British Open.....

.... returns to Royal Liverpool c.c. in Hoylake, for the first time in almost 40 years, so little course form to go on.

Listed at 7258 yards long, it will play much,much shorter, due to the arid conditions. Winner is likely to be someone who gets hot with his approach shots, especially with the wedge. Going to start very steady and suggest a little each way on Vijay Singh, we are sure to play again at the weekend after we have a little more knowledge, but this is a good start to our portfolio.

VJ is in good shape, finishing 1-6-4 in his last three tournaments and with two top 5's in his last three Open's, the Fijian is finally coming to terms with links golf. He will enjoy the good weather and the flat greens will negate many of his putting problems, which has been his achilles heel.

Think VJ will not be too far away come Sunday afternoon.

I like Geoff Ogilvy, who did us a favour in the US Open, in the top Australasian market. Odds of 7.50 with VC Bet, are fair for a man who has already won a major this year and finished 16th in the Masters. Last year at St. Andrews he was 5th and is a much better, more confident player now. He could go very close.

The hard, sunburnt conditions will suit the Australians, who have grown up playing in such conditions. I am going to take two of them to win their early 3 balls.

First up, Rod Pampling to beat Owen and Furyk who is very unhappy here, the American has been making negative comments after each practice round. Jim has missed the last 5 Open cuts, Owen the last 2, our man Rod has made the last 2, won this year and will enjoy the conditions.

Next choice is Allenby to beat Dodd and Hamilton, who was a shock Open winner two years ago, but has very poor form since, missing 15/19 cuts this year. Dodd has recent winning form, but very little Open experience. Ten years ago, Allenby looked a certain future Open winner, but has yet to produce the goods, however, he is returning to form, has made the cut in 9/11 appearances and has 3 top 20 Open finishes to his name. Really like his chances in the 3 ball.

1 point ew Vijay Singh outright 17.0 1/4 odds 12345 general
2 points ew Geoff Ogilvy 7.50 1/4 odds 123 vc bet
2 points Rod Pampling 3.0 general 09.39 cet 3 ball
3 points Robert Allenby 2.375 general 10.01 cet 3 ball

Good Luck.