• Betting Bunker

Westwood and Sergio to shine in Open

Lee Westwood played some precision shots at the Scottish Open © Getty Images

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Rory McIlroy fever will grip the golfing world this week, with all eyes on the Ulsterman as he bids for a second major win to back up his success at the US Open.

McIlroy simply destroyed his rivals to win the US Open at Congressional and he is now a player the bookmakers will be wary of in any event he contests. Bet365 have McIlory priced up as the 8/1 jolly and there will be those happy to row in, such was the authority he held over the field at the US Open.

But it's fair to say McIlroy's preparation for the Open has been plucked out of the unorthodox bracket. He has not swung a club in anger since the US Open, having spent time at Wimbledon, watching David Haye lose to Wladimir Klitschko, being wooed by JLS and generally basking in the glory of his success.

McIlroy could easily make those who have questioned his preparation eat their words, such is the talent he possesses, but there is nothing quite like preparing in the heat of battle.

Betting bullets

• Lee Westwood E/W in the Open - 11/1 at bet365
• Luke Donald E/W - 11/1 at bet365
• Sergio Garcia to lead after round one E/W - 30/1 at bet365
• Jeff Overton E/W - 80/1 at bet365

So at 8/1, we are keen to look elsewhere. The world No. 1 is not a bad place for those in two minds to look for. And Luke Donald will certainly head to the event full of confidence, having won an abridged version of the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart.

The shocking conditions in Scotland did not cause Donald any alarm, proving that he can cope when the wind howls. It's difficult to say what conditions the players will be faced with on the Kent coast, but should the wind blow it will not hinder Donald. His swing is poetry in motion and even when he goes offline, he has the skilled short game required to get out of trouble. And there are few better men on the green than Donald. All that adds up to make 11/1 look a decent punt.

Also at 11/1 is Lee Westwood and he is our idea of the winner. The Englishman keeps knocking on the door at the majors, which is a worry for many who feel he cannot get the job done, but the Bunker firmly believes the cards will fall right this week.

Putting has been a problem for Westwood and he will need to get the short stick in order this week, but he has shown more confidence in recent weeks and the way he struck the ball during the first round of the Scottish Open had major winner written all over it. The flags must have felt they were under missile attack, so often did Westwood pepper the pins. He is comfortable in any conditions, but will be happier than most should the wind howl. At 11/1, the Bunker feels Westwood is a great bet to reward each-way support.

A player who has crept into the event and shown flashes of a return to form in recent weeks is Sergio Garcia. The bookmakers have also seen this and have him priced at 30/1. It is no more than a fair price, but he is at home on links courses - his record in the Open (six top-ten finishes since 2001) demonstrates this and he could be a man to show up well. He is worth a punt for overall glory, but also offers value to be the first-round leader at the same 30/1. He is among the early starters and the course could well be at its kindest early on Thursday. So take the chance that Sergio will make a rapid start.

For the value seekers amongst you, Jeff Overton catches the eye at a huge 80/1. He posted his best finish of the year, a tied third, at the AT&T National at the beginnning of July and looked like he was finding form. American golf is in need of a shot in the arm and a player who has finished 13th and 11th at the past two Opens, he offers the credentials to provide it.

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.

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