Royal Birkdale is set to host the Open Championship 2017 and this year looks to be one of the evenest British Open’s in recent memory in terms of the betting market.
Royal Birkdale, Southport, England
Links Course
Third major of the year
Par 70, 7,156 yards
Stroke index in 2008 – 74.87
Tommy Fleetwood, who happens to be a genuine challenger for this years Open grew up within walking distance of the Royal Birkdale course.
He recently told Golfing World;
“It’s one of the only courses I’ve been to where every bunker is in play on every hole. It’s a real, real test off the tee but once you get it in play it’s not too bad from there.
But it’s one of the toughest driving courses I think you’ll find.”
TPC Sawgrass has the island green but Royal Birkdale has the island in a bunker on the 7th hole @TheOpen. pic.twitter.com/iOnZ4KmN6G
— Todd Lewis (@ToddLewisGC) July 17, 2017
Hard to beat links golf.. Especially at Birkdale. Place is a beauty 👌🏽 @theopen pic.twitter.com/7PVyxYX8FU
— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) July 16, 2017
A perfect start to the week ☀️ #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/Tj84srZsfX
— Royal Birkdale Golf (@RoyalBirkdale_) July 16, 2017
Open Championship 2017 – How to win this year’s tournament
Thankfully, there was a British Open played at Birkdale back in 2008 we can use as some what of a measuring stick.
For the Aussies out there that was when an aging Greg Norman made a genuine run at the win – leading the tournament after three rounds before eventually finishing T3.
See below for some cracking highlights of the Great White Shark in action at Birkdale, and most importantly, the key stats that the top five excelled in during that particular Open.
2008 Open Championship Top-Five
1 Padraig Harrington +3 DA 37 DD 45 GIR 30 SC 13 PA 4
2 Ian Poulter +7 DA 13 DD 50 GIR 7 SC 26 PA 37
T3 Greg Norman +9 DA 76 DD 37 GIR 38 SC 3 PA 21
T3 Henrik Stenson +9 DA 4 DD 18 GIR 38 SC 4 PA 31
T5 Jim Furyk +10 DA 26 DD 31 GIR 5 SC 24 PA 61
T5 Chris Wood +10 DA 32 DD 15 GIR 38 SC 10 PA 31
Nothing too crazy revealed from the above other than the fact all players scrambled and putted well, which you’d expect to be the case during a testing Open Championship.
Links golf puts the entire game on show, testing the all around ability to perform under pressure. If there are holes to be found in the armour, the Open will find them.
For that reason, we are searching for players in reasonable form, with experience in similar conditions and sound major records as a starting point.
We’ll also be placing a good chunk of emphasis on the recent performances of players at both the Scottish and Irish Open’s.
Punting Stars 2017 PGA Betting Results
Open Championship 2017 – The Leading Contenders
Jason Day out of form and his volatility off the tee scares me. Happy to bet around and if I need to get on board in play, happy to pay the premium price.
Jordan Spieth deserves to be right up the top of betting but can’t find an overlay. One to watch and build a book around if his ball striking looks above average early.
Dustin Johnson priced to a premium considering how little Golf he has played of late.
Henrik Stenson simply incredible last year. Sets up ok this time around after a flat spot early in 2017. Looks over the odds.
Rory McIlroy even the $22 floating about on the exchange looks well under the odds. Out of form, needs more golf under the belt and some fire in his belly.
Jon Rahm it’s scary how good this kid might turn out to be. Recent Links form has been good but I’d rather take 30’s about Stenson than 18s about the kid.
Rickie Fowler Can hit the ball sweet and low, can play well in big moments. Seems at his price, though.
Sergio Garcia Consistent performer who can contend if he putts well. With some obvious holes in the games of the top few, he comes right into calculations.
Justin Rose hard to imagine J-Ro playing poorly who still has a big point to prove at the Open Championship.
“I’m a lot more at peace now,” he says. “I feel I’ve done the walk down memory lane. Let’s turn up as a legitimate contender to win the Open, not talk about the kid who nearly did.”
Hideki Matsuyama short enough given I don’t think this is his Major and the quality that is on show across the board.
Adam Scott changed up his Open prep this year after a few dry years of Major form. He’s at his price.
Tommy Fleetwood knows the course well and his links/Euro form is top notch. At his price though in this quality field.
Open Championship 2017 – Suggested Outright Bets
Henrik Stenson and Sergio Garcia are the two we are keen to spec each-way.
A lot of the big European books are paying 8 places while SkyBet for those that have an account are paying down to 10th! MADNESS.
Open Championship 2017 – 72 hole Tournament H2Hs
Harrington to beat Poulter @ $1.83 x 2 units
Noren to beat Grace @ $1.93 x 2 units
Fleetwood to beat Casey @ $1.80 x 2 units
Also happy to back Stenson and Garcia in H2H’s if you prefer to reduce the variance and fade the outright picks.
Who are your best plays for The Open?
Feel free to let us know on Twitter!
Good punting!