Ahead of The Open teeing off on Thursday, Paddy Power are predicting another first-time winner at 4/6 after the last seven Majors were won by maiden champions.
Rickie Fowler (14/1) is the leading candidate who fits that bill – he is the same price as 2013 US Open winner Justin Rose, and just behind two-time Major champ Jordan Spieth (12/1) in the betting.
We’ve also priced up a series of novelties for the Championship, including struggling Irishman Rory McIlroy to miss the cut (11/4).
After a spectator’s phone was smashed by a six during the cricket last week, it’s 10/1 that the same happen with a drive at The Open; Donald Trump is 14/1 to make an appearance; and Andrew ‘Beefy’ Johnston is 25/1 to arrive clean-shaven.
Nearly namesake Dustin Johnson will want to avoid any nasty slips this week, after a fall down the stairs ruled him out of the Masters in April – and we’re 66/1 that DJ installs a stair-lift in his hotel.
While Sergio Garcia, who capitalised on that accident to claim his first Major success, will get married after The Open – and his fiancée Angela Akins is 500/1 to appear at the final green in her wedding dress.
Asked his thoughts ahead of the Major tournament spokesman Paddy Power said: “Could there be yet another Major surprise at a golfing showpiece – and this time have a predictable winner?
“But, with Rory out of form, and a cluster of similarly-matched stars, DJ’s not the only one having back issues.”
The Open specials4/6 First time Major winner
4/5 To be a hole in one
11/4 McIlroy to miss the cut
3/1 To be a play-off
10/1 A player’s drive to smash a spectator’s phone
14/1 Donald Trump to make an appearance
25/1 Beefy to turn up without a beard
40/1 Stenson / Spieth to win wire-to-wire
50/1 Mickelson to change caddy mid-tournament
66/1 Dustin Johnson to have a stair-lift fitted at his hotel
150/1 Amateur winner
500/1 Angela Akins to appear at the final green in her wedding dress
12/1 Jordan Spieth
14/1 Dustin Johnson
14/1 Rickie Fowler
18/1 Sergio Garcia
18/1 Justin Rose
18/1 Jon Rahm
20/1 Rory McIlroy
* All prices correct at time of posting.
