Absolutely can't wait. Outside of football and RL, my favourite sporting event of the year. Back to St Andrews this year after a 5 year gap. Interesting that the famous 17th has been lengthened and I wouldn't bet against a 9 or 10 being notched if someone gets in the bunker.

I get the feeling that Tiger may get the magic back this week. He's won here by 8 shots and 5 shots on his last two visits and whilst the gap has obvisouly shortened between him and the field I still think he's a worthy favourite on his favourite course.

I 've had a bet on Tiger and Els to win and Donald, Goose and Garcia each way who all have good course form. Last year I had an utterly embarrassing 50p ew on Stewart Cink at 175/1 so I've doubled the bet and gone for another 175/1 shot.....Oliver Wilson.

Woods will have to improve his putting - this is what is stopping him winning. He doesn't hole enough 10 foot putts - this used to be a strong point of his game. If he starts holing the putts he will be difficult to beat especial with his chipping.

Young Molinari could have a chance again if his putts can stand the strain, outside of that Ikeda, Kaymer and Rhys Davies

I think Mickelson will go well, I know he missed the cut last week but I remember him playing a bit off the week before the masters and we all know what happened there. His short game is amazing and I think he can make a few shots up to make up for his erratic driving just through his pitching/chipping/lob shots alone. The rough isnt as long as other Open Championship venues unless you are way offline(like Woods) but with all the rain it will be very difficult again.

As usual though I hope Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke or one of the other Brits comes through and wins, if not Tom Watson who is one of my all time favourite players(long shot I know )

I still think Tiger will be there or thereabouts as usual and if he manages to find anything like his best he will win by a mile, but to be honest the person who usually wins is the player that manages to stay out of theose damn bunkers


Cant wait now

Looking forward to this, at least I'm not going so no bloody sunburn this year! Got the feeling Westwood's time is here, and one of the old stagers will give it a right good go, probably Watson again.

However, as its Ryder Cup year, this one takes the role of second most important, but still, its The Open, and ol' Tiger's not what he used to be!

If the weather carries on like it is ATM we will be lucky to see any play

Got a bit carried away on Paddy Power and ended up backing half the field! Paddy are paying 1st 7 E/W.

T Watson 250/1
Sergio 80/1
Goosen 45/1
Moore 125/1
Mickelson 18/1

Tempted to smash into Mickelson. 4.5/1 to finish 1st 7 is a cracking bet to me.

Backed Stephen Gallacher myself - won the Dunhill Links Championship over the course in 2004 and came back to form somewhat with a good placing at Loch Lomond last week. Thought 100/1 for someone with a previous victory to his name and in something resembling decent form looked good

As with ECP, I'm going with Paddy Power, paying out on first 7 at 1/4 odds.

Limited myself to £10 so gone for:

McIlroy @ 16/1
Mickelson @ 18/1
Els @ 20/1
Harrington @ 22/1
Gallacher @ 100/1

All at £1 e/w.

Boylesports are doing 1st 8 which is rather annoying

B*gger.

Ah well, hopefully at least a couple of those selections will find their way into the top 7!

Placing the bets to give a bit of extra excitement to the weekend as much as anything. That said, most of mine will miss the cut knowing my luck anyway!