Las Vegas has Woods as huge favorite to win British Open
For bettors who like value, this year's British Open is like Christmas morning, according to Las Vegas sportsbook insider Chuck Esposito.
Tiger Woods, currently at 2 to 1 at Las Vegas casino sportsbooks, is the favorite by a wide, wide margin. If you think Woods will win, Esposito says you should grab him now. "Those odds will drop pretty quickly," Esposito said. "My guess is Tiger will be at 8 to 5, 6 to 5, or even before the British Open starts."
The odds are so skewed toward Woods--especially with his only near rival, Phil Mickelson, not competing at Turnberry this year--that the next player on the board, Sergio Garcia, is a 12-to-1 bet to win. Other contenders drop even further: Defending champion Padraig Harrington is 20 to 1, Henrik Stenson is 20 to 1, Paul Casey is 20 to 1, Rory McIlroy is 25 to 1, Geoff Ogilvy is 25 to 1, Ian Poulter is 25 to 1, Ernie Els is 35 to 1.
"There's real value there in players in that 20 to 40 group," Esposito said. "In fact, with those short odds, the house ends up rooting for Tiger because if one of those long shots come in the casino can really get burned."
The house also ends up rooting for Woods because he creates excitement around the casino when he's near the top at a major, Esposito said.
"We do really well at all the majors, and we'll have the British Open on all the big screens," Esposito said. "But if Tiger's in the lead, we get tremendous crowds."
The only real competitor to Tiger Woods on the board in Las Vegas is "The Field," currently at 8 to 5 odds. Keep in mind that "the Field," in the form of Lucas Glover, won the U.S. Open and paid off at 10 to 1.
Posted by: Ian | Jul 17, 2009 3:23:49 PM
I worshipped Jack when i was a kid and also love Tiger, who may or may not beat the Majors record.
People do tend to forget/ignore the strength of Jack's opponents. Throughout his career he had to face Palmer (7 majors), Trevino (6), Player (9), Watson (8)and Seve (5).
During Tiger's run there's been nobody in the same class as those guys, as history will show.
So i reckon that this, coupled with the different club technology available now makes Jack's achievements all the more impressive.
Posted by: Kevin | Jul 17, 2009 3:23:44 PM
I like Tiger, but he isn't going to be able to win by not making the cut...
Posted by: Rick | Jul 15, 2009 1:18:27 PM
Two weeks ago, Tiger himself said Jack was still the best of all-time and it was strictly because of Jack's record in majors. Now I live in Columbus, OH, so Jack has always been my favorite. However, I do believe by the time it is all over and done with, Tiger will be the record holder in majors. Heck, Tiger may have 30 major wins when he gets done. And I think he will add another win this weekend. This is set up perfectly for him to win it by multiple strokes.
Posted by: MATTHEW | Jul 15, 2009 11:48:55 AM
I bet the field for the US Open but only got 4 to 1 odds. What gives?
Posted by: Dan | Jul 15, 2009 10:49:38 AM
lydiacougar...what it the @#%* does this have to do with golf???!!! Go away and leave us alone you horny old broad!!!
Posted by: Dan | Jul 15, 2009 10:45:55 AM
Rob...couldn't have said it better myself! Thanks for your posting!!!
Posted by: Rollo Biggins | Jul 15, 2009 10:42:34 AM
Go Norm. Manny's an idiot.
Posted by: Rob | Jul 15, 2009 9:58:13 AM
Tiger is without a major right now and seeing that the course does set up well for him, I do see him in contention, but not winning at Turnberry unless he leaves the driver at home. He has been inconsistent at best this year with the driver and when its been on, his putting' been off. As to his being the greatest golfer, right now its still Jack and not just because of his majors...when he wasn't winning a major, he was finishing second a record 19 second place finishes. Think about that for a minute...Jack either won, or finished second in 37 major tournaments and Majors we all know is where the competition is greatest and the pressure is at its peak and even Tiger admitted that it is how a great golfer should be measured. Its too early yet to say, but Tiger may beat Jack's major wins, but will never come close to Jacks dominance overall.
Posted by: Dan | Jul 15, 2009 9:01:10 AM
Hey manny...what in particular will YOU be remembered for??? Since you're so quick to belittle another human being, please enlighten us. Norm...keep right on being the voice of dissent. I hope you're right! GO NORM!!!!!
Posted by: manny | Jul 15, 2009 8:17:22 AM
According to you Norm, Tiger won't win every week. Keep your hate to yourself. Long after we are all gone Tiger will be remembered as the greatest golfer that ever walked the planet. and you? You won't be remembered for squat. How about that!
Posted by: Norm | Jul 15, 2009 8:11:40 AM
Tiger won't win this weekend.
Posted by: Fab5 | Jul 14, 2009 6:22:00 PM
Tiger will win this weekend.