The Claret Jug is back on the line and it seems sports betting fans have to choose from one of the best international fields we've ever seen this week. For every American winner on Tour this year, we've seen a Justin Rose, an Ernie Els or a Graeme McDowell rise to the occasion. That means Tiger has major competition this week at St. Andrews for the British Open.
Here are some popular picks to consider.
Tiger Woods (+405)
WHY HE WILL WIN: Tiger has a ton going for him this week. He's been quoted saying that he'd play every tournament at St. Andrews if he could. He won by eight strokes there in 2000 and by five strokes in 2005. It's a course that forgives his sometimes wild driving and rewards his creativity and scrambling.
WHY HE WON'T WIN: Tiger still hasn't proven that he's ready to win again on the PGA Tour this year. His putting has been inconsistent and, more importantly, his personal life is still distracting him. He didn't come to St. Andrews early to prepare like he normally would because he had to squeeze in family time.
Phil Mickelson (+1215)
WHY HE WILL WIN: His sportsbook odds reflect his pure talent. The British Open doesn't suit Phil's game but he's still skilled enough that you can never count him out at any event.
WHY HE WON'T WIN: Mickelson has one top-10 in 16 tries at the British Open. His aggressive game just doesn't work in links golf. He's not a great course manager.
Lee Westwood (+1615)
WHY HE WILL WIN: Most golf betting fans still consider Westwood the best active player without a major championship. Though he fizzled at the U.S. Open last month, he still has four top-three finishes in majors over the last two years.
WHY HE WON'T WIN: Could he be this generation's Monty? For some reason, most of the British pressure heaps on Westwood despite the plethora of other good U.K. golfers. Also, he's 190th on Tour in sand saves. That's a skill you need to win at St. Andrews.
Justin Rose (+1850)
WHY HE WILL WIN: He's the hottest player on Tour, winning two of his last three starts. Rose is very accurate – 15th in ball striking – and that will serve him very well this week.
WHY HE WON'T WIN: It's been a while since Rose really made things interesting at a major. We still haven't seen his nerves truly put to the test in that regard and the pressure will be high if he's leading after 54 holes.
Luke Donald (+4050)
WHY HE WILL WIN: If you like playing the peripheral numbers, they point to Donald this week. The Brit leads the Tour in three crucial categories: scrambling, sand saves and putts inside five feet. He finished fifth at the 2009 British Open.
WHY HE WON'T WIN: He hasn't yet had the career success of the other names on this list. Could he be intimidated if he plays with them on the weekend?
You'd be surprised at how often statistical analysis can project the correct winner at a tournament. The course appears best tailored to Luke Donald. Tiger's head isn't on straight yet and other hometown faves like Westwood and Rose seem to have more pressure on them than Donald does. Go with the underdog!
