The Open / Paul Krishnamurty / 06 July 2009 /

The next Tiger Woods, Mr Consistency and a [1000.0] champion links lover make it on to Paul Krishnamurty's list of five Americans who could challenge for the Open Championship at Turnberry...

Anthony Kim

Five Year Open Form: 7/DNP/DNP/DNP/DNP

Billed as the 'Next Tiger Woods', but came off clearly second best in his first meaningful head-to-head with the great man at the recent AT & T National. Nevertheless, that was Kim's third good week in a row, suggesting he's back to his best after a quiet start to 2009.

Considering it was his first sighting of a British links, seventh place at brutal Birkdale last year was an outstanding effort, and bodes well for future tilts at this title.

Odds: [44.0]

Verdict: Capable of winning one day, but may still lack enough links experience


Sean O'Hair

Five Year Open Form: 82/67/14/15/DNP

O'Hair's first two Open attempts produced highly promising top-15 finishes, but he has struggled badly in the two years since. That may be due to the nature of the courses in question, as the first two were at St Andrews and Hoylake, which both presented uncharacteristically easy conditions.

Nevertheless, O'Hair has improved markedly this season, highlighted by victory at the elite Quail Hollow Championship and a last gasp defeat to Tiger at Bay Hill.

Odds: [90.0]

Verdict: Could go close if the sun shines and winds stay away.


Jim Furyk

Five Year Open Form: 5/12/4/MC/MC

Golf's 'Mr Consistency' has a characteristically impressive Open record, making the top-five four times including two of the past three years. Another high finish looks likely, as Turnberry should reward Furyk's relentless accuracy off the tee.

The only downside with Furyk is that he's never really been a prolific winner of tournaments, as a failure to land a title since 2007 illustrates.

Odds: [50.0]
Verdict: Always a reliable selection for place and match betting.


Hunter Mahan

Five Year Open Form: MC/6/26/DNP/36

Since taking centre stage as top-scorer in the Ryder Cup, Mahan has confirmed his status as one of the most impressive emerging players on the PGA Tour. Recent weeks have seen him finish sixth, fourth and second, pointing towards a long overdue second title.

Mahan's consistently accurate long game makes him well-suited to major venues, and he's already thrived at the Open when finishing as joint leading American at Carnoustie in 2007.

Odds: [50.0]
Verdict: A rising star, but yet to completely prove his links prowess.


Ben Curtis

Five Year Open Form: 7/8/MC/MC/MC

Curtis stunned the world when winning the Open at the maximum odds of [1000.0] in 2003, but its become clear that was no fluke as his career has progressed. Top eight finishes in the past two years prove beyond doubt that he is one of the very best American exponents of links golf. Three top tens in his last five events also suggest he's coming into form.

Odds: [90.0]
Verdict: Likely to confirm his love of links again with another high Open finish.

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