Irish Open Betting Odds - Top Contenders, Longshots ahead of Day 1

Written by George Misken
Thursday, 28 July 2011 07:59

We have just approached tee times of Day 1 at the Irish Open 2011 so lets take a quick look at this year's top contenders and long shots.

Golf betting fans are entering an incredibly busy weekend, characterized by two main events: the Greenbrier Classic in the USA, and the Irish Open in Ireland.

Yesterday we reviewed the Greenbrier Classic top contenders; today we take a closer look at the betting odds of top contenders and long shots as we enter Day 1 of the Open.

Lets then start with the top contenders going into Day 1: Rory McIlroy 5/1, Graeme McDowell 16/1, Padraig Harrington 16/1, Darren Clarke 22/1.

U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy is the favorite in outright markets, despite his poor performance as he struggled with the wind and rain of the British Open. However, McIlroy is determined to go back into a positive rhythm at the Irish Open at Killarney. Winds permitting, critics tend to reflect.

Runner up in the odds to win the Irish Open, Graeme McDowell recent performance raised some eyebrows. Mcdowell's problem is inconsistency, alternating stunning rounds with poor ones. Graeme McDowell candidly admits that his recent inconsistencies are due to emotional issues. Hard to see him as a top contender, maybe he is one of those baits odds makers place in their outright markets to scoop up loser bets from get go.

Padraig Harrington looks like a better choice as ex equo runner up. Harrington may benefit from a boost of confidence after finishing in second place in 2010. The Irishman is in remarkably excellent form this year, both physical and mental. Probably the best pick in the top three contenders.

Northern Irishman British Open champion Darren Clarke is fourth and last of bookies top contenders on the eve of Day 1 at the Irish Open. He starts the Open with the undisguised plan to become the third player ever to hold both British and Irish Open titles. He is the Man of the hour, whether we talk about golf or beer. His recent spat with a handful of snob fellow golfers over his beer celebrations has made headlines. He is in terrific condition and has stainless steel willpower. 22/1 seems to good to miss.

Lets now leave the top contenders and take a quick look at the potential long shots: Ross Fisher 22/1, Jamie Donaldson 25/1, Simon Dyson 25/1, Richard Green 28/1, Joost Luiten 33/1, Raphael Jacquelin 33/1, Robert Rock 33/1, Scott Jamieson 33/1, Chris Wood 40/1, Mark Foster 40/1, Peter Lawrie 40/1, Rhys Davies 40/1, Richard Finch 40/1, Shane Lowry 40/1.

Chris Wood is an acceptable long shot, his odds sitting at 40/1 ahead of Day 1. Wood is back in action at the Irish Open after missing the British Open to work on his game. "I can not wait to get [to Killarney] because last year I finished third behind Ross Fisher and I loved the course," Wood said. We do not know his condition, but we certainly know he is determined to get back on track.

Italian Open champion Robert Rock (33/1) is another viable pick among the long shots. Rock did well at last year's Irish Open, finishing in a tie for 7th. He is not at home with adverse weather conditions, but has that quid that helps him to overcome tough spots. Worth a try, in my humble opinion.

One final note; With all four Irish major winners on the hunt, it appears quite unlikely that a long shot could get past top contenders. The Irish Open 2011 will most likely come down to one of these 4 outstanding golfers: Harrington, McDowell, McIlroy, or Clarke. Good Luck!