Australian golf experts pick the 2012 Open Championship winner
Aussie Golfer has again asked Australia’s golf experts to give us their predictions on who will win The 2012 Open Championship at Royal Lytham this week. We also asked them to name their top Aussie for the week. In some cases it’s the same pick.
As far as the best Australian is concerned, Adam Scott is a clear favourite: Scott (10) Leishman (2), Senden (2), Ogilvy.
I like Padraig Harrington to add to his three majors, including two Open Championships. Conditions will suit and he is nearing the form he showed four years ago. Top-10s at the Masters and US Open signal he’s ready to win again. As an aside, the predicted wet. Conditions Thursday and possibly Friday will hamper Tiger Woods and he will fight to make the cut.
Best Aussie… Hard to separate John Senden and Adam Scott. Senden on form, Scotty most capable if he can avoid horror bogey runs. Over first and second rounds. If Scotty remains patient and posts 54 hole score within sight of leaders he can win.
Andy Maher – Channel 10/FoxSports/SEN Radio
Tiger Woods. Best Aussie: Adam Scott.
Mark Hayes – Herald Sun
I’m going to go with Louis Oosthuizen, who is becoming something of a major championship specialist. Has an Open under his belt, has a metronomic swing and can handle the heat.
As top Aussie, it’s hard to go past Adam Scott who could easily contend overall if he can eliminate his customary one bad round. But for value I think the in-form Marcus Fraser can be right there on the back nine on Sunday.
Mark Allen – SEN Radio
Sergio Garcia and Francesco Molinari are my picks. Rory can’t win.
Best Aussie Marc Leishman. Grew up next to Port Fairy GC. Loves links golf.
I will plump for Adam Scott and Tiger Woods – i know, really going out on a limb…
Richard Fellner – Inside Golf Magazine
Royal Lytham and St.Annes is considered one of (if not THE) toughest courses in the Open Rota. It will require good ball striking, and excellent driving accuracy/GIR (or good a great Scrambling game). Louis Oosthuizen is currently leading the stats in Scrambling, Stroke Avg and GIR, so he’s a logical choice. But Tiger is showing form again, so he could challenge.
Best Aussie: John Senden has consistently been near the top of the leaderboards this year. I’ll back him (again), but watch out for Marcus Fraser, who will do well if he can avoid a blowout round
I’ll take Adam Scott for both… Good prep on course and but for poor opening rounds in US Open and Masters might have won both.
I think it might finally be Luke Donald‘s time. The US Open was just a blip, he’s ready and on home turf. Best Aussie: Geoff Ogilvy. Abut time he did well in one of these and his change in preparation this time round will pay off. By change in preparation I mean taking a break before the event. New regime for him, he looks relaxed.
Winner: Tiger Woods. Loves links golf and his form is not a mirage.
Best Aussie: Adam Scott. Has been playing well in majors recently.
Grant Dodd – Network Ten/ESPN Star
Mate it all depends on the weather. Bad weather throws out half the chances.Grant McDowell to win, best Aussie Marc Leishman.
Richard Hinds – Sydney Morning Herald
Lee Westwood, Adam Scott.
Tiger Woods and Adam Scott
Robert Lusetich – FOXSports.com
I’ll go with the same pick for both, Adam Scott.
Tiger Woods is the obvious choice but Brendan James has won me over with his convincing argument for Padraig Harrington. Loves links golf and starting to find some good form. Francesco Molinari and Adam Scott are great chances.
Adam Scott as best Aussie for me although I can see Marcus Fraser or Brad Kennedy surprising this week.
I think Rickie Fowler is a chance this year. He has a top 10 last year and top 15 the year before. Breakthrough win on the PGA tour this year. He’s also never won a major and still in this 20’s. These type of players are winning all the majors at present.
Best Aussie is Adam Scott. Great effort at both majors so far and can go even better here.