Bookies backing Paddy power to prevail

THE BOOKMAKERS don’t often get it wrong but after studying the less than overwhelming performances by our leading players in recent tournaments, it is surprising to see Pádraig Harrington (25/1) and Rory McIlroy (28/1), quoted as third and fourth favourites for this week’s Open Championship at Turnberry.

Admittedly Harrington won the Irish PGA Championship at the European Club on Saturday but his words and body language afterwards indicated that he is still a way off the form essential for a third successive Open triumph.

Nor will it have helped his brittle confidence that he has now fallen to 14th in the world rankings from third in January.