British Open Odds 2012: Tiger Woods and Favorites to Win It All

With the 2012 British Open starting Thursday, July 19, the excitement over the biggest stars in golf in the world’s Open Championship has everyone ready for action.

While there are many stars who, like defending champion Darren Clarke, would like to be in contention on Sunday, there are three men better equipped for a win this weekend than anyone.

All of the following stars will be in contention for the win, which will make Sunday at the British Open one of the most exciting events of 2012.

Do not miss it!

Tiger Woods—8/1

While there was little doubt who would come into the Open Championship as the favorite, Tiger Woods needs to embrace the pressure and ride the momentum of his three wins in 2012 to another major title.

As great as his seven top-10s at the Open are—including three victories—his lack of success over the past three seasons has many bettors skeptical of the champion’s ability to get to the top of the leaderboard and stay there.

If Woods can remain focused and use the pressure on him to build toward another major-championship win, the old Tiger may be back for good.

The Open Championship will be the ultimate test to see if Woods has it in him still.

Rory McIlroy—10/1

After winning the U.S. Open in 2011, young star Rory McIlroy has struggled to find consistency in his game. The hope is that a trip to his side of the Atlantic will spark a surge in the talented player’s scores.

With one win and five top-10 finishes in nine events the Irish star played in this year, there is little doubt that, when he plays, he has a chance to win.

It’s just a matter of getting all of his cylinders firing in the right sequence.

Fans can’t forget that Milroy finished in third place in 2010 at the Open Championship and knows how to work the different culminates and course variations of the British Open and the European tour in general.

Phil Mickelson—25/1

There is no chance that Lefty doesn’t make a list of favorites for any major tournament, but Phil Mickelson’s luck in this event has not been there over the years. With only two top-five finishes and no wins, Phil isn’t that great overseas.

As bad as he has been, we can’t forget that it was Mickelson that almost stole the thunder from Darren Clarke last year.

If he can ride that second-place finish into this season, there is no reason to believe Mickelson won’t be there in contention on Sunday.

Open Favorites (odds courtesy Covers.com)

Tiger Woods—8/1

Rory McIlroy—10/1

Lee Westwood—12/1

Luke Donald—15/1

Phil Mickelson—25/1

Justin Rose—25/1

Sergio Garcia—30/1

Martin Kaymer—30/1

Rickie Fowler—30/1

Jason Duffner—40/1

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