Golf British Open Betting: Reborn Norman can triumph at course where it all began
Betfair Sports Betting
At the course where his 10 year domination of the game began, all-round top bloke and former Open Champion Greg Norman may be able to follow up his remarkable performance at Birkdale with an even stronger title challenge, says Bill Elliott.
"Norman’s assault on the Open title in 2008 was a brilliantly hectic ride for everyone who loves a sportsman with style as well as substance."
Was there ever a more compelling back-story to an Open Championship than the one Greg Norman laid before our startled eyes at Birkdale a year ago?
No, of course, there wasn't. In his mid-50s, semi-retired, more concerned about business plans than course strategies, Norman's assault on the old title in 2008 was a brilliantly hectic ride for everyone who loves a sportsman with style as well as substance.
Now here he is back at Turnberry where he won the first of his two Opens in 1986 and where he began 10 years during which he dominated the world rankings and almost everything else. Tall, blond and aggressive as only Aussies can be he is also laid-back, thoughtful and loyal. These are excellent qualities.
He has his critics, has a bunch of people who dislike him no matter what he does or says but they probably don't like anyone who is good-looking, successful and happy to so obviously enjoy these things. Small minds come up with big reasons not to like things.
What is certain, however, is that he will perform this week as a man reborn where golf is concerned and a player who looks at his birth certificate, shrugs his shoulders and says: 'Oh, what the hell, let's give it a bloody good go. I can win this'.
"You're right about some of that mate, " he said when we spoke. "It's going to be a totally different mindset to when I went into Birkdale last year. There's no question about that. This year I've kept my playing and practice on fairly decent schedule. Okay, not to the rigorous routine I had back in my heyday but, believe me, it has been substantial. So I do go into Turnberry with a different mindset. I love the place."
Meanwhile, what he loves about Turnberry is not just the course but the fact that - assuming you have the money to stay at the hotel overlooking the course - as a player you can book in, throw the car-keys away for a week and stroll to work each day whistling a happy tune. This, he says, "makes it much more of a comfort zone for a player to go play".
All of which got him thinking deeply about what he might achieve again this summer in Scotland. "A lot of people believe what I did at The Open last year was an anomaly in some ways. Well, to me it wasn't. It just convinces me that anybody, no matter how old they are or their position in life, if they really want to focus their mind on something it's very achievable."
This, in turn, got him thinking about what he has achieved as a golfer. Dismissed by some as a choker on too many occasions, supported by others, and led by me, that he only choked once - in the Masters, a blocked four iron up the last - but suffered more outrageous bad fortune, in the shape of others' good luck, than any other pro in the modern era.
Plus he accepts with grace and often good humour the demands placed upon the famous. He can, to be fair, become irritable swiftly if he encounters someone he considers a fool or, worse, a pest but then life is too short to have to put up with many things. He can be abrupt, demanding and domineering. He can also be kind and genuinely sensitive. In other words, Greg Norman always has been a rounded human being, a bloke who came to the UK as a youngster with little in his pocket and big dreams in his head.
What he has achieved, he has worked for and worked hard. He has been lucky in having a hugely supportive network of family and friends around him. His first wife (Laura, an air-stewardess who served him a drink as he flew away from the 1979 US Open after missing the cut) was great for him for many years. His new wife seems to be the same with the added bonus that Chrissie really appreciates the demands of trying to be a top class competitor in the wacky world of high-level sport.
After a few years of personal turmoil he is back in a more tranquil place and it shows. It shows in his face, in his smile and it really shows in his golf.
After The Open this year he travels to Sunningdale for the Senior British Open (a stellar line-up for this one including Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam and Tom Watson by the way) and then back to the USA for their Senior Open. Even for a wave-riding, scuba-diving fitness freak like Greg this is a potentially gruelling few weeks but, typically, he looks forward to it in the same way a mountaineer gazes up at K7.
"Yeah, it's a demanding few weeks for guys our age but it's also great, isn't it? You know, it took about 10 days after Birkdale last year for it to really sink in what had just happened. It's effect? My game started to get better and better at the US Senior. As I left that three week swing I was actually disappointed I didn't win two of the three. I can't wait to get going again this week."
