The 141st Open Championship will get underway early tomorrow morning, as the world’s finest golfers will do battle with the Royal Lytham & St Anne’s course.
The defending champion is, of course, Darren Clarke, who will be looking to replicate the magic he produced at Royal St George’s. This year’s tournament is the first to be held at Royal Lytham since 2001, when David Duval won by three strokes ahead of Niclas Fasth, claiming his only major win in the process.
Expect pars to be a blessing this time around, as the weather forecast suggests the players will have to cope with heavy rain and stiff winds throughout. Those who can control the ball from the rough or in the bunkers are likely to be setting the pace, but all in all, this looks set to be one of the most ‘open’ Opens in recent years.
KRIS SIVA
Winner: I know he has never won a Major but I’m backing Luke Donald as he’s an Old Boy of my school, and he’s gone to the old heads of the game – namely Nick Faldo and Jack Nicklaus for advice and this could be his time.
Surprise package: I’m going to go with another big name and say it’s the return of Tiger Woods as my surprise choice, to make sure it’s not another one-hit wonder winning a tournament.
FRED NATHAN
Winner: With rough weather sure to make for some horrendously difficult links golf at Lytham, the two time major winner from Northern Ireland, Graeme McDowell, has experience of the course and feels that “this year I’m a lot more patient, my head is in the right place again, and I’m loving contending on the big stage once more.” Ominous signs.
Surprise package: Jeev Milkha Singh after his sensational play-off victory at the Scottish Open.
JACK BRADSHAW
Winner: One of the few men who knows links golf inside out, Louis Oosthuizen at 50/1 from the bookies is a joke. Winner in 2010 at St Andrews and runner-up at this year’s Masters, I wouldn’t be surprised if the serene South African claimed another major.
Surprise package: Local hero Simon Dyson has won two European tour events within the last year – the Irish and KLM Opens – and will be full of confidence going into this year’s Open.
DAVE WASHINGTON
Winner: Luke Donald has had an excellent year and just needs to add a major title to his career victories. With excellent control and iron play he has the game to avoid the treacherous rough at the Open and be successful.
Surprise package: A super talented youngster, Rickie Fowler has a highly promising future ahead of him which may well lead to him being a major winner. Whether this year is too soon remains to be seen, but he has the ability to mix it with the top individuals in the sport.
ALEX FINNIS
Winner: From tee to green, Lee Westwood is probably the best golfer in the world right now. He has been let down by his putting numerous times in past major championships, but all he needs is to hold it together for a few days on the greens and he’ll do it. Hopefully luck will be on his side this time around.
Surprise package: The big Swede Peter Hanson was in contention until a poor final day at the Masters. However, he understands what it takes to be right up there in major championships and could have a decent chance if he learns from his mistakes.
PRAKHAR CHANDRA
Winner: The one who thrives on the big occasion is Tiger Woods and he has to come back into form sooner or later.
Surprise package: I’ll be patriotic and say Jeev Milkha Singh. After having been miles off going into the final day of the Scottish Open, he came back and won so I expect him to do well based on form and confidence.