The 150th staging of The Open is almost here and St Andrews is all set. The countdown begins.
One of the world’s greatest golf tournaments never fails to captivate the world, as it will draw the game’s biggest stars once again.
LV BET’S OPEN PREVIEW
Past winners of The Open at St Andrews include greats of the game like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
The American will play once more – but could it be his swansong?
Woods’ eight-shot victory in 2000 famously completed his career’s Grand Slam. This year could be his farewell act at this famous event, and many wish for an emotional goodbye.
This will be just his third appearance in a full-field event after having suffered career-threatening leg and ankle injuries in last year’s car crash.
Nevertheless, Justin Thomas believes it would be “no surprise” to see the legend contend for a historic 16th major title.
“His swing still looks as good as ever, it does,” Thomas remarked. “Would I be surprised if he challenged this week? No. I’ve learnt better than to challenge anything about him.”
Is this the time for Rory McIlroy to rise above the rest and claim the Claret Jug?
“I might have something to prove to myself and other people,” McIlroy commented, “but with the way I’m playing, I feel like I’m going in there with just as good a chance I’ve had at an Open since I can remember.
I can’t go into The Open like I’ve got unfinished business at this golf course,” McIlroy told TheOpen.com. “You know, I feel like there’s enough pressure on me anyway without putting more on myself.
But it’s one thing that I‘ve been looking forward to for a long, long time – 12 years. I just want to make sure that I’m in the best possible shape to go there.
I’m playing well. I’m playing some of the best golf I’ve played in a long time. I’ve played well in the majors this year without getting the win, but I’ve contended in all of them, really. It’s a good opportunity.”
The Open will welcome the highest attendance in its history, with 290,000 expected over the tournament week.
THE OPEN – LV BET BETTING OPTIONS
Our odds for the opening round on Thursday are not to be missed.
If you fancy Brit Danny Willett to star then he is at 5/4 (2.25) to win his match with Jordan Smith on Thursday.
Can Collin Morikawa stun Dustin Johnson? He is 49/50 (1.98) to win the opener.
Tiger Woods is due to face Ernie Els, and you can back the American legend at 4/7 (1.57) with LV BET.
Justin Rose will take on Max Homa and is available at 19/20 (1.95).
Ian Poulter would love a great run. He faces Adri Arnaus first with odds of 14/11 (2.27) to win the opener.
LV BET
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*Odds subject to change. Odds correct at time of publishing.