What Lincoln is Thinkin’ - British Open Favourites

British Open Favourites

So you're in a British Open Pool. So you have the first pick. Normally, in any other major since 1996 it would be a no-brainer, you'd take Tiger and start thinking about how you are going to spend all of your winnings. But this year its different - no Tiger, so what do you do? Is there a clear cut favourite? (Notice the British spelling... Why do they put that 'u' there?)

There isn't just one. But there is five.

Phil Mickelson - Tiger has been Phil's archnemesis as long as the two can remember at this point. With the #1 player in the world out of tournament, you'd normally look at #2. Phil has never won a Claret Jug, but he loves Royal Birkdale. He feels comfortable there, and without Tiger he's not going to try to play outside himself to try to win. (Like deciding to NOT bring a driver).
Why he won't win: The old Phil seems to coming back. His driving has been erratic, and at times, his decision-making has been questionable. (Like deciding to NOT bring a driver) .

Justin Rose - England's whiz kid made a name for himself at Birkdale in 1998, as a 17 year old amateur he finished fourth. Rose has had some great rounds in majors in the ensuing decade, expecially at the Masters and at the British Open, but he's never been able to put it all together. Going back to the place where he will be forever linked, may just what it takes for him to do that.
Why he won't win: It also may not. He's never had a lead late in a major, or been within a stroke on the final day. He might not know what it takes to seal the deal.

Lee Westwood - England's hottest golfer was one shot off of making the most memorable Monday ever at the US Open a three-way playoff. He's in the best shape in his life, and is playing better than ever. The Brits believe he's their best hope of having a homeboy win the Claret Jug for the first time since 1992.
Why he won't win: That last sentence brings with it a lot of pressure - a level of which Westwood has never seen.

Jim Furyk - The best player ever to have won only one major, Jim Furyk hasn't won yet in 2008. But he has had 5 top ten's, and he's a perfect player for a British Open. Straight hitter, great putter, and stoic demeanor. He also had great finishes last year at Carnoustie, and in 1998 at Birkdale.
Why he won't win: He only has one major win for a reason. What that is, I'm not sure, but it may come back to bite him again.

Sergio Garcia - Over the past year, Garcia has been playing his best golf of his career. He came oh-so-close to winning at Carnoustie, he won at the Players Championship, and he rebounded from an opening day 76 at Torrey Pines to finish in the top 20. It seems as if he's finally growing up, and with Tiger out of the picture, this could be his time. If it's not, his time may never come.
Why he won't win: Sergio almost always finds a way to lose.

So who do you think will win the Claret Jug?

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