Place Your Bets: Tiger or No Tiger, It's Still the British Open

The best golfer on the planet is hurt, but there's still plenty to watch at this week’s major

July 14, 2008

By Jason Brough
Bodog Nation Contributing Writer

Tiger Woods won't be at the British Open and it's probably time everyone got over it. The fact is, the world's number one golfer doesn't dominate every single major he enters. Actually, he's won just twice in his last six tries. Granted – save for the 2006 U.S. Open when he missed the cut and last year's British Open when he tied for 12th – Woods has finished in the top five in each of the 14 big-four tournaments since 2005. Still, this week's event at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, doesn't deserve an asterisk just because his highness is on the shelf following knee surgery.

Instead of bemoaning Woods' absence, let's accentuate the positives, of which there are many.

The Course

Like all the tracks in the British Open rotation, Royal Birkdale is steeped in history. Founded in 1889, it's hosted the Open Championship eight times already. The last one came in 1998 when Mark O'Meara defeated never-to-be-heard-from-again Brian Watts in a playoff. Other golfing legends to lift the Claret Jug at the famed course with the giant sand dunes include Tom Watson, Johnny Miller, Lee Trevino, Arnold Palmer and Peter Thomson.

As for how it's playing in 2008? "It's very difficult," Masters champion Trevor Immelman told the Times. "It's a lot greener than I expected and there is a lot of long, juicy and tough rough. It is not wispy. You had better drive the ball straight here because if you don't, there is no way you can contend."

The Favorite

Believe it or not, it's Sergio Garcia. The not-so-young-and-cute-anymore Spaniard is getting 8/1 odds to win, followed by Ernie Els at 12/1. Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood and Padraig Harrington are all at 16/1.

Garcia is the favorite to lift the Claret Jug. (AP Images)

Garcia goes in as the seventh-ranked golfer in the world, but after Spain's soccer triumph in Euro 2008 and fellow countryman Rafael Nadal's victory at Wimbledon, what better time than now could the 28-year-old choose to finally break through and win a big one?

Back in May, Garcia triumphed in what many considered a career-changer at the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. He still struggles with the putter at times, but his ball-striking is up there with the best. Most recently, Garcia finished second at the European Open, which wrapped up on July 6 with what he called "the best putting round I've ever had."

Garcia's also enjoyed success at his last handful of Opens. Last year, he had a putt to win at Carnoustie, missing by a hair and allowing Harrington to prevail in a playoff. In both the 2005 and 2006 editions, he finished in a tie for fifth.

"I feel like I will win (the British Open), and hopefully more than once," Garcia told the Times. "I love The Open Championship, and it is definitely something I want to have when I finish my career."

The Contenders

Despite tying for ninth at the Scottish Open, Els is at 12/1 odds to win the British Open. (AP Images)

Ernie Els – He's certainly got the experience, but the smooth-swinging South African just hasn't been playing much lately. Before tying for ninth at last week's Scottish Open, his previous outing was the U.S. Open where he tied for 14th. Before then, he missed the cut in five of the seven tournaments he entered.

Phil Mickelson – The world's No. 2 is always a threat; however, he hasn't been a factor at the British Open since his third place finish in 2004. The last time it was held at Royal Birkdale, Lefty finished all the way down in 79th.

Padraig Harrington – Tiger Woods won back-to-back in 2005 and 2006. Before that, the last consecutive-year winner at the Open was Tom Watson, who won in 1982 and 1983. The point is, golf is hard enough without the spotlight.

Westwood's game has been consistently good in 2008. (AP Images)

Lee Westwood – He's not the most popular player in the world, nor the most dashing, but Westwood's been playing some great golf in 2008. Some of his best stuff came at the U.S. Open where he finished third. Some will say Westwood doesn't win enough, even when he's playing well. If you're one of those people, perhaps betting on Westwood to finish in the top five (10/3) is for you.

The Pick

At 33/1, Vijay Singh looks pretty tempting. Mind you, this pick isn't the most likely to win; it takes value into account, too. The former world number one should be plenty pumped up to stick it to the British players in their own showcase after drawing their ire in June by criticizing their work ethic. Less than a month ago, Singh scored fifth place at the Travelers Championship, his best result since March.

TOP PHOTO: Even though Tiger Woods will be missing from the green at the British Open, there's still plenty to bet on. (AP Images)