THE build-up has seemed to go on for ages but at least we are in The Open week.
Royal Birkdale is the host for the 10th time since 1954 and alongside Royal Lytham has been the most regular visited venue. Here are a couple of the more recent Opens at this magnificent venue.
In 2008 Birkdale was where Padraig Harrington successfully defended his Open title and was the first European to do so since James Braid in 1906.
Before The Open Harrington had damaged his wrist while practising with his driver into a bean bag and nearly had to withdraw. Gales had battered the course over the week and it was going to take true links golf to grab the trophy.
Going into the final round Harrington was two behind 53-year-old Greg Norman who was still on honeymoon with new wife tennis star Chris Evert. Norman was clinging on after the front nine and Harrington had bogeyed three in a row.
However, Padraig just kept plugging away and wrapped it up at the par-five 17th when he hit a five wood 246 yards to three feet for an eagle and enjoyed the walk up the 18th to the roars of the crowd.
In 1998 Mark O’Meara became the oldest person to win two Majors in the same year. He won the Masters in April and along with Brian Watts was fighting it out for the title.
In the final round O’Meara made birdies at the 11th, 12th and 14th, bogeyed the 16th but birdied the 17th for a 68. Watts birdied the 17th and parred the 18th to take the tournament into a play-off.
The play-off was played over the final four holes and aggregate score. O’Meara won it by two shots after birdieing the first extra hole and didn’t look back.
A young English amateur taking part that week was Justin Rose. The 17-year-old’s second-round 66 equalled the record for an amateur in the Open. He tied for fourth after a holing brilliant pitch from the rough to birdie the 18th and that was the best result for a British amateur since 1921.
Rose could contend this week in what is a wide-open tournament. I've picked out my tips and they'll be posted tonight.
The outright betting shows how tight it is with 16-1 available on Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler.
Rory McIlroy admits he is carrying an injury and is a best 20-1 at bet365. World No.2 Hideki Matsuyama is 25-1 with Betfred while local lad Tommy Fleetwood is the same price with a host of firms.
As I said it looks there for the taking with no one in scintillating form and I'll reveal my picks later.
Ace Venturer
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
Sky bet are paying 10 places for each way bets, looking forward for your picks Ace
It’s a good offer as long as you get a good price.
Sometimes odds are reduced to allow for the extra places.
Treble.
Hole in one in 2017 open 4-5
Rickie Fowler top 20 finish. 4-5
Match bet Mickelson to beat oosthuizen 5-6
Pays 5-1
Ace, I’m backing Marc Leishman. What are your thoughts?
Hi ace i was wondering if you could help me today i finished 5th in the us open competition you were funning last month i was to receive a £10 bet in my unibet account i havent received any funds yet so do you know what the hold up is ps i did send an email with my user name for the unibet account thanks ps keep up the good work
Ace doesn’t deal with the contests. Can you email admin please. I’ll also let them know about your query.
Hi Bleeding Gums, You never really hear of Leishman until the Majors come around but he does seem to have some backers and well worth a flutter.
Open picks
Matsuyama 22/1 – backed him last 2 majors without success but he is a major winner waiting to happen just hope he doesn’t have to wait long as sergio. He is a great ball striker though and solid accurate player.
Rickie fowler 16/1 – seems to tick a lot of boxes and was close in Scottish last week. No reason not to see a good show
Sergio Garcia 20/1 – never backed Sergio in majors due to him always being there or there abouts. Having won a major now hopefully will free the tension and has been in top 10 last 3 British opens so great value.
Outsider Steve striker 100/1 each way. Horses for courses pick he is experienced at links golf, experienced in majors, played well as he always seems too in john free last week. You don’t have be spectacular to win just solid enough to finish in the top 10 for place money. Steady as you go steve.
Good luck all