The 2018 Open

[jimandr]

I'll start the thread.

While I think the Masters is a better major, the Open is unmissable every year. This year should be no exception.

I can't pick the winner at this stage, but I'm going to prepare by watching lots of previous Opens on Foxtel.

I watched 2013 earlier today. It was an indicator of the truism that every one remembers the winner and nobody recalls the placegetters (or at least I don't). I didn't even recall that Adam Scott was near the lead with a few holes to go. It was also interesting to listen to the commentary. The lead amateur was Matt Fitzpatrick, and they were right in predicting he would be a star. But they also were speculating about how many more majors Tiger would win. They were wrong about that one.

Thinking about past Carnoustie Opens diesn't help much in finding the winner. Padraig won in 2009 from Sergio. At the time, they were among the best players in the world. The previous one was the Paul Lawrie upset and Van Der Velde, so that one doesn't help at all.

If the Scottish Open is any indication, the course should be dry and firm. It should be brilliant, no matter what happens.

[Captain Nemo]

Looks like everyone is excite!
🙄

[PerryGroves]

I am, love The Open, best event of the year, live from 3.30pm on Thursday, perfect viewing time.

Think I'm a knock on the Seppos, gonna take Noren and Rafa CB as my outsider (trying to get set at 160/1 as we speak)

[BUSHY]

2012 was on last night and it is still hard to watch. I stayed up and watched the finish that year and it was so close to breaking my heart at the time I couldn’t bare to watch last night.

I’d have to say the Open is my favourite, and I always watch until the wee hours. Plus Carnoustie is probably the best Open course when you consider the entire event from a venue, viewing, difficulty stand point.

I’m really pumped to see it kick off Thursday, can an Aussie contend? What will Tiger do? Will a relative no name come from the clouds?

[virge666]

Phil vs Henrick

just amazing golf.

[BayBum]

Greatest display of golf I've ever seen.

[virge666]

Watching Tiger on Foxtel now

Also good to see Duval and Els playing

[Jazz18]

The Open is going to be epic. The best major of the year, by a mile. The Masters is the 3rd best major and not by much.

Really excited to see it again this year. Carnoustie will sort out who's got their stuff this week. All those who like a birdie fest are likely going to be disappointed. Especially if the wind gets up. Will be interested to see if Russell Knox, Ryan Fox, Brandon Stone, Eddie Pepperall etc etc can continue their form this week after top showings at the Irish and Scottish Opens. They were on link courses of course, but nowhere near as tough as Carnoustie I would think. Justin Rose had a decent showing at Gullane too so he might not be far off the pace. I'd like to see Tommy Fleetwood win it though.

Jim, The Open 2009 was won by Stuart Cink at Turnberry over Tom Watson remember? Padraig won back to back Opens in 2007 at Carnoustie (the one you remember with him beating Sergio) and 2008 at Royal Birkdale. I wouldn't put it past Sergio to still have it this year though. He might not be playing that well heading into it but there's no reason why he couldn't win.

Interestingly enough, Rory McIlroy was the leading amateur at Carnoustie in 2007.

Bring it on!!!

[jimandr]

I knew Padraig had won two years in a row, but I got the order wrong.

Watching the last few Opens on Fox has helped me make decisions as to where to place my investments. After a complete wipeout at the US Open I've decided to go wide and conservative, looking for small wins rather than the big score.

Looking at the previous Opens on Fox I have noticed a few players consistently appearing in the top 10. So they are the guys I am going to support to see if they can do it again. The odds are actually really good for a lot of good players at huge odds to place. I am expecting at least one Ozgolfer to report a big win. I hope it is me.

So I am going to place a speculating dollar for the win, and a few extra dollars for top 10 on Brooks Koepka, Sergio, Henrik, Leish, Branden Grace and Tyrrell Hatton. I'd like to pick more, but you can't put money on everyone and still make a profit. Just for fun, I'll nominate Koepka as the winner.

[dee cee]

Tough one to pick for sure. The conditions look very tricky and totally different to what they are used to.

I’ll say, the winner will be over 30 years of age.
European with a caveat, may be from elsewhere if won a major
Top 100 player only. (Out on a limb there! &#128518

Who does that leave???

Love the Open.

[Muscles]

It was mentioned that we may see a 500yard drive during this tournament.... fairways are running faster than the greens.

[Toxic]

I've never seen this before but this video is an absolute classic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oQA...&feature=share

[Toxic]

Rickie Fowler and Tyrell Hatton to battle out the finish

[Yossarian]

Will be a fluky win one way or another.

[Johnny Canuck]

Will be a fluky win one way or another.

Your memory is quite impressive

[Captain Nemo]

Will be a fluky win one way or another.

Todd Hamilton or Henrik Stenson fluke?

[oldracer]

Watched the last 6 holes of Stenson/Mickelson again this morning, just wow

[oldracer]

2012 now, how did he lose it 😱

[SundayHack]

2012 now, how did he lose it 

Easy, Ernie played the back 9 in -4..... Oh and Scott bogeyed the last 4 holes. Not many win bogeying the last 4 holes of any tournament.

[Yossarian]

Todd Hamilton or Henrik Stenson fluke?

T Ham. Triggered

[Slothman]

Always love The Open.

I am a big fan of Stenson, so will always have him near the top.

I think Leishman is the dark horse and my tip for highest finishing Aussie.

I also think Fleetwood will put in a good showing.

Nothing but gut feelings to base those calls on

[Dcanto]

Interesting article on who may or may not be a contender.

http://www.golfwrx.com/522872/the-go...-championship/

[Captain Nemo]

Surely they could have put the sprinklers on a bit! 😳

[thecollective]

early players have pristine conditions, sunny day with practically no wind, lots of birdies so far

would be such a nice course to play in these conditions

[marcel]

would be such a nice course to play in these conditions

Playing a links course in no wind is like going to Disneyland and not seeing Mickey Mouse