The (British) Open Championship

No matter what we call it, the Open Championship is the best golf tournament played outside of Augusta in the world on a yearly basis.  Considering Augusta is now seemingly ruled by just two men, it actually may be the best golf tournament to watch if you like a little suspense (and potentially wild weather) with your haggis and clootie dumplings.

This year's event is held at the St. Andrews Old Course, which is widely reknowned as the birthplace of golf.  In recent times its also been viewed as the epicenter of Tiger Woods' domain (was looking for the name of a dwelling for a tiger....lair?  den?).

Woods has won the last two Opens at St. Andrews by a combined 13 strokes, and he has to be the favorite for that reason alone, despite his mortal play in the post Elin era.  Woods is successful at the Old Course for three reasons.  One, he's the best player in the world.  Two, the fairways roll forever, so he can keep the driver in the bag and still roll it out there over 300 yards, and three, wayward drives aren't quite as penal on the other side if the pond.

After Woods, I like Phil as the second choice.  I know he has a terrible record in this event, but I believe Mickelson has morphed into a player who is going to contend at pretty much every major contested.  If you forget his record at the British you can make a good case that the course sets up well for his game too.  Plus, there is a rule when it comes to picking guys for majors.  Tiger and Phil are always the first two choices.  My buddy Steve learned this the hard way at Augusta when he took Els before Phil in a draft.  You just don't make that mistake, and it cost Steve $20.

So, who else has a fighting chance here?  Ernie has 12 top tens (and a win) in 18 tries at the Open, which is a stunning record.  He should be there considering his 2010 form.  Westwood has to be considered in every major these days, though the calf injury is a concern.  Retief, Sergio and Furyk also all have at least five top 10s in this event, and don't forget two time champ Paddy Harrington, who is more than capable.  All but Sergio come in playing well enough to contend.

There are a host of others who obviously can put it together this week too.  Justin Rose is the hottest player in the world.  Ryan Moore and Sean O'Hair are solid American options, both of which are in the midst of their best play of the year on the PGA Tour.  Eduardo Molinari won the Scottish Open last week, and joins US Open champ Graeme McDowell, Luke Donald and Ian Poulter (who likes his chance this week) as Brits with a good chance.  Rory McIlroy is playing well enough too.

Four names for deeper sleepers?  Jason Day, Jeff Overton, Rhys Davies, and Ryo Ishikawa.  All are playing well coming into Thursday.  I can't wait.

Most Talent
Woods
Mickelson
Westwood
Stricker
Els

Course History
Woods
Els
Singh
Goosen
Garcia

Who's Hot?
Rose
Stricker
Moore
E. Molinari
McDowell

Who's Not?
Garcia
Woods
Glover
Weir
Cabrera

My Picks
Woods
Mickelson
Els
Poulter
McIlroy
O'Hair
Moore
Harrington
Rose
Ishikawa

Cheers,
TFAM