. With a fine finish in last months US Open, he may have another big week here with past glories in mind. Maybe worth a bet this week at 22/1.
Another man with form is the ever steady Shane Lowry. A solid season so far which has seen him perform well in the big tournaments, this may be the week that puts the Irish man on the golfing map. At last week`s Scottish Open, he played the golf that is capable of winning any Open. In tough conditions he was able to keep his game in check while others faultered. With his game improving with every passing week, he could be in contention come Sunday. At 33/1 he is worth an each way bet.
Long Shots
Brandan Grace is 40/1 to win this years Open. I think this may be the player who could have a great week at St.Andrews. Having won here back in 2012 with his win at the Alfred Dunhill Links, he knows his way around the famous fairways. After coming close at the links style US Open already this year, I think he is worth a small punt at fantastic odds.
Marc Warren is the next man on the list. With a great final round last week in his homeland, the Scot is flying high on confidence. At 14th in the current Race to Dubai rankings, he has racked up almost 900,000 euro so far this season. With last weeks strong showing and the memories of coming so close to winning the Scottish Open back in 2012, dont be surprised if the Scot is up there again this week. Odds have him at 150/1.
100/1. Former world number one in the amatuer rankings,Danny Willett has shown he has the game to match the worlds best this year. Currently 2nd in the Race to Dubai, he has already tasted success this year winning the Nedbank Challenge in Sun City. Add to that a third place in the WGC World Matchplay and his season is looking good. Not too much to boast about in past outings at majors but that may change this week.
by Eoghan Keniry