2013 British Open Preview



The world's best golfers are gearing up for the third major of the year. Muirfield Golf Links in Scotland will host the 142nd Open Championship. Though it's a links course like the majority of the courses the British Open is played at, Muirfield's layout makes it unique. The setup causes the wind to play an even bigger factor than usual during this major. The last time the Open was played here was in 2002 when Ernie Els took home the Claret Jug. Eleven years later, Els returns to Muirfield as the defending champion as he won another Claret Jug last year. To nobody's surprise, Tiger Woods enters the tournament as the favorite with 7 to 1 odds. Tiger claims he's healthy, but has been battling an injured elbow. A non-American has won the Open five of the past six years. Jason Day and Justin Rose are co-favorites from outside of the USA. This is by far the most unpredictable of the four majors, because weather is such a key factor. Here is a look at my favorites to walk away with the Claret Jug on Sunday.

1. Brandt Snedeker - USA (35 to 1)

World Golf Ranking: 8th

Best British Open Finish: T3 (2012)

Average 2013 Score: 70.19

 

2. Lee Westwood - England (25 to 1)

World Golf Ranking: 12th

Best British Open Finish: 2nd (2010)

Average 2013 Score: 71.02

 

3. Luke Donald - England (28 to 1)

World Golf Ranking: 9th

Best British Open Finish: T5 (2005, 2009)

Average 2013 Score: 70.94

 

4. Ernie Els - South Africa (28 to 1)

World Golf Ranking: 13th

Best British Open Finish: Champion (2002, 2012)

Average 2013 Score: 71.47

 

5. Adam Scott - Australia (25 to 1)

World Golf Ranking: 4th

Best British Open Finish: 2nd (2012)

Average 2013 Score: 70.84

 

6. Tiger Woods - USA (7 to 1)

World Golf Ranking: 1st

Best British Open Finish: Champion (2000, 2005, 2006)

Average 2013 Score: 70.28

 

7. Rickie Fowler - USA (50 to 1)

World Golf Ranking: 33rd

Best British Open Finish: T5 (2011)

Average 2013 Score: 70.87

 

8. Matt Kuchar - USA (45 to 1)

World Golf Ranking: 6th

Best British Open Finish: T9 (2012)

Average 2013 Score: 70.07

 

9. Dustin Johnson - USA (40 to 1)

World Golf Ranking: 24th

Best British Open Finish: T2 (2011)

Average 2013 Score: 71.08

 

10. Sergio Garcia - Spain (30 to 1)

World Golf Ranking: 15th

Best British Open Finish: 2nd (2007)

Average 2013 Score: 70.71

 

Prediction - I am taking Brandt Snedeker to break through and win his first major. Snedeker has been a model of consistency and is on the verge of being a superstar. He seems to always be in contention and this week should be no different at Muirfield. I usually take the easy way out and take Tiger as my top pick, but he has disappointed me too many time over the last few years. Ultimately, I see one of these ten men winning the Claret Jug. If I am forced to pick one, I like Snedeker to become a major champion.