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British Open Betting Preview: This is the one for Westwood

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Even when he isn't playing, the spectre of Woods inspires confusion amongst his rivals. Tareq Quiroz believes the time has come for a certain Brit to take what he deserves.

Employers should expect a slew of sickies on Thursday and Friday as golf enthusiasts put their feet up to watch BBC coverage of the 137th Open Championship.

The world's best will do battle at magnificent Royal Birkdale in a bid to get their name added to the coveted Claret Jug. As a golf fan I will undoubtedly enjoy the result but it is the journey that I am most looking forward to.

Every major has its individual stamp but none quite like the Open. You can't buy history and this event has it in abundance. Always played on a links course, this tournament tests players in ways they rarely experience. Some openly admit they don't like this style of golf and some don't even try.

Kenny Perry is currently the world's hottest golfer but has refused his invitation to try to add a major title to his list of titles. That attitude is beyond me but there will be plenty of others not enjoying themselves this week. It is just a matter of picking the guys who really fancy it and have the game to match.

With the absence of Tiger Woods the market has something of a strange look about it. A major championship is up for grabs and the market has the feel of uncertainty. Who really is the favourite?

Sergio Garcia holds that spot but can a player who has never won a major is such a solid jolly. Why Phil Mickelson, supposedly the second best golfer on the planet, is currently fourth favourite is another of the many questions that need answering before we can begin to find the lucky golfer who will be crowned champion on Sunday afternoon.

Fortunately I didn't have to drift too far down the list to find my selection. The US Open was an eye opener for Lee Westwood as he finally realised what it takes to be a major champion. That day he came up just one shot short of a play-off with Woods and Mediate. Don't expect him to make the same mistake this week.

I have long believed Westwood to be the most likely British Isles based player to win a major. Harrington beat him to that last year but this is a new improved Westwood and the signs are very good. Westwood isn't necessarily hitting the ball any better than he has for the last 10 years but mentally he is much more focused.

You can get lucky and take a major title without you ever realising what is happening, the way Geoff Ogilvy won the US Open, but generally you have to be in the mix most of the way and that requires the mental toughness Westwood now posses.

If you only have one bet in the Winner market, Westwood at current odds of around [20.0] is the one to be on. The man from Worksop is one of the few players who can perform to a high standard on any course.

He has the tools for the job. It is now just a case of applying them at Royal Birkdale.