2008 Open Championship Predictions

It's that time again. Time to crunch numbers, pore over statistics, and just plain guess who will win the 137th Open Championship. Royal Birkdale is ready and will play to a par 70 and 7,173 yards. The British weather is so unpredictable, the only thing to count on is that they'll have some.

So, with no further ado, and with our usual assist from the British betting house Ladbrokes, let's tear this apart and put a Claret Jug in somebody's hands before they've hit the first tee. Ready....

Sergio Garcia, 12/1..... Was 10/1 yesterday. An enigma wrapped in a conundrum. Has game, head questionable. Could win, should win.

Ernie Els..... 16/1, See above. Who knows? Bet carefully on Els. Could disappoint your wallet. Could win.

Lee Westwood..... 20/1, I see him a one of the favorites. Just missed at U.S. Open. Playing with confidence and had a great all-around arsenal. Could win.

Phil Mickelson..... 20/1, Sorry, ain't buying Phil. His game doesn't translate to links. He plays in the air, even around the greens. Pelz has his full attention. Nobody should have a world class golfer's full attention. Won't win.

Geoff Ogilvy, 25/1..... Played great earlier in the year. Slowing some of late. He's the type of steady player that just hangs around and suddenly is in position to win. Could win.

Jim Furyk, 25/1..... Last year, perhaps. This year, no. Erratic putter this year. He depends on his putter to make up some lack of distance. Won't win.

Padraig Harrington, 25/1..... Odds dropped due to very recent right wrist injury. Limited his practice rounds and won't hit out of rough until the tournament. Defender won't win. Tough break Paddy.

Adam Scott, 33/1..... Broken finger still a factor. Would still have questioned his major toughness. Like the kid a lot, but won't win.

Justin Rose, 33/1..... Storybook ending in the making. Expected more from him so far this year. He's back home though and should be comfortable. Could win.

Stewart Cink, 33/1..... Has all the tools. Having a great year. Something I can't quite put a finger on. Could win, I guess.

Vijay Singh, 33/1..... Good ball striking year, good as ever. Not putting the ball in the hole as quickly as he needs to. On the strength of his reputation........Could win.

Graeme McDowell..... 40/1, Must admit I'm not very familiar with his game. If he was better, I would be. Won't win.

Miguel Angel Jiminez..... 40/1, Leading Order of Merit, would expect more respect. Unflappable. His style suits the pressure and he's a Euro. Could win.

Retief Goosen, 40/1..... Other than dissing Tiger we haven't heard a peep from Goose all year. Won't win.

Robert Karlsson, 40/1..... Like him. Strong player with complete game. Could win.

Andres Romero, 50/1..... Think of him as the Latin Anthony Kim. Long and strong and just enough savvy gained to take a shot at this. Could win.

Anthony Kim, 50/1..... See above. Super game, not as experienced as Romero. This will help him down the line, but not this year. Gotta pay some dues. Won't win.

Hunter Mahan, 50/1..... Coming along, but not here, not now. Can't win.

Justin Leonard, 50/1..... I think the course is perfect for him. Extremely straight hitter. Great for the 10 yd. wide fairways. Wonderful short game and putter. I think he's got a real shot. Could win.

Robert Allenby, 50/1..... With the goggles he wears he reminds me of the Jeff Goldblum movie, The Fly. Decent player, no more, no less. Can't win.


Sleeper picks at greater than 50/1 odds......Henrik Stenson, Martin Kaymer, J.B. Holmes, Tim Clark.

Average Golfer's favorite names.....Chih-Bing Lam, Peter Appleyard, and of course Danny Chia, my pet name.

Average's Golfer's Pick to Win the 137th Open Championship

1st - Lee Westwood

2nd - Miguel Angel Jimenez

3rd - Justin Leonard

There you have 'em. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, no charge. On the house. I trust y'all will send me a percentage of your winnings. Operators are standing by.

Til' next,