2008 British Open: The Best Of The Rest
by Bodog Sportsbook | Jul 15 2008
British Open Preview
The Best Of The RestIn the absence of Tiger Woods,
betting on the British Open and every other major is now completely wide open. The sport of golf needs a new star, a new face, someone who can step up and say: “Hey, this is my game now.” On the world’s stage of one of the most prestigious majors in the PGA Tour, Bodog Sportsbook takes a look at which golfers could step up, grab the spotlight and win the British Open.
First up is a golfer who, upon arriving on the scene, was believed by many to be the man to challenge Tiger Woods. Sergio Garcia was seen as the next big thing in golf; he was confident, talented, and judging by some of his outfits, had a flare for the dramatic… Nine years later and without a single major championship win to his resume, it will suffice to say that Garcia has not lived up to expectations. But then again, since Tiger Woods has been on the scene, what other golfer has?
Everybody thought that Phil Mickelson would be Tiger’s arch nemesis, that what the Joker is to Batman, Mickelson would be to Woods. That matchup has been anti-climatic to say the least.
The FieldThe field is now wide open. So what about Vijay Singh and guys like Jim Furyk, Padraig Harrington and Ernie Els? Obviously we are talking about successful golfers who are extremely talented and have made an excellent living as professionals in a very difficult game, but as a true sports fan you can’t help but feel apathetic about their successes. You want to see someone dominate; you want to see someone win it all and have their time in the limelight. Fleeting instances of success and above average performances just don’t cut it for the hardcore sports fan. But perhaps our perception of success in golf has been skewed by a certain somebody; perhaps we have forgotten what the golf world was like P.W. (Pre-Woodsy).
Golf needs another star and winning the British Open is a great way to make a statement for any golfer. But if you want to play the favorites, then the first name that comes to your mind is Phil Mickelson. The problem with Phil is that he hasn’t fared well over his career in the British Open. In 15 career starts at the British Open, Mickelson has managed only one top 10 finish.
Padraig Harrington is the defending champion and he is hoping to have a similar performance to last year’s. He’ll have to overcome history; the only man to defend a British Open (apart from you-know-who in 2006) is Tom Watson in 1983.
Ernie Els is also among the favorites to win this event. He won it in 2002, but what has he done for us lately? Well, he did pull off a victory at the Honda Classic, but has only managed two top 10 finishes in nine events on the PGA Tour. His build and his game are suited for the course and that could be his biggest advantage.
What about Sergio Garcia? He has had success at the British Open throughout his career but has always come up short. Last year he lost in a playoff to Harrington and he has had top five finishes in previous years. Is it finally his time?
Open SeasonYou get the sense that it could be anybody’s game, that anyone in the field has a chance to take it all in the absence of Tiger Woods. It’s that very sense that is, ironically, making this British Open so exciting. Essentially, from the British Open onwards, we are looking for who is the best of the rest.
Check out our British Open odds page for the odds of the field and other betting options.
