What's everyones fancies this year

Done

Hovland, Aberg, Fleetwood, Rahm & Rory all to finish top 30 finish @ 9/1

Morikawa, Scheffler, Bryson, Schauffele, Straka & Hatton top 40 finish @ 9/1

Schauffele each way 1st 8 26/1 & Rahm to win 14/1 with a free bet

Rose to beat Koepka, Morikawa to beat Fitzpatrick, Hovland to beat Straka & Sceffler to beat Rory @ 9/1

Can’t wait - one of my favourite few days of the year. Gutted I can’t be there but tickets were impossible to get. Just waiting to find out whether I’ve got them in the ballot for next year.

Hopefully one of our guys wins it this year with plenty of them in with a great shout. Obviously Rory, but also Lowry, Hatton, Fitz, Macintyre ,Fleetwood, Rose and a few others with big shouts.

Think Daniel Brown could go well too. First round leader each way at 125/1 is a decent bet for him as would be very difficult for someone with his experience to sustain it for 4 days

Russell Henley been incredibly consistent and gone under radar as usual - even though he’s up to world no 5. His odds look long given his form and he has the game to cope with the course and conditions too.

Adam Scott had a really good year too and he has a great record over here.

Ryan Fox, Thriston Lawrence, and Sepp Straka all got good chances at long odds. Straka has had an unbelievable year. Ole Sen at 125/1 is also a decent each way shout. He’s had a good year and a few years ago he looked exactly the type of player who would go on to win a major. Conditions and course will be good for him too.

Of the Americans again obviously Scheffler but those odds are too short ! But would not put anyone off backing him as if he finds his putting form he’ll win it as the rest of his game his so much better than rest of the field. His short game is ridiculous and will be a big asset on this course.

Schauffele is much better value and he just started to regain his form and had a good Scottish Open too. Justin Thomas played well at Portrush last time too. He definitely has the game to win it but he could also play himself out of it in a few holes. Sam Burns has had a good season too and Max Homa who I thought had the game to win a major as had a good last couple of months after a bit of a nightmare year.

I've got a reasonable record of predicting winners. At Royal Liverpool the other year we were discussing who'd win on the the train to Hoylake and I said I fancied Harman. He was 200-1 at the time and I never got round to putting on a bet
Last year I fancied Souffle but once more I didn't have a bet
This year I fancy the "Blade" so I won't be putting a bet on in the hope that the Brit can win it

Max Homa's year has been such a nightmare that he hasn't qualified for the Open and is playing in California this week.

I'm on MacIntyre and Hatton, shamelessly cribbed from Ben Coley's (who has an excellent record) Sporting Life tips.

Backed Rahm, Straka, Henley and Adam Scott. Rahm having a good year on LIV and has a good record in Ireland.
Weather not looking bad at all which might help the Yanks a bit? Most of them seem to struggle with a bit of wind and rain.

I have no interest in the gambling part of things but I am an avid golf fan. The Open, more than any other tournament, is dictated by the weather and I’m convinced a European will come out on top at Royal Portrush. Rahm has loads of links experience and is showing some form, Straka has had a strong PGA tour season although not in this year’s Majors. Tommy has a lower ball flight which will come in handy should the wind blow and I’m still waiting for his acceptance speech in a broad Lancashire accent Rory is in his own backyard, came in second last week at Scottish Open, if he can control his emotions he’ll be a factor this week. Tyrell Hatton is playing well over on the Oil Tour and fun to watch, Justin Rose can’t be counted out, he’s a tough competitor in Majors. As for the Yanks, can’t stand DeShambles, he’s fun to watch though but hasn’t adapted to links golf as yet. Schefflers putting woes appear to have returned. All in all I’m going for Rahm to hoist the Claret Jug.

Hatton to win
Aaron Rai e/w top 12

Hatton or Rahm to win for me and Patrick Reed e/w

Hovland just coming into some form...McIlroy should do well at this course.
Scheffler will be lurking around and same for Schauffele...i fact i'll go for all 4 in the top 10 come Sunday.

I have been wanting Lee Westwood to win it since I was 13/14 years old playing myself as a junior

I’m 41 now ha !

