Open Championship 2013 Golf Betting Guide

Open Championship 2013 Golf Betting Guide The world's best golfers are in Muirfield this week for the 142nd Open Championship.

With so many sub-plots and the game's two best players desperately seeking to end their ever-extending major hiatuses, it promises to be an exceptionally exciting tournament.

Players have spoken all week about the innately fair character of the golf course, which, coupled with firm, fast conditions and mild wind forecasts, could facilitate some low scores.

Tiger Woods said in yesterday's Open news conference he's hitting three-iron 300 yards, and most players will use driver sparingly as they negotiate Muirfield's hallowed links turf.

Woods is the 10/1 favourite with Ladbrokes this week, but the conditions and course set-up mean a huge number of players have a legitimate chance of victory.

This week both our Tipsters, Tom Clarke and Nick Bonfield go head-to-head to try and pick contenders for the Open

Nick Bonfield

I'm backing Phil Mickelson, at 20/1 with Ladbrokes, to continue his Scottish Open-winning form. He was in good spirits at yesterday's press conference and spoke confidently of his chances of victory around a golf course he professes to love. Encouragingly, Mickelson also said he's putting as well as he ever has done, and that many tee shots at Muirfield suit his eye.

Nicolas Colsaerts, at 50/1 with Ladbrokes, looks very well priced this week. The Beligan finished inside the top 10 last week at the Scottish Open and at the 2012 Open, so he clearly has an affinity for links golf. He's a very talented golfer and I genuinely believe he's good enough to win a Major.

Alex Noren, at 150/1 with Ladbrokes, the Swede has missed his last two cuts but notched five top-six finishes this far in 2013. Noren also played well in last year's Scottish Open and Alfred Dunhill Links Championships, and 150/1 represents good value for such a talented player.

Tom Clarke

Ernie Els 25/1 with Ladbrokes, Defending Open Champion, winner at Muirfield last time the Open was here in 2002 and before missing the cut at last week's Scottish Open had results of 1st, 4th and 6th. I expect him to do well here again.

Rickie Fowler 40/1 with Ladbrokes, has said in the past how much he likes Links golf. He has impressed in all his Open appearances (14th, 5th, 31st). He is also in good form on the PGA Tour with 4 Top 10s this season.

Miguel Angel Jimenez 150/1 with Ladbrokes, has had a season marred by injury, but has had some decent results, with a 4th at the BMW PGA Championship the highlight. He is a good links player and Muirfield could suit his play. A very decent each way bet.

Open Championship 2013 advised bets:

3pts each way on Phil Mickelson at 20/1 with Ladbrokes 2pts each way on Nicolas Colsaerts at 50/1 with Ladbrokes 1pt each way on Alex Noren at 150/1 with Ladbrokes 3pts each way on Ernie Els at 20/1 with Ladbrokes 2pts each way on Rickie Fowler at 40/1 with Ladbrokes 1pt each way on Miguel Angel Jimenez 150/1 with Ladbrokes