2011 Open Picks And Other Punting Tidbits

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Gambling on The Open is part of the tournament's essence, so even though this family values website does not condone such heathenness, as a full service blogger I'm obligated to steer you to helpful information from your fellow mongrels.

The Ladbroke's odds are here, with favorites Rory McIlroy (8-1), Lee Westwood and Luke Donald (12-1).

BetRepublic looks at some of the more intriguing "matchup" bets.

Jim McCabe makes this key point about the weather and the potential for an unlucky draw.

While dry and partly sunny weather is predicted for Rounds 1 and 2, the wind is expected to pick up as things go along, to the point where by Friday afternoon, it could be ripping at perhaps 25 mph.

Studying such news, none other than Harry “The Hat” Emanuel suggests we could have a situation similar to last year at St. Andrews, where those who had benign weather Thursday morning had fierce conditions Friday afternoon and saw their chances blown away – most notably Rory McIlroy (63-80) and Ernie Els (69-79).

Ian Chadband talks to host pro Andrew Brooks, who has some interesting insights into what kind of attributes the Royal St. George's favors, with a shock pick for the win.

Steven Rawlings gives one punter's perspective at the Betfair blog, seizing on the lack of rough to advocate some of the longer hitters.

Golfweek posts 20 players to watch.

Jeff Rude bats arounds some names and seems to like Jason Day along with talent over experience.

PGATour.com's expert picks includes one Ben Curtis selection.

Golfobserver's Sal Johnson has crunched the numbers and offers his selections.