The Open 2013, Muirfield - Official Thread

The Open returns to Muirfield for the first time since Ernie Els memorably emerged victorious from a four-man play-off in 2002, and the South African returns this year as defending champion having won last year at Royal Lytham and St. Anne’s. .

The expected dry, warm and still conditions should mean that the the year’s only major is a firm but fair test for all participants, no matter what part of the world they come from.

It’s for this reason I’m going for Tiger Woods to break his long major drought. The 3-times major-winner looked well in control at the halfway stage in 2002, but a disastrous third round in a howling gale put paid to his title aspirations that year.

I expect the three-times champion to beat off strong competition in clement conditions to claim his fourth claret jug.

Disappointed to see that there’s no Colin Montgomerie this year - the 0 times major winner narrowly missed out in final qualifying along with former Ryder Cup captain Mark James and forum member Trapattoni.

Someone dead straight off the tee will win here, bjorn or furyk would be outside fancies. Lowry would be in with a shout for first round leader, before his goofy smile quickly turns uoside down at the weekend.

Its Sergios time.

Will post up who I’m backing in the morning

Oostheuizen & Lowry EW.

Couples & quiros EW FRL

Day, Oostheuizen, McDowell and Fowler all e/w.

Have done 4 bets. Tiger woods to win at 10/1. McDowell at 25/1, Coetzee at 150/1 & Leonard at 300/1 all e/w. Hard to look past Woods lads.

Given the course I’d say they’ll hardly use any

Snedeker, Bjorn, Sergio all e/w. Likely to have a few more in the morning.

Day, McDowell, Donald and Curtis. All e/w. Pp paying first 7 e/w

I can’t see the Woods for the tees

I’m looking forward to hearing the great Peter Alliss in action as always. I’m sure Peter will have been keeping an eye out for the Celtic result tonight.

I’ve gone all patriotic and lumped on harrington, lowry and mcdowell.

That dago will never win a major Mac-never.

Really looking forward to the Open Championship over the weekend. The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers always lay on a great tournament at Muirfield. The roll call of former champions at Muirfield speaks for itself.

Another great Open Championship - congratulations to the United States of America’s Phil Mickelson who won his first major today - a worthy and popular winner of the famous old trophy.

Congratulations are in order also for 18 year-old Matt Fitzpatrick, winner of the Silver Medal as leading amateur. The future of British golf is in good hands.

Finally, a word of thanks both to the Royal and Ancient for their splendid organisation and to the staff and volunteers at Muirfield over the last week. The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers have done themselves proud once again.

Unbelievable to think this noble tournament only warranted 15 posts on Ireland premier sporting forum.

ive no interest in golf but i was happy to hear the representative of the Royal and Ancient club present the winning player , Phil Mickelsen with his gold medal and the title of “champion golfer of the year”.
The Open, along wth The Championships in Tennis, The Boat Race, The Festival at Cheltenham for equine pursuits, The FA Cup and events of The Rugby Football Union are the definitive tournamnents of their respective sports and put minor events such as the olympic games and the world cup in their secondary place.

[quote=“mickee321, post: 804711, member: 367”]ive no interest in golf but i was happy to hear the representative of the Royal and Ancient club present the winning player , Phil Mickelsen with his gold medal and the title of “champion golfer of the year”.
The Open, along wth The Championships in Tennis, The Boat Race, The Festival at Cheltenham for equine pursuits, The FA Cup and events of The Rugby Football Union are the definitive tournamnents of their respective sports and put minor events such as the olympic games and the world cup in their secondary place.[/quote]

Heah, heah.

A fitting champion. Apart from being one of the greatest golfers of all time, Phil is a terrific role model and family man.

Yes - he has a very clean image and generous with his time - spends ages signing autographs etc