The Open / Paul Krishnamurty / 13 July 2010 /

Looking for a triple-figure winner at St Andrews? Paul Krishnamurty had rifled through the Open odds to bring you four contenders

Darren Clarke [110.0]

He wasn't even in the Open line-up until Sunday, but after sensational results at both JP McManus' pro-am and Loch Lomond, it appears Clarke has rediscovered his best form just in time for his favourite tournament.

To shoot -14 for the first three rounds in those conditions, and still end up in second place has to be considered unlucky, although I have greater sympathy for Steven Rawlings, who dug him out at a massive [180.0]. At least Darren gets a huge cheque, and avoids the Open jinx that has afflicted all previous Loch Lomond winners.

The crucial point to remember about Darren is that he has always been a streaky player. When he's good, he's world-class, such as when beating Tiger to win the World Matchplay, or nearly winning this major in 1997 and 2001. When he's bad, he can struggle to make a cut for months. With confidence surely high, on a course he knows as well as anybody, there is every chance he can keep this particular hot streak going for another week.


Ryan Moore [150.0]

On a simplistic reading of PGA Tour form, which is generally superior to the European Tour, there are any number of overpriced Americans in triple-figures. In this case, Moore can be backed at [150.0], despite finishing second and fifth on two of his last four starts.

Of course, such odds tend to accurately reflect the fact that most Americans never get the hang of links golf, but Moore may prove better than most in the long run. He's much improved since making the cut on his sole previous Open attempt in 2007, has registered several good finishes in US majors, and performed well in bad weather. He's pretty long and straight off the tee, and scrambles well. Perfect for St Andrews.


Jeff Overton [170.0]

Very similar comments apply to Overton as to Moore. He is a winner waiting to happen on the PGA Tour, with four top-threes from his last eight events. Again, the assumption built into the price is that he will struggle to carry such form across the Atlantic in very different conditions.

I see no good reason why that should be the case, however, given an excellent 13th on last year's Open debut, when in nowhere near this level of wider form. Moreover, as one of the biggest hitters in the States, St Andrews should be far more suitable to his talents than Turnberry was.


Davis Love III [360.0]

If last year's hero, Tom Watson, can turn the clock back at the age of 59, then 46 year-old Davis Love is still capable of landing a title that he challenged for several times during his peak period. Love registered seven top-15 finishes between 1997 and 2004, earning a deserved reputation as one of the best American links exponents. Even with his game in crisis, he's made the last two top-30s.

The fact he is extremely inconsistent these days, not least with the putter, is reflected in enormous odds. However, he retains his power off the tee, and his best 2010 form is world-class. Love finished sixth in the US Open at Pebble Beach, and fourth in Sawgrass' 'Fifth Major'. How many other 300/1+ shots could say that?

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