PGA Preview: British Open

Ah what a great time of year, when all of the great players in the world converge on the UK for the British Open, or as it is called over there, the "Open Championship."  The British Open is always fun because it is quite a different test that what American golfers are used to.  Open style golf is a game mostly played on the ground, and the high ball hitting USA players have to make some big adjustments. The Course This year's venue for the British is Royal St. George's in Kent, England.  The course is a 7204 yard par-70 track laid out in a standard Scottish golf design.  Holes feature dunes, rolling humps and bumps on the fairways and around the greens, deep bunkers with steep faces, deep native grasses and high winds.  Despite the Links style layout, some experts like Paul Azinger are calling the course a high ball hitter's track since many of the greens do not have run-up shot options. The forecast for the week is one short four letter word: wind.  Winds are gusting even now (Wednesday), and they are expected to continue the rest of the week.  Who are the best wind players in the field? Frogger Picks Royal St. George's has produced some obscure Open champions in the past, the most recent being Ben Curtis.  Will RSG produce another dark horse winner this year? Frogger picks this week have to include world #1 Luke Donald, who just won the Scottish Open last week and is playing the best golf of anyone on the planet from tee to green. Rory McIlory is the odds-on favorite to win, with 2/1 betting odds in the UK. Will this week be the week that UK native Lee Westwood records his first major victory?  Chances are high. Keep an eye on Australian Jason Day.  He has finished in 2nd place at the last three majors and he has a solid wind game. No American picks?  Correct.  If I had to pick one American this week, it would probably have to be Nick Watney. TV Coverage

Thu, July 14	ESPN	4 AM-6 PM ET
Fri, July 15	ESPN	4 AM-6 PM ET
Sat, July 16	ESPN	7 AM-2:30 PM ET
Sun, July 17	ESPN	6 AM-1:30 PM ET