The 144th Open Championship, the third major of the season, is next week at St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland. For over 150 years, there have been players vying to be called “Champion Golfer of the Year” and raise the Claret Jug. While the Masters has the Green Jacket, it is the Claret Jug that is the immortal symbol to all golfers the world over.
There are a couple of spots yet to be determined in the field but the majority of the field is set. For those that forget, The Open Championship is the official name for the British Open. The British Open and The Open Championship are synonymous in culture today but at its foundation, and all golf purist will agree, it is still The Open Championship.
The Old Course has played hosted to The Open Championship 28 times since 1873. St. Andrews has delivered performances that make the list of Top-10 British Open Memorable Moments .
Dates: July 16-19 2015
Course: St. Andrews GC (Old Course)
Stats: 7,279 Yards; Par 72
Television Broadcast Coverage (Times):
Thursday: ESPN 4:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST
Friday: ESPN 4:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST
Saturday: ESPN 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM EST
Sunday: ESPN 6:00 AM – 1:30 PM EST
Purse: $9.2 million total purse
2015 British Open Predictions, The Open Championship Picks at St Andrews Final 3-Hole Breakdown
The third hardest hole in 2010, the 16th is a 418 yard par-4 that will make each player in the field think on the tee box. If they play down the right side, they cut off distance but bring out-of-bounds into play. If they choose the left path they face the possibility of falling victim to the group of bunkers that jut out into the fairway.
The 17th hole at St. Andrews is one of the toughest par-4s the players will ever see. The Road Hole is iconic and rarely disappoints. 17 plays all of the 495 yards the card lists. Two big shots, including a tee shot over the old sheds will challenge the field. The green here is protected by one of the nastiest bunkers you will find and out-of-bounds that will crush a players dreams. Just ask Tom Watson.
At 356 yards, the par-4 18th hole is not a long hole, even by municipal golf standards, but it has seen its share of drama. Players will play tee shots on a line that favors the clubhouse. Once players are in position, they must avoid the accurately nicknamed “Valley of Sin” short of the putting surface. From there players will attempt to use the flat stick but a three-putt is destined to result unless miracles deliver.
2015 British Open Predictions, The Open Championship Picks at St Andrews Top Picks
A full field will be at St. Andrews for the 2015 edition of The Open Championship. Attempting to pick a winner out of a full field event is a lot like a needle in a haystack. It’s time for the 2015 British Open Predictions, The Open Championship Picks at St Andrews top picks.
| Player | Remarks |
| Adam Scott | While it is true that his last two starts at St. Andrews were not career bests it should be noted that Adam Scott appears to have figured out the event. In the last three Open Championships, Scott has finished tied for 5th, tied for 3rd and finished second after squandering a lead. That loss appeared to have changed his resolve and ramped up his career. |
| Jordan Spieth | He is a must have for any short list right now. The young buck continues to show that he clearly does not understand he is not supposed to be this good this fast. Heck, no point in over analyzing this. Spieth has the game that can play low ball flights and run the ball which he proved winning this years US Open. And when required he can bring it in high, as he proved winning this years Masters. In case you missed it, this youngster is chasing the Grand Slam this year but St. Andrews will be quite the test. |
| Lee Westwood | When the global trend is the rise of the young talent, Westwood will look to become the 4th player in their 40s to win the Open Championship in its last five staging's. The last time the Open Championship was held at St. Andrews, Westwood finished a solo 2nd. He knows the course, has the history, and he can get it done this week. Do not count him out. |
| Paul Casey | The injuries that plagued him over the past few years appear to be behind the Englishman. He has three top-5s this year including a pair of runner-ups as recent as the Travelers Championship a couple of weeks ago. The last time the Open Championship was at St. Andrews he finished tied for 3rd and was in a race for the title until a final round 75 derailed him. He is not a flashy name but has the ability and style to hold the Claret Jug . |
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