Traders' View on the Open: Rickie to foul up at Portrush

The Open Championship returns to Ireland for the first time in 68 years. The R&A have been actively trying to get everyone to call it The Open as opposed to The British Open, thus giving them the scope to move the championship to this country more often. Who knows, in a few years, The Open could be hosted on a course that is a 30-45 minute drive from the office.

One can dream.

I don’t think I’ve seen a more beautiful setting than when I stepped up on a dune by the third tee to watch practice. It was 9am, the sun was already warm in the sky, there was not a cloud to be seen, and a gentle breeze blew across the coast. I was taking in postcard views and watching Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler play a three-ball.

Carlsberg don’t do Monday mornings, but…

Rickie Fowler (35/1)

Punters still latch onto him for Major after Major, and they keep being disappointed. I think this will continue this week. He walked off the course after seven holes in a semi-huff yesterday as he was playing so poorly.

As long as he keeps that mullet, his golf game will continue to suffer (Might need the inverse-Samson and cut it off to regain his powers).

Darren Clarke (500/1)

The NI native was always going to be on here. A local who has won an Open Championship in the last 8 years, this chain-smoking party animal will probably have his eye more on pitcher jugs than Claret Jugs this week.

Jon Rahm (14/1)

One of the Racing Post’s headline tips, Rahm’s been a popular choice since his Irish Open win at Lahinch two weeks ago. He seems to win every time he tees it up in Ireland. Looks to have a big chance this week.

Andrew Johnston (175/1)

Beef is back after a tumultuous 18 months. A fabulous 62 in Scotland on Sunday, followed by a very emotional post-round interview has caught the imagination of the public.

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND – JULY 16: Justin Rose of England gives a thumbs up to the crowds during a practice round prior to the 148th Open Championship held on the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 16, 2019 in Portrush, United Kingdom. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Justin Rose (22/1)

His game doesn’t look to be there at present. He had every swing aid under the sun this week, with his coach Sean Foley recording every swing and in real-time trying to firefight the issues he was seeing.

Rose’s attitude has been uncharacteristically salty too. He has been giving out about the schedule of the Majors this year and how it is hard for him to peak in a small space of time. All of this does not encourage this week.

But what great feats can we expect this week? Here are some of our favourites from previous Opens.

World’s Greatest Human winning his first major in 2007. I’ve something in my eye (sobs deeply).

Sergio’s missed putt is similar to when Bart pauses the TV after Lisa breaks Ralph Wiggum’s heart. ‘You can see the exact moment his heart breaks in half’.

Padraig at it again in 2008. Still one of the best 5 woods under pressure I’ve ever seen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_h54IdpkgI

Big Cat in 2006 at Hoylake. You won’t see a better performance in tactics in any sport. The course is burnt to a crisp, Cat leaves driver in the bag for the week and dismantles the course and the field with his God-like iron play. Scenes at the end will touch the heartstrings too

Birkdale 2017. Who can forget the 13th hole, it felt like a lifetime trying to figure out what had happened! The ‘GO GET THAT!!’ on the 15th after he drained one of his trademark daggers, still makes the hair on the back of the neck stand up.

“And what about some tips!!!” I hear you cry. Here are some below in the outright and the secondary markets. More of a buffet where you can pick what you like: