Stewart Cink Seeks British Open Title Defense

Added on Aug 05, 2010 by Jack Thurman in

Golf

Most of the attention of the golfing public will the will be on the sport’s most famous player at the British Open, there are several other entrants that shouldn’t be ignored. Tiger Woods is the favorite to lift the ‘claret jug’ symbolic of winning the British Open, but his recent form has been well below his usual level. In addition, another of the sport’s biggest names, Phil Mickelson, is the third favorite to win the British Open. Mickelson, however, has been awful in recent years in the British Open.

The 2009 British Open was won by Stuart Cink, breaking the two tournament winning streak of Padraig Harrington who took his victories in 2008 and 2007. Tiger Woods won the 2006 and 2005 British Open, and despite his recent struggles it’s not a surprise to see him as the golf betting favorite here. Golf experts suggest that the St. Andrews course is perfect for Woods’ game. Tiger won the last two British Opens played on this course in 2005 and 2002.

Prior to Cink’s 2009 victory there were two back-to-back winners. That may suggest a Cink repeat at the 2010 event. It’s definitely worth a shot at the prices posted on the defending champion. Cink is a consistent golfer and very strong on European courses.

Englishman Justin Rose has won two of his last three tournaments and is currently in 3^rd place on the PGA’s money list. He’s been one of the hottest golfers in the sport over the past couple of months. He’s a very good competitor at a very good price.

Finally, Paul Casey was tabbed as the ‘golfer to beat’ last year but he’s been fighting his way back from a number of nagging injuries. He’s back to 100% now and hitting the ball very well. He hasn’t had much time to prepare for the event, but he’s available at a great price and is very strong on this course.

The best strategy will be to look for positions to go against the favorites–Tiger Woods and, to a lesser extent, Phil Mickelson. Both men definitely have the talent to contend and Woods has historically played well on this course, but you’re not going to get any wagering value betting on these big names. On the other hand, almost any position against Woods or Mickelson is a strong value play. That’s typically the case in any major golf event but definitely at the British Open.