The Open 2011 Updated Betting Odds - Early Favourites Odds reshuffled

Written by George Misken
Friday, 15 July 2011 08:06

Odds makers are revising odds ahead of day 2 of the British Open, and the odds of early favourites were reshuffled.

I do not know how many people read my article about Rory McIlroy's vulnerabilities, and who could get the best advantage of it. What matters is that my prophecy of the worst-case scenario coming true at the end of day 1 of the Open did occur.

That said I'd also like to draw your attention on the latest odds makers top pick at Stan James. Yes, folks, that would be no other than Martin Kaymer. Guess what? His standing was 4th ahead of day 1; his odds to win the British Open 2011 priced at 25/1. The German is the top pick now, his odds currently standing at 10/1.

Alright. Yours Truly had the need to start his day with a loud and clear "I told you so". Now that I satisfied my massive ego we can move on and try to understand how to edge opening bets on the Open 2011.

First of all lets take a look at today's golf betting odds ahead of day 2 of the British Open: Kaymer Martin 10/1, Mcdowell Graeme 10/1, Mcilroy Rory 12/1, Westwood Lee 12/1, Bjorn Thomas 16/1, Donald Luke 20/1, Stricker Steve 22/1, Glover Lucas 25/1, Jimenez Miguel-Angel 25/1, Lewis Tom 25/1.

Let's now take a quick look at their performance in day 1. most of Thomas Bjorn contenders wrestled with gusty conditions; instead, Bjorn closed his day 1 at the Open with an astonishing 65 in strong winds at Royal St George's. Odds makers at Stan James are taking into consideration the Dane's stunning performance; however, they are not totally sold on him, not yet at least. He certainly jumped out of the long shots and now ranks 5th, his odds currently sitting at 16/1.

The problem is to see if Bjorn is worth the gamble. He made it into the Open 2011 literally at the last minute to replace the injured Vijay Singh. He is not new to meltdowns, his most prominent here at Royal St. George’s. Bjorn squandered a lead of three shots as he played the last four holes of the 2003 Open in four over. I can see why odds makers are careful. This bet is a matter of personal choice.

I think far too much ink was spent on Rory McIlroy. Nobody is 100% perfect, and the young Irishman proved it yesterday. Rory's day 1 at the British Open started with the left foot. He dropped a shot after missing the opening fairway to the right. He then failed to get up-and-down from just off the back of the green.

He is no longer bookies' favourite. He now ranks 3, his odds sitting at 12/1. is it too early to write him off? Does he still have a chance to clinch the second straight major. My heart says yes, records show hardly. Yesterday was the first time in 11 months that Rory did not see his name at the top of the leader board. Now he needs to prove his star is not fading already.

Tom Lewis. What a day Lewis had yesterday. This young golfer is the fairytale of golf. Lewis, a 20-year-old English amateur, gone from King of the Underdogs to Number 1 of the leader board of the 140th British Open. Wait a second. Does not Lewis remind of Ben Curtis? Yes, that Ben Curtis, the one that in 2003 went on to win his major championship debut at the British Open at Royal St. George’s.

No matter how accurately we may handicap sports events, betting is and remains a matter of passion. My heart beat is synchronized to the heart beat of all Englishmen. Tom Lewis has my bet of the day.

To recap: I keep Martin Kaymer is the real deal at this British Open Championship. Tom Lewis is the supremely likeable underdog who could pull the miracle. Thomas Bjorn is up there with the other two, although there are questions on his ability to hold it together until the end. Rory McIlroy will determine his chances today. He does need a powerful comeback if he wants to go back on track.

There are still plenty of contenders with more than a shot at the Open. However, there is a need to narrow down the short list to balance the bankroll.

One last word about the weather forecast. Today will be a sunny day, probably the best of the four days of the Open. Saturday will be miserable, with a forecast of heavy rainfall between noon and 5pm. Sunday's forecast is also hugely unappealing. However, we can always count on the unpredictability of British Summer weather for a much more pleasant Sunday.

May the "Golf Betting Gods" bless all punters with a stake on the British Open 2011. Especially those who follow Yours truly's betting tips and picks. For all those who have not yet bet on the Open, a quick an easy way to choose where to gamble online is by utilizing the user friendly sportsbook comparison tool. Good luck!