US Open / Joe Dyer / 15 June 2011 /

World number two heads the betting at Congressional but the smart cookies are looking closer to home for their US Open winner

Lee Westwood will tee off on Thursday morning at 8.06am local time as the [13.0] US Open favourite, a tick ahead of compatriot Luke Donald in the market and well clear of home favourite Phil Mickelson at [17.0].

With three top tens in 11 US Open appearances, including a third place finish in 2008, his liking for the event is plain to see. And with three tournament victories this year, his current form is clearly not a concern.

Whether his price is 'true' or artificially short thanks to the weight of English money behind him is not a question I'm equipped to answer. But Westwood's popularity with his 'home' fans is not in doubt and at double figure odds they don't need much of an excuse to throw a few quid at him. It'll certainly make cheering him on that little bit more enjoyable.

Something similar may be happening with the relentlessly consistent Donald who comes into the tournament as world number one following a string of high finishes on golf courses around the world. Again, it is a tournament that should suit his accurate long game and world-class touch around the greens, but a lack of length off the tee has probably hindered him in US Open's past. It is certainly his major doubt coming into this year's running.

But, like Westwood, supporting an in-form English favourite at double figure odds is clearly a tempting proposition for many. Remember this though, when the market opened, layers were offering Donald as high as [80.0] in the market.

If either of the English favourites are to falter - and it has been 15 years since Albion last claimed a major title - who does the market favour?

Mickelson, five times runner-up at the US Open, will always have his supporters but has possibly flown under the radar this year. Many a shrewd judge - including our own Paul Krishnamurty, Steven Rawlings and Dan Geraghty think the odds are wrong and have backed him to win.

A clutch of other US golfers have attracted late market support including Memorial winner Steve Stricker (available to back at [24.0] having traded as high as [95.0]), Hunter Mahan ([25.0]) and Matt Kuchar {28.0)].

Splitting that trio is the only man for whom a US Open win would be more popular in the British Isles than Westwood - Rory McIlroy ([23.0]).

After his agonising final round collapse at The Masters there can't be a soul in these islands who wants to see another failure from the 22-year-old. But if he tees off in possession of the lead, be prepared to use that lay button. It's what make betting on golf with Betfair so great. Enjoy the US Open, whoever you're backing.

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