2010 British Open Hopefuls
by Adam Fonseca on Jul 12, 2010 11:45 AM EDT
Email
Print
The time has arrived for the third Major in 2010, and what better scenario can you think of to describe how this British Open will be played? St. Andrews, high winds, pouring rain, and longer tee shots over apartment buildings? Sign me up!
Here are a few names to watch this week as the PGA Tour prepares to tackle a new look at the birthplace of golf.
Justin Rose: Nobody on Tour is playing better right now, and Rose is no slouch when it comes to playing links-style golf. Fans will remember the way he stole the show 12 years ago at Royal Birkdale as an amateur, finishing tied for fourth. While the Open remains elusive to this PGA veteran, there has never been a better opportunity to hoist the Claret Jug than what Rose is faced with now.
Steve Stricker: The repeat-Deere champion is sure to make a strong showing at the Open this season thanks to his recent hot play. Probably one of the more consistent players on Tour, Sticker's strong wedge game will surely be his strong suit this weekend on the Old Course's tricky pin placements.
Stewart Cink: The 2009 Open champion looks to defend his title, however Cink's strongest Major showing this season was a tie for 40th at the US Open last month. Having proven the effectiveness of his links-strategy last year, Stew certainly has the tools needed to repeat.
Tiger Woods: Already a 2-time Open winner at St. Andrews (2000 and 2005), Woods brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong gameplan to Scotland this week. Looking for his first Major (and win) of the 2010 season, Woods has finished tied for fourth at the Masters and US Open this season despite his long hiatus. Keeping the ball in play off the tee will be the only way Woods has a chance this week, and St. Andrews has more fairway square footage than most courses on the globe.
Phil Mickelson: The 2010 Masters winner has never performed substantially well at the British Open in years past, but no time like the present to make a change to that trend. Unquestionably the best short-game player on the PGA Tour, Lefty will need all the tricks in his bag to master the greens in the midst of projected bad weather.
Tom Watson: Age ain't nothing but a number for this PGA Legend, and that was proven during his incredible showing at last year's Open. Perhaps the greatest links-player of all time, Watson has already made strong showings at both the Masters and US Open earlier this year. Don't let the crows feet fool you; this Old Tom still has plenty of magic left in his bag.
FanPosts are written by Waggle Room members. Viewpoints expressed do not necessarily reflect those of WaggleRoom.com, editor, Charles Boyer or any other writer or member.
18 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I'll throw a few more names in the hat
Els and Furyk both have 2 wins on the PGA Tour this year. Padraig Harrington has two Open Championship titles to his name and has obviously proven his prowess with links style golf. The Molinari bros. are perhaps golf’s fastest rising superstars and each is poised to contend for the title after a strong showing at the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.
My one-and-done: Justin Rose.
My dark horse: Martin Kaymer.
I’m with you, Spell – you can’t leave Harrington off the list. And Tom Watson…why not ?
I wouldn’t putt Mickelnuts on that list – maybe a “dreamer” list. He always finds a way to play a stupid shot during a British Open. Too many options.
Doesn’t it feel strange to put Tiger Woods on a “hopefuls” list ? Usually, he is such a prohibitive favorite – now he’s struggling for everything. Interesting pairing for the first two days – Woods is with Rose and Villegas.
I would love to see Darren Clarke continue his play from the Scottish Open. Ian Poulter always seems to think that a major is too much work. He plays well for a while, then fades.
And no mention of Lee Westwood ?
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
I'm putting my money on Westwood
Poulter didn’t fade in 2008 (2nd). I’d be happy to see Furyk hug the jug. Casey needs a good finish if he wants to make Ryder Cup. Remember when Sergio used to be mentioned?
Kaymer or “that guy” who won at Pebble Beach last month, Graeme McDowell. He certainly is a stealthy #11 in WGR.
Of course, you could make a case for Paul Casey, Luke Donald, Ian Poulter or (cough) Lee Westwood. Certainly as strong a case as you could for Cink, Woods or Mickelson, none of whom have been setting the world on fire lately.
I'll be putting up another Contest for the Open in the Fan Post this week.
I’m unsure who I like myself this week as its anyones guess. Personaly I’m leaning toward Westwood, Poulter and McDowell. Jimenez has had a good season over the pond this year, so not a bad choice. I don’t see Tiger finishing inside of the top 15.
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
The forcast is plenty of wind up to Friday.
The high ball hitters might struggle. Mcdowell could do it, but has celebrated a bit much the last 3 weeks. Clarke hits the ball nice and low, but if he got in contention, I don’t think his nerve will hold. Paddy might do well but it’s hard to overlook a Molinari. It’ll be a grinders week if the wind blows. Furyk ? He knows how to grind.
And let’s keep in mind that El Tigre has not done so well when the winds are howling at the Open.
Personally, I would like to see him play to sound of vuvuzelas, but that’s just me.
by Charles Boyer on Jul 12, 2010 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Dead wrong, Charles. That's not just you.
He’s been on the horns of a dilemma for a while now, no?
Yur all forgettin Paula Creamer and Cristi Kerr....both
will be playing in bikinis and 4 inch heels this week….should give them an outside edge, don’t ya think ? Well, isn’t that as silly as what Chicago is pushing….best links player ever ? really ? you better look in the history books a bit, and see who all has how many wins in the Open….maybe your not old enough to know some of the older players, Like Peter Thompson, Cal Nagle and a few more….Hey Chi Town….I’ll be glad to hold your bets on Tigar and Mickelnuts….even give ya top odds….STUB
Tiger missed the cut last year at the Open
Not at St. Andrews mind you , but is was blowing a gale over the pond.
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
If you have Thompson and Nagle, I will gladly take the bet. ;)
Adam Fonseca
by Adam Fonseca on Jul 12, 2010 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions
CHI...that was abit of info
for your Watson remark… but good luck to ya jist the same…..STUB
Only four inchers?
6 inch heels, well, they really help a woman’s calves stand out, if you know what I am saying.
LOL
by Charles Boyer on Jul 13, 2010 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
AH OMP...nice to
see that there is another “looker” in this madness……cheers…..STUB
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Have a golf story tip? Contact editor Charles Boyer and he will follow the story! Thanks!
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
