The Open 2011

[thelaw]

I haven't seen anything on here yet regarding golf's oldest major so.......

Who is your pick to win it all?

Any dark horse players not on the media's radar that might swoop in and win?

I'll start the speculation with my picks/general leanings for who'll win this weekend.

To win it all: Rory McIlroy. I know this is probably the most obvious pick but when you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. The last two majors Rory has been lights out (save that fateful Sunday at Augusta). But way more importantly to me, Rory plays in these ridiculous St. George-esque conditions all the time as he grew up in that environment and knows how to play golf on that windy Rock across the pond. I think with his latest performances, most especially at Congressional, Rory has demonstrated that he not only has the physical game it takes to win, but also the mental game as well. I think you add those to the fact that he grew up having to hit the ball low and putt on those greens in 35mph winds, you get the most obvious but also perhaps the most likely pick to win it all.

Dark horse: I have to go with Nick Watney. I don't know why other than the fact that he's leading the FedEx Cup point standings and seems like his game is really clicking right now. Maybe Steve Stricker or Jason Day.

Other general thoughts?

 

[ckDOG]

nm

 

[AlCoDog]

I think we see another run-away by McIlroy.

 

[Center Z]

This one may be one of those tournaments when a complete unknown or unexpected wins it, as this course is very quirky and many players hate it. I'm not putting any money on Phil, he has always sucked *** at all the UK links venues.

 

[thelaw]

It seems more often than not (at least in the last few years) that a relative unkown guy ends up coming away with it- of course on the flip-side, Tom Watson almost wins at 59, which is also really unexpected. Thebiggestreason why I feel like Rory deservesthe nod is because he's from those parts and has playedphenomenally in the past two majors. I think growing up playing in those conditions and on those courses really gives someone like Rory an "edge."

 

[goindhoo]

he is playing very well and can play in da wind. I would like to see Sergio play well. He has been contending lately but can't get over the hump. Hopefully, this one will stay interesting through Sunday.

 

[VirgilCain]

I think he's the last player (alternate) to get into the tourney, due to a withdrawal.....Go big or go home!

He was supposed to be playing at Annandale this week until he found out that he was one of the first alternates for the British open. I think he flew all the way from Cali to England on Monday....brutal. Barnes has been on standby until Nicolas Colsaerts (whoever that is) tested out his injured arm on the driving range and only hit one ball before calling it quits.

BTW, that Colsaerts cat injured his arm in a scooter accident or something like that.