Open Championship betting guide

Golf Monthly's betting tipsters analyse the field and come up with some top tips ahead of the 143rd Open Championship at Royal Liverpool

The world's best golfers are on The Wirral this week for the 143rd staging of the Open Championship.

Royal Liverpool Golf Club is the host of the year's third major, and with Tiger Woods nursing his way back from injury, Rory McIlroy still a long way from his best and defending champion Phil Mickelson woefully out of form, the tournament is wide open.

Hoylake will be a completely different proposition from eight years ago, when Woods strolled to victory on a dusty, sun-scorched golf course.

This year, conditions are far softer, with rain falling - and forecast to continue - and flags far more accessible as a result.

That said, the fairways are extremely narrow, so expect to see the longer hitters using a 2-iron as frequently as driver.

Below, Golf Monthly betting tipsters Nick Bonfield and Tom Clarke proffer their opinions on who might feature come Sunday evening.

Nick's picks:

Henrik Stenson - 16/1

I think it's about time for Henrik Stenson to win a major, and this week presents the perfect opportunity. He's a straighter hitter of the golf ball that people give him credit for and plenty long enough to take advantage of four reachable par 5s - the key to success at Royal Liverpool. The tall Swede is currently ranked second in the world ranking and he'll be looking to vindicate that position with some major success.

Jim Furyk - 60/1

I really like to look of Jim Furyk on a golf course that values straight hitting, shrewd course management and imagination around the greens. The American will hit more drivers than most and I'd expect his comparative lack of length to be negated round Hoylake. He's brilliant with his wedges - so should pick up plenty of shots on the par 5s - and he boasts one of the best short games in the world. If he can find some form on the greens, I'd expect him to be in contention.

Marc Warren - 175/1

If you're after an outside bet, look no further. Scotland's Marc Warren was in the final group on Sunday at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open and he's a proficient links golfer. Warren has found some form of late and has all the tools required to do well in the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.

Tom's Picks

Tiger Woods - 22/1

Yes I know! He is coming back from injury and he hasn't won a Major since about 1868. But at these odds I find him hard to ignore. He won the last time the Open was at Hoylake and with his driver probably being kept in his bag this week I think he could plot his way round the course and surprise a few people. Some bookies have very generous each way bets with one paying out 7 places - take that up and a large each way bet could still land you a tidy sum, even if Tiger doesn't win it.

Rickie Fowler - 33/1

This American loves links golf, and finished Top 5 in 2011, when he battled superbly in tricky conditions. Has done well in both Majors this season with a Tied 5th at the US Masters and Tied 2nd at the US Open. Can he go better this week?

Miguel Angel Jimenez - 80/1

The loveable Spaniard is very decent odds and that is probably down to his age, he is a consistent performer at Open Championships including two Top 15 performances in the last two tournaments. Has already won once this year and is 11th on the Race To Dubai... also seems determined to play in The Ryder Cup this year, at this price you cannot go wrong.

Advised 2014 Open Championship bets

Henrik Stenson - 5 points to win at 16/1 Tiger Woods - 4 points each way at 22/1 Rickie Fowler - 3 points each way at 33/1 Jim Furyk - 2 points each way at 60/1 Miguel Angel Jimenez - 2 points each way at 80/1 Marc Warren - 1 point each way at 175/1

Round One Tee Times