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Golf Open Championship Betting Preview
Golf Open Championship Betting Preview: The world's best players in a fabulous setting
Betfair Sports Betting
Tiger Woods is striking the ball beautifully and his superior imagination will set him apart from his opponents at Turnberry, says Tareq Quiroz as he provides his Open Championship fact file.
"Two of the three lowest ever winning scores in an Open have been recorded at Turnberry so maybe, just maybe, it won’t play as hard as we all think."
After lining my pockets for two weeks in a row, Martin Kaymer is currently my favourite person on the planet. The German and I are both in tip-top form at just the right moment as we move into the biggest week of the golfing calendar. The Open Championship from Turnberry sounds great and I am sure that it won't let anyone down.
The Course
The Open rotation has finally worked its way back to the fabulous setting of Turnberry and what a treat we are all in for. This track is a great example of what a links course is all about. There is natural history all around and a general feeling that this is a very special place. At just over 7,200 yards it is pretty lengthy for a par 70 course but as with all links courses the length is only ever second in relevance to the weather. My sources in that department tell me that whilst it will be unsettled we should not expect anything too severe. The course is tough but there are also good birdie chances so pick your holes and know when to play in-running.
The Favourite
No prizes for guessing who holds the top spot in the market this week. Tiger is hunting his 15th major win and he has an ominous look in his eyes this week. Since his return from knee surgery he has already recorded three tournament wins but notably no major victory. For anyone opposing him that is not a good sign. When the great man gets the bit between his teeth then it will take an act of god to stop him. Something similar to the scenes we saw at Muirfield in round three of the 2002 Open is what his opponents will have in mind.
The truth of the matter is that Tiger is striking the ball beautifully. As much as we try and deflect the attention away from him and big-up the chances of the Europeans, nobody can beat him if he executes his game plan. Tiger has had a few practice rounds at Turnberry now and whilst others are marveling in the surroundings he is doing nothing but plotting their downfall. His planning is meticulous and I believe that of all the majors this one suits him best. His low stinger shots will be seen to their full effect this week and his superior imagination will put him ahead of his rivals. I rarely get involved at anything so short but backing Tiger at 3.7 seems the only logical solution to the 138th Open Championship.
The Next Best Bets
There are two ways to play Turnberry. Either you take the hazards on and get a much easier second shot if successful or you play it safe. Tiger will play it safe but he can afford to do that as he is deadly with virtually every iron in his bag. That cannot be said for all his opponents. If Tiger is to be beaten it will have to be by someone who is great with the driver or someone who hits it very very long.
Angel Cabrera could be the man. The Masters champion is still underrated in my opinion and I am not sure what he has to do to get himself in amongst the top echelons of a market. He has always played links courses well and like Tiger he will play it safe. He is perceived as a swashbuckling big hitter but he is a great planner and will be more than happy to be patient and wait for his opportunities. At current odds of 100.00 he has to be in your staking plan.
If there was one player I would be happy to see play the risky shot off the tee it would be Lee Westwood. He is hitting the ball as well as anyone in the world right now. I really do hope he is lifting the Claret Jug on Sunday and he will be seeing a bit of my money at decent odds of 38.0.
The Massive Outsider
There are some seriously big prices available about some very good players this week. The main man in this category is definitely Vijay Singh. The big Fijian has taken some time to get back to his best following a knee problem but now the only problem is a misbehaving putter. As long as the really poor weather stays away he has all the game to challenge on Sunday afternoon. At current odds of 120.00 he is most definitely top of my outsider fancies.
A little further down the market you have to pay good attention to Stuart Appleby. A play-off loser in the 2002 Open, he knows he can play these courses. A lean spell is passing and the last few weeks has seen some really good stuff from Appleby. His record at the Mercedes Championship and his Aussie background tells you he knows how to play windy conditions so he won't be fazed by that. At odds of around 250.00 you can't really go too far wrong for a saver.
