British Open / Paul Krishnamurty / 06 July 2009 / Leave a comment

A prodigious young talent and the most improved player in the world are among the six British players who Paul Krishnamurty believes could be in contention at Turnberry...

Rory McIlroy

Five Year Open Form: DNP/42/DNP/DNP/DNP

The most exciting young prospect to emerge this century, if not ever, 20-year-old McIlroy is already second favourite for the Open. Twentieth place on his Masters debut, followed by 10th in the US Open suggest that, despite the lack of experience, Rory is well capable of carrying the burden of expectation.

There's also every reason to expect significant improvement at Turnberry, as McIlroy is anything but a novice on links courses, having grown up playing the likes of Royal Portrush. He first captured public attention when making an impressive Open debut as a 16 year-old-amateur, and his links performances as a professional make him a must for the shortlist.

Odds: [27.0]

Verdict: A certain future Open champion, and a big contender despite his youth.


Paul Casey

Five Year Open Form: 7/27/71/MC/20

Casey is the most improved player in the world this year, rising from 42nd to third in the rankings. The highlight of his three titles, on three different continents, came when landing the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

However, that improving global profile is due to success on very different types of golf course than the links of Turnberry. Casey still must confirm he has the all-round skills to win an Open, as last year's fast finishing seventh was by far his best effort in this major.

Odds: [34.0]

Verdict: Clearly capable, but others appeal more on a links course.


Ian Poulter

Five Year Open Form: 2/27/MC/11/25

Poulter has improved almost as much as Casey of late, and may be on the brink of a similarly prolific spell. The turning point was last year's performance at the Open, when finishing a gallant runner-up, and top-five finishes in elite events at Sawgrass and Quail Hollow this season confirm that he is well capable of regularly competing with the game's very best.

All that is lacking from Ian's portfolio is a recent victory, but an excellent win ratio during his earlier career suggest he's well up to seizing an opportunity when it comes along.

Odds: [34.0]

Verdict: The best bet amongst a strong English challenge.


Ross Fisher

Five Year Open Form: 39/MC/DNP/DNP/DNP

Yet another Englishman with a fast-growing reputation. Fisher has made huge strides over the past 18 months, and didn't look out of place when bang in contention on the final day of the recent US Open.

Though his Open record to date is nothing special, he has left the strong impression that he could win this major at some point. He showed a liking for links when going down in a play-off for last year's Dunhill Links, and played well for a long way at Birkdale. Few are better qualified to cope if the wind gets up,.

Odds: [46.0]

Verdict: Probably a bit too early in his career, but could thrive in windy conditions.



Lee Westwood

Five Year Open Form: 67/35/31/MC/4

With 29 worldwide victories and superb Ryder Cup record to his name, the one gap in Westwood's CV is a major title. He's gone close in the US Open before, but surprisingly has only made the Open top-20 three times in well over a decade of trying.

Another concern is that he seems to have forgotten how to win, cutting a very different final day figure to the nerveless competitor of yesteryear. Finding the water on the first play-off hole of the French Open was the most recent disappointment of a winless spell that stretches back nearly two years.

Odds: [55.0]

Verdict: Possibly better suited to the US majors.


Graeme McDowell

Five Year Open Form: 19/MC/61/11/MC

Like fellow Northern Irishmen McIlroy and Darren Clarke, McDowell must always be considered on links courses due to his extensive experience of such conditions. Surprisingly, he's yet to make an Open top-10, but played well for a long way at Birkdale last year and at St Andrews in 2005.

Odds: [75.0]

Verdict: Another whose links experience could prove invaluable.

Key: MC = Missed Cut; DNP = Did Not Play