Sport

Punters have plenty of options beyond Woods

GOLF/British Open betting: For those who love their golf, and particularly the dulcet tones of Peter Alliss, the coming four…

Wed Jul 16 2003 - 01:00

GOLF/British Open betting: For those who love their golf, and particularly the dulcet tones of Peter Alliss, the coming four days from Thursday to Sunday will be idyllic as BBC once again host the coverage of the British Open Championship from Royal St George's Golf Club.

Even though Tiger Woods hasn't been in the winner's circle at a major this season, he still leads the betting for the championship, with Boyles (5 to 2) offering best value.

Ernie Els's victory at Loch Lomond simply reconfirms that the South African is in great form this season and will take some stopping as he defends his title.Odds of 7 to 1 (generally available) will still make him attractive.

There will be plenty of punters to support the new US Open champion, Jim Furyk (22 to 1, Power) a straight hitter, while US Masters champion Mike Weir, although an excellent putter, represents less good value (18 to 1 Power, Boyles). He has a poor record at the British Open.

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Sergio Garcia is hinting at a return to form and at 50 to 1 (Ladbrokes) he may tempt a few punters.David Toms (25 to 1) has the game for the conditions, so too has former British Open champion Justin Leonard (40 to 1, general). The hard, fast fairways mean that the shorter hitters won't be at a disadvantage.

If Darren Clarke (25 to 1, general) can maintain his accuracy with the driver and hole a few putts then he possesses the natural ability and ball-striking to flourish in the wind.

Padraig Harrington (25 to 1, Boyles, Powers) is another well versed with the nuances of links golf and too much shouldn't be read into his indifferent form. This usually precedes a real run at a tournament. One player that definitely catches the eye for each way punters is Australian Peter Lonard (100 to 1, Ladbrokes, Boyles), who has won twice this season on links-type courses at home. Ladbrokes seem a little over-generous with Justin Rose (80 to 1), while Scott Verplank (125 to 1, Power), Niclas Fasth (100/1, general) and American Chris DiMarco (100 to 1, Power) could be worth a flutter.

TakeFive:

25/1 - Darren Clarke

50/1 - Sergio Garcia

100/1 - Peter Lonard

100/1 - Niclas Fasth

150/1 - Raphael Jacquelin