Interesting Info
Two of the three lowest ever winning scores in an Open have been recorded at Turnberry so maybe, just maybe, it won't play as hard as we all think. Only two players in the last 75 years have been wire to wire winners with no ties so don't get too excited if your fancy hits the front after the first round. Most interestingly of all is the fact that I backed Nick Price to win the Open the last time we had the championship at Turnberry in 1994. Surely I can't defend my 100% course record...
Betfair Sports Betting
Tiger Woods is striking the ball beautifully and his superior imagination will set him apart from his opponents at Turnberry, says Tareq Quiroz as he provides his Open Championship fact file.
"Two of the three lowest ever winning scores in an Open have been recorded at Turnberry so maybe, just maybe, it won’t play as hard as we all think."
After lining my pockets for two weeks in a row, Martin Kaymer is currently my favourite person on the planet. The German and I are both in tip-top form at just the right moment as we move into the biggest week of the golfing calendar. The Open Championship from Turnberry sounds great and I am sure that it won't let anyone down.
The Course
The Open rotation has finally worked its way back to the fabulous setting of Turnberry and what a treat we are all in for. This track is a great example of what a links course is all about. There is natural history all around and a general feeling that this is a very special place. At just over 7,200 yards it is pretty lengthy for a par 70 course but as with all links courses the length is only ever second in relevance to the weather. My sources in that department tell me that whilst it will be unsettled we should not expect anything too severe. The course is tough but there are also good birdie chances so pick your holes and know when to play in-running.
The Favourite
No prizes for guessing who holds the top spot in the market this week. Tiger is hunting his 15th major win and he has an ominous look in his eyes this week. Since his return from knee surgery he has already recorded three tournament wins but notably no major victory. For anyone opposing him that is not a good sign. When the great man gets the bit between his teeth then it will take an act of god to stop him. Something similar to the scenes we saw at Muirfield in round three of the 2002 Open is what his opponents will have in mind.
The truth of the matter is that Tiger is striking the ball beautifully. As much as we try and deflect the attention away from him and big-up the chances of the Europeans, nobody can beat him if he executes his game plan. Tiger has had a few practice rounds at Turnberry now and whilst others are marveling in the surroundings he is doing nothing but plotting their downfall. His planning is meticulous and I believe that of all the majors this one suits him best. His low stinger shots will be seen to their full effect this week and his superior imagination will put him ahead of his rivals. I rarely get involved at anything so short but backing Tiger at 3.7 seems the only logical solution to the 138th Open Championship.
The Next Best Bets
There are two ways to play Turnberry. Either you take the hazards on and get a much easier second shot if successful or you play it safe. Tiger will play it safe but he can afford to do that as he is deadly with virtually every iron in his bag. That cannot be said for all his opponents. If Tiger is to be beaten it will have to be by someone who is great with the driver or someone who hits it very very long.
Angel Cabrera could be the man. The Masters champion is still underrated in my opinion and I am not sure what he has to do to get himself in amongst the top echelons of a market. He has always played links courses well and like Tiger he will play it safe. He is perceived as a swashbuckling big hitter but he is a great planner and will be more than happy to be patient and wait for his opportunities. At current odds of 100.00 he has to be in your staking plan.
If there was one player I would be happy to see play the risky shot off the tee it would be Lee Westwood. He is hitting the ball as well as anyone in the world right now. I really do hope he is lifting the Claret Jug on Sunday and he will be seeing a bit of my money at decent odds of 38.0.
The Massive Outsider
There are some seriously big prices available about some very good players this week. The main man in this category is definitely Vijay Singh. The big Fijian has taken some time to get back to his best following a knee problem but now the only problem is a misbehaving putter. As long as the really poor weather stays away he has all the game to challenge on Sunday afternoon. At current odds of 120.00 he is most definitely top of my outsider fancies.
A little further down the market you have to pay good attention to Stuart Appleby. A play-off loser in the 2002 Open, he knows he can play these courses. A lean spell is passing and the last few weeks has seen some really good stuff from Appleby. His record at the Mercedes Championship and his Aussie background tells you he knows how to play windy conditions so he won't be fazed by that. At odds of around 250.00 you can't really go too far wrong for a saver.
