ADAM SCOTT has one hand on the Claret Jug and it will be difficult to wrestle golf's most famous trophy away from the Australian on Sunday evening.
Scott has played exceptionally well over the first three rounds at Lytham and looked coolness personified as he defended a four-shot lead over Graeme McDowell and Brandt Snedeker.
The likeable Aussie, still hunting his first Major, is no cert to win but I'm backing him to get over the line. But he is now no bigger than 8-11 with the likes of Skybet, BetVictor and bodog. Wind is forecast for the first time in the tournament and the weather could play a part if someone was able to post a total of seven or eight under.
Former US Open winner McDowell could run Scott closest. The Northern Irishman, 9-2 at bet365 and bodog, struck the ball beautifully over the back nine on Saturday and three birdies in the final six holes was the reward.
Snedeker struggled but after rounds of 66 and 64 it was no surprise to see him throw in a 73. But he will need to repeat the standards of his first two rounds to have any chance of his first Major. The American is 14-1 (various).
And of course five shots back and still a threat is Tiger Woods but he may have to change his conservative style and reach for the driver unless Scott and the rest make mistakes. Woods has won 14 Majors but none since 2006 and never when trailing going into the final day. He is 6-1 with sportingbet and bodog.
My antepost tip South Africa's Ernie Els (68) and America's Zach Johnson lie on five under and I'm hoping Els, who was 45-1, finishes in the places. Els is currently 25-1 (various).
As far as Sunday's twoballs are concerned I'm trying a treble on Woods (4-7, Skybet) v Snedeker, Louis Oosthuizen (4-7, William Hill) v veteran Mark Calcavecchia and Luke Donald (4-7, William Hill, Ladbrokes) v Kyle Stanley.
Recommendations
Scott to win The Open
(8-11, various)
Woods, Oosthuizen, Donald twoball treble
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.
I am on G-Mac at 35/1 from the start and took Adam Scott at 3/1 yesterday morning as cover
I like the 2 ball treble so that will be my bet today
Should be an exciting afternoon, especially if the wind gets up
Bruce, it’s between your two, Snedeker and Woods. I can’t see anyone else getting into the mix and to be honest it looks like Scott’s to lose. McDowell or someone else has to put pressure on him early on because at the end of the day he could get nervy as he chases his first Major title.
Paul i have to be honest when i seen ur els ew tip in initial open thread i dismissed it off hand but very nice tip @ 45/1. Hope u had a few quid on it!!
Joe, I had a tenner each-way on Els and some more in-running when it was clear only he or Scott could win. I’m delighted with the tip but if I’m honest I’d say I expected Els to finish top four or five but maybe not win it. But that’s a 1,2,3 in three Lytham Opens so he can certainly play a tough track. I feel for Scott who was superb until the last four holes but he obviously needs to find a way to handle the pressure down the stretch and then he’ll become a Major winner. Wouldn’t be surprised if Scott bounced back at the PGA.
Nice one mate. Not often u see a 45/1 shot comin in. U musta jumped off ur seat wen scott missed that putt at the 18th :)
Joe, it’s funny because I kinda wanted a play-off with Els winning. Think that was least Scott deserved but didn’t see him making the putt to be honest.