WE could be set for an Open shoot-out between old foes Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson after a fascinating day one at Muirfield.
While the likes of Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald shot themselves out of contention, the American giants plotted their way round superbly to be two of 20 players under par.
Woods recovered from a scrambled bogey at the first to shoot two-under 69 and has been cut to a best 4-1 with Ladbrokes to win the tournament.
Mickelson sloppily three-putted the last for his 69 and one of my outright tips is now 10-1 second favourite at Coral.
Both trail leader Zach Johnson, who lost a play-off for the John Deere Classic, last weekend by three but the American isn't expected to stay out in front and is 11-1 with various firms.
Woods showed all his skills and strength to get round under par and Mickelson, who won the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart last weekend, is looking more comfortable than ever on a links.
I've picked out a couple of threeball bets and go with Mickelson to again get the better of off-form McIlroy and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama who hit level par in the first round.
Also go for England's Oliver Fisher who fired a solid 71 while playing partners Peter Senior (74) and Lloyd Saltman (79) struggled.
Recommended Bets
Mickelson (2.45pm)
(11-10, BetVictor)
Fisher (11.33am)
(11-8, Ladbrokes)
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.
Paul
Players who started – Oosthuizen, Hanson & A N Other..
if backed and they’ve not completed their 1st rounds, what would bookies view on this be?
I done a tennis accer at Wimbledon and 2 players retd during the match and the bets became void (BET365)
I have Oosthuizen (Corals). Cheers
Willie, individual bookies might be different. As far as I’m aware golf bets are live if the player starts, so not voided if he withdraws. With Ooosthuizen you were losing anyway as he was having a nightmare. Most bookies void tennis bets if a player retires as you say but golf rules are different.
Ya reckon u could bust a ton 20 round Muirfield Paul?
Only thing he would bust Guido is his Gut ! ya seen that treble chin m8 ;-)
Guido, yeah I’d beat 120 I’m sure. I’d hope to break 90 but would have to be playing well and putting well.