Interesting Info
Two of the three lowest ever winning scores in an Open have been recorded at Turnberry so maybe, just maybe, it won't play as hard as we all think. Only two players in the last 75 years have been wire to wire winners with no ties so don't get too excited if your fancy hits the front after the first round. Most interestingly of all is the fact that I backed Nick Price to win the Open the last time we had the championship at Turnberry in 1994. Surely I can't defend my 100% course record...
Ashes Second Test Betting: Australia right at home
Ashes Second Test Betting: Australia right at home
Betfair Sports Betting
With their last defeat at Lord's coming in 1934 Australia will be confident of finally taking a 1-0 lead over a potentially unbalanced England side, says Ed Hawkins
"Australia have lost only five times in 34 matches at Lord's and four of those were a scarcely believable two centuries ago"
If the momentum was with England following their extraordinary rearguard action in avoiding defeat in Cardiff, then there is no doubt that since the players left Sophia Gardens it has been slowly but steadily drifting back towards the Australians.
And by the time the two sides pass through the Grace Gates on Thursday morning for the second Ashes Test, there should be a bounce in the stride of Ricky Ponting and co while England could feel like they are shuffling towards a 1-0 deficit.
The draw, a perennial favourite at a venue which has seen six stalemates in the last seven, heads the market at 2.18 but Australia are shortening all the time at 2.80 while England are 5.40.
Australia's march to London has a sense of inevitability about it. With every notched mile on their journey from the Welsh capital to the English one, they will have felt more confident.
That will have been largely because during the three-hour drive, it will have dawned on them exactly how dominant they were, something which can too easily be forgotten when a draw feels like a defeat.
England took only six wickets in the match as they reverted to the form of the side that, pre West Indies this summer, hadn't a hope of taking 20 wickets and this correspondent made it 11 sessions won for Australia in Cardiff. If it had been a boxing match ...
Do not underestimate, either the lift it will give Australia to be playing at Lord's, a venue where they have a quite incredible record. They have lost only five times in 34 matches and four of those were a scarcely believable two centuries ago. The last was in 1934.
There is no rhyme or reason for Australia effectively making Lord's an outground, save for the slightly uncomfortable one that they just seem to put in a bit of extra effort. If that sounds like emotional claptrap, just reread their record again.
The potential loss of Andrew Flintoff is a boon, too, for Australia. Despite England winning 44% of Tests without the allrounder as opposed to 37% with, his absence to a knee injury will leave them unbalanced (Steve Harmison, who averages 3.8 wickets per game in north London, is the likely replacement) and without the one bowler Australia genuinely fear.
No doubt England's hopes of taking wickets will take a blow if Flintoff is out on a Lord's track which has been a graveyard for their bowlers. During the run of draws, England four times had the upper hand against Sri Lanka, India, New Zealand and South Africa but could not find the nous to bowl them out a second time.
Indeed, so impotent were they in those innings that they averaged a wicket only every 20 overs. Having averaged one every 30 overs in Cardiff, the form is there for a repeat.
Of course Australia must also contend with a wicket which has produced an average first-innings total of 404 in the last ten Tests - Australia and England are 1.68 and 1.98 respectively on the first-innings runs market - but the general consensus is that one, or both, of the admirable Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle have the perfect styles to make use of the slope.
Backing Australia would be the advice but a canny wager could well be lumping on which side bats first to enjoy a lead. In the last 10 Tests, the side getting first go has eight times getting a first dig advantage.
Otherwise punters must be aware of the likelihood of a run feast. England have five times posted 500 or more in the seven times they have batted first and their top six boasts 13 centuries between them.
Cases could be made for top bat honours on averages alone for Andrew Strauss (average 58), Alastair Cook (59), Ravi Bopara (143), Kevin Pietersen (72), Paul Collingwood (41) and Matt Prior (58). However, there are doubts about the form and decision-making of all of those men except Strauss and Collingwood. Strauss (Phil Tufnell's pick) is 5.30 and Collingwood, the Cardiff hero, is a disrespectful 8.00.
