Odds remain in McIlroy’s favour at Sandwich

TIME will tell whether Rory McIlroy was correct to take a three-week break between his US Open victory and the British Open, which starts at Royal St Georges, Sandwich, on Thursday.

The strategy has been questioned by several high-profile players, including his Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, but given the manner of McIlroy’s Congressional success and his composure in dealing with the hype the win has generated, it is perhaps premature to question his strategy.

Even manager Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler chided McIlroy after his Masters collapse, claiming the young star didn’t play enough tournaments. However, there was nothing like that from Chandler in the aftermath of the Washington win, though his star client had taken the previous week off.

Instead, he opted to fulfil his duties as a UNICEF ambassador by spending time in Haiti before travelling to Washington for a few practice rounds before the masses arrived. In the week of the championship, he briefly reacquainted himself with the layout and declared himself happy with his preparation.

Understandably, he is now adopting much the same policy this week with the hope of a similar outcome. Furthermore, he would have been entitled to a quiet smile as he watched how the weather played havoc with the Barclays Scottish Open.

Many experts believed McIlroy would have benefited from the competitive element of a tournament played on a links course on the week before the British Open. However the appalling weather softened up Castle Stuart to such an extent that it played more like a parkland course.

The event was a frustrating experience for all apart from the impressive winner Luke Donald. It was surprising last night to see that the bookmakers had retained McIlroy as their clear favourite for the Claret Jug (7/1) with Lee Westwood and Donald both at 11/1. Surely Donald’s price should have been slashed after his recent form and whose tidy, no frills game should be ideally suited to a quirky, bouncy layout such as Royal St Georges.

It will be interesting to see how Graeme McDowell reacts to running up a nine at the par-five 12th in the final round in Scotland. If he can shake off the effects of this mini-disaster, I believe the Portrush man is excellent value at 28/1. Not only is he a major champion but also a player comfortable in links surroundings and another who possesses both the game and patience to take what comes his way at Sandwich.

THERE aren’t as many Irish as usual in the field this year but, if anything, the quality is higher than ever. The next of our players in the betting is Pádraig Harrington (35/1). True, the 2007 and 08 champion has been through a very disappointing spell and despite an improved performance in Scotland and his own belief in the healthy state of his game, it’s hard to see him as a contender coming down the daunting St George’s stretch on Sunday.

However, rounds of 69, 67 and 68 at Castle Stuart suggest the Dubliner may be about to turn the corner and he won’t lack for confidence.

Darren Clarke, winner in Majorca in May, has shown up well in several other tournaments this year and at 125/1 will appeal to those seeking a good each-way investment.

Apart from placing McIlroy at the top of the pile, the bookmakers have taken their lead from the world ranking, with the next three places held by Donald, Westwood and Martin Kaymer.

Phil Mickelson, a lowly 58th in Scotland, is quoted at 45/1 but Steve Stricker, winner on Sunday of the John Deere Classic in Illinois and now up to fifth in the world, is 35/1 and a man in form. Australian Jason Day (40/1) and Angel Cabrera (80/1) are two more to keep an eye on.