It’s extremely unlikely he will ever win one now but I will be routing for him from tomorrow

The Shire Claret wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 16, 2025 7:21 pm

I have been wanting Lee Westwood to win it since I was 13/14 years old playing myself as a junior

I’m 41 now ha !

It’s extremely unlikely he will ever win one now but I will be routing for him from tomorrow

He’s been very close a few times including last time the open was here….which isn’t that long ago !

His biggest opportunity though was at turnberry in 2009 when Cink beat Tom Watson….but Westwood should have beat them both

Serves him right for disrespecting the competition many years ago

I didn't realise Westwood had qualified for this years Open, which qualification process did he follow? He was on a massive PGA tour hot streak not long before jumping to the oil tour.

exilecanada wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 16, 2025 9:27 pm

I didn't realise Westwood had qualified for this years Open, which qualification process did he follow? He was on a massive PGA tour hot streak not long before jumping to the oil tour.

https://www.theopen.com/latest/final-qu ... as-herbert

Lee Westwood wrote: The first time I played in The Open was in 1995 when I qualified at Leven and I thought it would be great to come back here and try to qualify for another one at Royal Portrush,” the 52-year-old said.

It is a fantastic golf course, and I played well there last time. The Open Championship is the greatest tournament on the golfing calendar and as a British player, you get phenomenal support.

Rory win, Hovland ew 10 places, Im ew 12 places. Good luck with your bets.

Not easy to get through final qualifying. Sergio Garcia had 2 attempts and failed, I went to watch him last year at West Lancs.

Casper2 wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 16, 2025 9:15 pm

Serves him right for disrespecting the competition many years ago

I don’t recall Lee Westwood ever disrespecting the open ?

If anything - he’s one of its biggest fans

Or are you meaning joining LIV ?

The Shire Claret wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 16, 2025 11:31 pm

I don’t recall Lee Westwood ever disrespecting the open ?

If anything - he’s one of its biggest fans

Or are you meaning joining LIV ?

Nope he disrespected the open years ago when he had a poor finish , said it didn’t matter as it was just an average tournament, arsehole , never liked him since .

Not watched golf on tv in around 15 years even though I know Fleetwood's caddy, Ian. I wouldn't recognise most of the golfers that play now.

Casper2 wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 17, 2025 9:18 am

Nope he disrespected the open years ago when he had a poor finish , said it didn’t matter as it was just an average tournament, arsehole , never liked him since .

Really ?
He’s called it the greatest tournament in golf many times so cannot believe he would ever say it didn’t matter.
He still loves it more than any other major as he still thinks he has a chance in this one as it’s not all about strength and power

Big Vinny K wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 17, 2025 3:18 pm

Really ?
He’s called it the greatest tournament in golf many times so cannot believe he would ever say it didn’t matter.
He still loves it more than any other major as he still thinks he has a chance in this one as it’s not all about strength and power

And he's right up there !

Big Vinny K wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 17, 2025 3:18 pm

Really ?
He’s called it the greatest tournament in golf many times so cannot believe he would ever say it didn’t matter.
He still loves it more than any other major as he still thinks he has a chance in this one as it’s not all about strength and power

Yes really

Casper2 wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:20 pm

Yes really

Any links to what he said ?
I can’t find any.

Classy eye roll emoji btw

Big Vinny K wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 17, 2025 7:21 pm

Any links to what he said ?
I can’t find any.

Classy eye roll emoji btw

No I made it up , get a life FFS

Casper2 wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 17, 2025 9:18 am

Nope he disrespected the open years ago when he had a poor finish , said it didn’t matter as it was just an average tournament, arsehole , never liked him since .

A quote from Westwood shortly after successfully qualifying for this years Open.


“The first time I played in The Open was in 1995 when I qualified at Leven and I thought it would be great to come back here and try to qualify for another one at Royal Portrush,” the 52-year-old said
It is a fantastic golf course, and I played well there last time. The Open Championship is the greatest tournament on the golfing calendar and as a British player, you get phenomenal support."

exilecanada wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 17, 2025 7:41 pm

A quote from Westwood shortly after successfully qualifying for this years Open.


“The first time I played in The Open was in 1995 when I qualified at Leven and I thought it would be great to come back here and try to qualify for another one at Royal Portrush,” the 52-year-old said
It is a fantastic golf course, and I played well there last time. The Open Championship is the greatest tournament on the golfing calendar and as a British player, you get phenomenal support."

