50-1 Westwood excellent value
While respecting the claims of the likes of Woods, Els, Singh and Mickelson, it could be wise to look elsewhere for some value
Nigel Ridgway
15-Jul-2004
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After last year's shock win for 750-1 shot Ben Curtis it is safe to say that anything could happen this week, especially if the weather gets nasty. So, while respecting the claims of the likes of Woods, Els, Singh and Mickelson, it could be wise to look elsewhere for some value. Lee Westwood was my fancy for last week's Scottish Open and in finishing tenth there he did nothing to dissuade me from putting him up as a likely winner again this week.
Formerly a multiple winner on Tour, he has certainly been playing something like his best in recent weeks, last week's effort was following on from an encouraging second place at the K Club. His links record is not overly impressive, but it is interesting to note that his best Open finish was tenth the last time the Open was played at Troon back in 1997, while he showed he can play in the wind when capturing the Dunhill Links title last year.
The credentials of Stephen Ames are hard to ignore after he capped what has been a stellar year with victory in the States two Sundays ago. His form figures before the win included nine top-10's, 13 top-25's, with an aggregate score of 113 under par for 65 rounds - consistency indeed! What's more he finished fifth here in 1997 when only half the player he is today, and after breaking his Tour duck in the States will arrive here in the best possible frame of mind. Of course it could all be undone by the weather, and he must hope that his late tee off time on the first day does not work against him.
It is understandable to see Ernie Els go off joint favourite this week, and it is hard to imagine him being not being in contention on Sunday, but at the respective prices a saver is recommended on Tiger Woods at 13/2. Tiger's driving was a lot better on his last start at Cog Hill, and his apparent `slump' is not as bad as is being made out. His seasonal form figures would be the envy of most professionals, and he could well be coming to the boil at the right time.
Nigel's Three Off The Tee...Westwood 50/1, Ames 33/1, Woods 13/2.
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