British Open 2012: Underdogs Who Are Serious Contenders to Win Historical Major

Tiger Woods will undoubtedly be the favorite for the 2012 British Open, but golf is a funny sport in that even the favorite's odds of winning are always low. 

That's just what happens when you have over 100 players competing against each other in an individual sport like golf that can see your ups and downs came as quickly as a roller coaster.

Because of that, if you're the betting type—and I, uh, am most certainly not the betting type—it's often better to take the underdogs.

With that being said, here's a look at some underdogs to keep your eye on when the players roll into Royal Lytham and St. Annes next week. 

Note: Odds are taken from Bet365.com

Rickie Fowler (40/1)

Fowler has put together a terrific season with one win, five Top-10 finishes and 14 cuts made in 16 total tournaments. The 23-year-old has made significant strides towards winning his first ever major.

Even with those strides, however, he has struggled at the big tournaments. Fowler finished tied for 27th at the Masters (hardly a "struggle," but he had a rough first two days) and is coming off a tie for 41st at the U.S. Open. 

Nonetheless, Fowler has been consistent enough for me to feel safe rolling with him, plus it's hard to bet against someone with a mustache like his. 

Jason Dufner (45/1)

Dufner has very quietly been one of the best, most consistent golfers on tour this season. 

In 15 tournaments, the American has made 14 cuts to go along with two wins, six Top-10 finishes and 10 Top-25 finishes. That's incredibly impressive.

Throw in the fact that in his last five tournaments, Dufner has won twice, finished second at the Crowne Plaza International and finished fourth at the U.S. Open, and you have a consistent golfer who is absolutely on fire right now. 

The British Open has by far been Dufner's worst major, as he's never made the cut, but this will be the year the accuracy specialist turns it around, especially if conditions take the big-hitters out of the equation (Dufner is 14th in driving accuracy, but just 76th in driving distance.)

Ross Fisher (70/1)

When looking for a sleeper at the British Open, just look for an Englishman. 

Of course, it's not like Fisher is that much of a stretch. He has four career wins on the European tour and he's coming off four straight Top-10 finishes. On top of his success in Europe, the 31-year-old Fisher has a career Top-25 finish at every major championship. 

This guy knows how to bring it during the big tournaments and being near home will only help give him an added advantage. At 70-to-1, there are plenty of worse bets out there.

Don't sleep on Fisher. 

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