Sounds like he hates it

I always thought Lee Westwood was regarded as one of golf’s good guys.

BurnleyFC wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 17, 2025 8:14 pm

Sounds like he hates it

I always thought Lee Westwood was regarded as one of golf’s good guys.

He is.
Met him when he was first breaking through as his manager Chubby Chandler was a commercial customer of mine. His first 2 clients in golf were Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke.
Westwood is a big Notts Forest fan.

He’s had an incredible career - only thing missing is a major.

Phenomenal Ryder Cup Record. Up with the best.

exilecanada wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 17, 2025 7:41 pm

A quote from Westwood shortly after successfully qualifying for this years Open.


“The first time I played in The Open was in 1995 when I qualified at Leven and I thought it would be great to come back here and try to qualify for another one at Royal Portrush,” the 52-year-old said
It is a fantastic golf course, and I played well there last time. The Open Championship is the greatest tournament on the golfing calendar and as a British player, you get phenomenal support."

I know what I heard , are you calling me a liar?

Big Vinny K wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 17, 2025 7:36 pm

You probably did you pr-ick

Troll

Big Vinny K wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 17, 2025 8:38 pm

He is.

He’s had an incredible career - only thing missing is a major.

Yes he has, it’s not been without its challenges though. He was once ranked top 5 in OWGR then he totally lost his game and tumbled to almost oblivion. Fought his way back to the top, when he jumped to the ‘oil tour’ he was ranked 37 in OWGR, credits the resurgence to his second wife, class act. He’s not done a lot on the ‘drill baby, drill’ tour buts that’s just extra retirement money for guys like him. And has been mentioned, a stellar Ryder Cup record.

Casper2 wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 17, 2025 9:02 pm

I know what I heard , are you calling me a liar?

I wouldn’t call you a liar

But maybe you’re mistaking him with someone else ?

The other day he was asked if he could name all the British open winners going back as far as he could and he got back the the 70’s !!

That’s absolutely ridiculous he can do that

There is no way he doesn’t love the British open …

exilecanada wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 17, 2025 9:13 pm

Yes he has, it’s not been without its challenges though. He was once ranked top 5 in OWGR then he totally lost his game and tumbled to almost oblivion. Fought his way back to the top, when he jumped to the ‘oil tour’ he was ranked 37 in OWGR, credits the resurgence to his second wife, class act. He’s not done a lot on the ‘drill baby, drill’ tour buts that’s just extra retirement money for guys like him. And has been mentioned, a stellar Ryder Cup record.

He was at one time for a brief period the number one golfer in the world

Casper2 wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 17, 2025 9:02 pm

I know what I heard , are you calling me a liar?

Are your pants on fire?

The Shire Claret wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 17, 2025 9:28 pm

I wouldn’t call you a liar

But maybe you’re mistaking him with someone else ?

The other day he was asked if he could name all the British open winners going back as far as he could and he got back the the 70’s !!

That’s absolutely ridiculous he can do that

There is no way he doesn’t love the British open …

I know exactly who said it , granted it was a long time ago , but he said it , can’t believe the amount of abuse I’ve had for stating a fact , some people need to have a look at themselves.

Casper2 wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 18, 2025 11:57 am

I know exactly who said it , granted it was a long time ago , but he said it , can’t believe the amount of abuse I’ve had for stating a fact , some people need to have a look at themselves.

If you could verify your claim maybe this debate could be put to bed, I’ve tried to find any information to corroborate your claim with no success. Conversely, Westwood’s recent quote confirms he’s a huge fan of The Open. I asked “Ask AI” if Westwood had ever publicly dissed The Open, the reply is below:

There is no public record or statement from Lee Westwood indicating that he dislikes The Open Championship (often referred to as the British Open). In fact, Westwood has frequently expressed his appreciation for the tournament, which is one of golf’s four major championships and holds significant prestige in the sport.
Westwood, an English golfer with a long and successful career, has often spoken about the challenge and tradition of The Open, particularly its links courses and unpredictable weather. While he has never won the event (his best finish being a runner-up in 2010 at St. Andrews), he has always treated it with respect and enthusiasm.
If Westwood has ever critiqued aspects of the tournament (such as course setup or scheduling), it would likely have been in the context of constructive feedback rather than outright dislike. But overall, there’s no evidence to suggest he harbors any disdain for The Open.