For Australia, Ricky Ponting is the 4.60 Australia favourite. He averages only 19 at HQ, a mark he must surely put right. Michael Clarke, who fell nine short of a ton in the 2005 contest, and Phillip Hughes, 183 runs for Middlesex in one game this summer, have ground form.
Betfair Sports Betting
With their last defeat at Lord's coming in 1934 Australia will be confident of finally taking a 1-0 lead over a potentially unbalanced England side, says Ed Hawkins
"Australia have lost only five times in 34 matches at Lord's and four of those were a scarcely believable two centuries ago"
If the momentum was with England following their extraordinary rearguard action in avoiding defeat in Cardiff, then there is no doubt that since the players left Sophia Gardens it has been slowly but steadily drifting back towards the Australians.
And by the time the two sides pass through the Grace Gates on Thursday morning for the second Ashes Test, there should be a bounce in the stride of Ricky Ponting and co while England could feel like they are shuffling towards a 1-0 deficit.
The draw, a perennial favourite at a venue which has seen six stalemates in the last seven, heads the market at 2.18 but Australia are shortening all the time at 2.80 while England are 5.40.
Australia's march to London has a sense of inevitability about it. With every notched mile on their journey from the Welsh capital to the English one, they will have felt more confident.
That will have been largely because during the three-hour drive, it will have dawned on them exactly how dominant they were, something which can too easily be forgotten when a draw feels like a defeat.
England took only six wickets in the match as they reverted to the form of the side that, pre West Indies this summer, hadn't a hope of taking 20 wickets and this correspondent made it 11 sessions won for Australia in Cardiff. If it had been a boxing match ...
Do not underestimate, either the lift it will give Australia to be playing at Lord's, a venue where they have a quite incredible record. They have lost only five times in 34 matches and four of those were a scarcely believable two centuries ago. The last was in 1934.
There is no rhyme or reason for Australia effectively making Lord's an outground, save for the slightly uncomfortable one that they just seem to put in a bit of extra effort. If that sounds like emotional claptrap, just reread their record again.
The potential loss of Andrew Flintoff is a boon, too, for Australia. Despite England winning 44% of Tests without the allrounder as opposed to 37% with, his absence to a knee injury will leave them unbalanced (Steve Harmison, who averages 3.8 wickets per game in north London, is the likely replacement) and without the one bowler Australia genuinely fear.
No doubt England's hopes of taking wickets will take a blow if Flintoff is out on a Lord's track which has been a graveyard for their bowlers. During the run of draws, England four times had the upper hand against Sri Lanka, India, New Zealand and South Africa but could not find the nous to bowl them out a second time.
Indeed, so impotent were they in those innings that they averaged a wicket only every 20 overs. Having averaged one every 30 overs in Cardiff, the form is there for a repeat.
Of course Australia must also contend with a wicket which has produced an average first-innings total of 404 in the last ten Tests - Australia and England are 1.68 and 1.98 respectively on the first-innings runs market - but the general consensus is that one, or both, of the admirable Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle have the perfect styles to make use of the slope.
Backing Australia would be the advice but a canny wager could well be lumping on which side bats first to enjoy a lead. In the last 10 Tests, the side getting first go has eight times getting a first dig advantage.
Otherwise punters must be aware of the likelihood of a run feast. England have five times posted 500 or more in the seven times they have batted first and their top six boasts 13 centuries between them.
Cases could be made for top bat honours on averages alone for Andrew Strauss (average 58), Alastair Cook (59), Ravi Bopara (143), Kevin Pietersen (72), Paul Collingwood (41) and Matt Prior (58). However, there are doubts about the form and decision-making of all of those men except Strauss and Collingwood. Strauss (Phil Tufnell's pick) is 5.30 and Collingwood, the Cardiff hero, is a disrespectful 8.00.
For Australia, Ricky Ponting is the 4.60 Australia favourite. He averages only 19 at HQ, a mark he must surely put right. Michael Clarke, who fell nine short of a ton in the 2005 contest, and Phillip Hughes, 183 runs for Middlesex in one game this summer, have ground form.
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