Courier golf writer Steve Scott picks the five players you should be backing to lift the Claret Jug at Muirfield.
Lee Westwood (28-1)The clock is ticking on winning a major for Westwood and his recent moves to America and to Tiger Woods’ coach Sean Foley suggest he knows it. This is a track where his length and accuracy off the tee should get reward and may be his best chance for a while.Branden Grace (60-1)After his second place at Castle Stuart and win in the Dunhill Links one of four on the European Tour last year the young South African is an each-way banker at decent odds. He could easily be the next of the current crop of young players from the Cape to win a major, following Trevor Immelman, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel.Graeme McDowell (22-1)Accurate off the tee, with a strong iron game and schooled in links golf, G-Mac won on the similarly tight and difficult Golf National in the Open de France two weeks ago, so he’s bang on form. Came close last year but couldn’t close the deal he’ll be ready now.Adam Scott (22-1)Even his Masters win has not assuaged his desire for the Claret Jug after last year’s collapse. And having taken a little time to adjust himself to a Green Jacket, the Australian has a good chance to arrest his country’s sporting decline.Tiger Woods (10-1)The odds are still silly given his various issues. A month is a long time out, the elbow isn’t right yet. But on each occasion he’s lifted the Claret Jug, it’s been dry, burnt fairways, blue skies and no wind just what we’re getting at Muirfield this week.Follow our Open Championship live blog here