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The British Open Betting Portfolio: Three links legends struggling for form

The Open RSS / / 05 July 2009 /

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Harrington, Garcia and Els are all undergoing lean patches ahead of Turnberry, but can they turn it around in time for the Open?

Three Open specialists bidding to prove the layers wrong

Padraig Harrington
Five year Open Form: 1/1/MC/DNP/MC

After last summer's heroics when retaining his Open title at Birkdale and becoming the first ever European winner of the USPGA, Harrington appeared to have the world at his feet. Twelve months on, however, and very few punters seem willing to get behind the Irishman's bid to make further history, by becoming the first player to win three consecutive Opens since the 1950s.

From a low point of [10.0], Harrington's odds have drifted to [36.0]. The reason is a miserable run, which has seen him fail to make a top-10 since the opening event of 2009. Nevertheless, we know he has the game, and the temperament, to win this major if finding a spark from somewhere.

Odds: [32.0]
Verdict: Needs a miracle on recent form, but too dangerous to write off.


Sergio Garcia
Five year Open Form: 21/2/5/5/MC

Garcia rivals Harrington for the title of 2009's greatest disappointment, dropping back from no.2 to no.5 in the world rankings. The old putting nightmares have returned, and threaten to derail a potentially brilliant career. He hasn't got into serious contention anywhere since last winning nine months ago.

More positively, at least Sergio made the US Open top-10; adding to an impressive portfolio of high finishes in majors. The Spaniard has made the top-10 in six of the last eight Opens; most famously when throwing away the title at Carnoustie two years ago. Garcia evidently has the game to win a Claret Jug, and remains the best player never to have won a major.

Odds: [24.0]
Verdict: A massive contender if back to anywhere near his best.


Ernie Els
Five year Open Form: 7/4/3/34/2
Ernie's record in this major, and on links courses generally, is more consistent than any other player of his generation; including Tiger Woods. Besides winning at Muirfield in 2002, the Big Easy has been runner-up three times, and made 11 Open top-10s.

However, after dropping out of the world's top-20, it seems Ernie's very best days are generally behind him. Consequently, the popular South African can be backed by far his biggest odds for many a year at [65.0], but layers could yet live to regret dismissing him. Nobody has greater links expertise, and if he can somehow get the putter working, Ernie will be there or thereabouts once again.

Odds: [65.0]
Verdict: A top-value trade.

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