Hard to see anybody stopping Scheffler now.

jrgbfc wrote: ↑

Sat Jul 19, 2025 10:29 am

Hard to see anybody stopping Scheffler now.

His putting was on another level yesterday like you say I can't see anyone stopping him.

exilecanada wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 17, 2025 9:31 pm

Are your pants on fire?

I’ve never played golf in my life but I do like to watch all major sporting events, including the major golf matches. I have a question. What happens in the following circumstances.
Player A plays an approach shot to the green from a long distance and the ball lands say 3 feet from the hole. Player B hits approach shot from distance and hits player A’s ball and knocks it from say 3 feet from the hole to say 12 feet from the hole. Can this happen and what is the outcome? Rather than google through the rules of golf I’m sure someone here can explain what happens.

Vino blanco wrote: ↑

Sat Jul 19, 2025 2:01 pm

I’ve never played golf in my life but I do like to watch all major sporting events, including the major golf matches. I have a question. What happens in the following circumstances.
Player A plays an approach shot to the green from a long distance and the ball lands say 3 feet from the hole. Player B hits approach shot from distance and hits player A’s ball and knocks it from say 3 feet from the hole to say 12 feet from the hole. Can this happen and what is the outcome? Rather than google through the rules of golf I’m sure someone here can explain what happens.

Yes this can, and has happened. I believe the ruling is as follows: Plyers A's ball is replaced as near as possible to its original position and player B's ball stays wherever it ends up.

jrgbfc wrote: ↑

Sat Jul 19, 2025 10:29 am

Hard to see anybody stopping Scheffler now.

Unfortunately I think you're spot on I'm and avid golf fan but I find it boring when the same player wins constantly. I appreciate Schefflers skills but I like to see the competition between players.

Unless something really special happens tomorrow it's game, set and match for that Scheffler dude If he wins tmw he'll only have a US Open to complete the Slam, which is really quite incredible. Almost Tigeresque

exilecanada wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 18, 2025 9:22 pm

If you could verify your claim maybe this debate could be put to bed, I’ve tried to find any information to corroborate your claim with no success. Conversely, Westwood’s recent quote confirms he’s a huge fan of The Open. I asked “Ask AI” if Westwood had ever publicly dissed The Open, the reply is below:

There is no public record or statement from Lee Westwood indicating that he dislikes The Open Championship (often referred to as the British Open). In fact, Westwood has frequently expressed his appreciation for the tournament, which is one of golf’s four major championships and holds significant prestige in the sport.
Westwood, an English golfer with a long and successful career, has often spoken about the challenge and tradition of The Open, particularly its links courses and unpredictable weather. While he has never won the event (his best finish being a runner-up in 2010 at St. Andrews), he has always treated it with respect and enthusiasm.
If Westwood has ever critiqued aspects of the tournament (such as course setup or scheduling), it would likely have been in the context of constructive feedback rather than outright dislike. But overall, there’s no evidence to suggest he harbors any disdain for The Open.

Pathetic, now go away troll

Scheffler is becoming similar to early noughties Tiger. The ball is on a string at times. He just doesn’t make mistakes. Very unlikely to be caught now. Similar to when Tiger won at Hoylake.

Hibsclaret wrote: ↑

Sat Jul 19, 2025 9:38 pm

Scheffler is becoming similar to early noughties Tiger. The ball is on a string at times. He just doesn’t make mistakes. Very unlikely to be caught now. Similar to when Tiger won at Hoylake.

His spin control is just unbelievable. That controlled cut where he's able to get the ball to one bounce and stop dead inside of 10ft from ~ 220 yards and in.

Supreme talent, credit to his caddie as well.

Casper2 wrote: ↑

Sat Jul 19, 2025 9:22 pm

Pathetic, now go away troll

exilecanada wrote: ↑

Sat Jul 19, 2025 2:44 pm

Yes this can, and has happened. I believe the ruling is as follows: Plyers A's ball is replaced as near as possible to its original position and player B's ball stays wherever it ends up.

You are correct. A's ball replaced near as , B's ball played as it lies.

I'm lumping on Scottie e/w.