The Open / Paul Krishnamurty / 09 July 2009 /

Two US Open champions - one with a temperament for the big occasions, the other with the tools to tough out testing conditions - are among Paul Krishnamurty's "Best of the Rest" in the British Open betting.

Henrik Stenson

Five Year Open Form: 3/MC/48/34/DNP

One of the very best players without to a major title to their name. Though long rated as a star in the making, Stenson had never made a top 10 in a major until coming from off the pace to finish third at Birkdale last year. It marked a turning point for the Swede, who has since registered further top-10s in the USPGA and US Open, as well as achieving the best win of his career in this year's 'fifth major' at Sawgrass.

Odds: [44.0]

Verdict: Capable of making the next career step into the major winners club.


Geoff Ogilvy

Five Year Open Form: MC/MC/16/5/DNP

This former US Open champion has emerged as the best amongst an ever-growing band of top-class Australians. A few months ago, his form was as good as anyone, with a second WGC Matchplay title his third victory in as many months. Despite doing little of particular note since, Ogilvy must rate a serious contender given his track record of rising to the big occasion.

On the downside, he's missed the cut in the last two Opens, and has only thrived in this major when conditions were less penal than usual.

Odds: [55.0]

Verdict: Respected, but not proven in tough, links conditions.


Retief Goosen

Five Year Open Form: 32/23/14/5/7

It seemed unlikely for a couple of seasons that Goosen would ever add to his two US Open titles, but a recent return to somewhere near his best brings him right back into the Open picture. A victory in March's Transitions Championship was his first on the PGA Tour since 2005, but third worldwide title in six months.

Thanks particularly to an ability to cope with the toughest of weather conditions, Goosen has long carried a reputation as a links specialist that originally stems from an awesome record in the old Dunhill Cup. He's made the Open top-10 six times, surprisingly without ever really going close.

Odds: [50.0]

Verdict: Holds a big chance if the weather turns sour, so well worth a trade at [50.0]


Camilo Villegas

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

One of the rising stars of the PGA Tour, and likely to become a major winner at some stage. Villegas has only limited experience of links golf, but played better than 39th on last year's Open debut suggests. Most of the 27-year-old Colombian's best form has come on tough, championship golf courses.

Odds: [70.0]
Verdict: Probably too early in his career, but could win a Claret Jug one day.


Vijay Singh

Five Year Open Form: MC/27/MC/5/20

Throughout a long, admirable career, the Open has been by far Vijay's weakest major. The only time he ever seriously challenged for this title was at Sandwich in 2003, and his last three attempts have been a struggle. Nor does his 2009 form foster encouragement, with this his worst season since the mid-1990s, even if there has been some improvement in recent weeks.

Odds: [110.00]

Verdict: Hard to see improving a below par links record at this stage of his career.

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