Rory McIlroy,20 years old,is as high as third favorite to some bookies to win THE OPEN,could the young irishman be the successor of countryman defending champion Padraig Harrington?

Many think that Rory has the talent to challenge Tiger’s # 1 ranking of the world,though I don’t see that happen anytime soon,from him or anybody else. However McIlroy is showing a maturity way beyond his years,in his interviews and his play.He finished 20th at the Masters and 10th at the U.S. Open,if he keeps the same progression on his 3rd Major of the year he will finish.......well....FIRST. Many bet on Rory because of his upbringing on the links courses of North Ireland,they think he’s got the edge playing what is for him natural golf.Maybe so,we’ll see if he is capable to be patient and keep in store his sometimes overly aggressive game.

Maybe the time has come for an englishman to win their Open.I expect Ross Fisher to build on his very good performances at the Masters and the U.S. Open where he finished 5th after being in contention most of the last round. Ian Poulter is looking for his first Major and lack of confidence won’t be his downfall. Lee westwood played well at the U.S. Open,he has the experience to bring it home but will his game hold up?

For the american players,besides Tiger Woods,I like Zach Johnsons low flight ball if the wind becomes a factor as it usually is at The Open.Zach’s record in Majors is far from impressive,besides his win at the Masters in 07,but he sure is looking to prove that it wasn’t a one time deal. Steve Stricker is coming on a boost after winning the John Deere Classic last Sunday.He hits the ball straight and is one of the best putters on Tour,I am sure that he is now thinking he is ready to win his first Major. Hunter Mahan hasn’t missed a cut since last year’s PGA and after his 6th place finish at the U.S. Open he was runner-up to Tiger at the at&t National,I like his game. It will be interesting to see how Anthony Kim handles himself on this classic links course,he might have to keep the driver in the bag a little more than he likes to,the rough is not the place to be at Turnberry. Kenny Perry almost became the oldest Major champion at the Masters,no doubt his win at the Travellers gave him his confidence back but how many chances do you get at almost 49?

German 24 years old Martin Kaymer won his 2nd straight event in Europe last Sunday to pick up 8 spots in the world ranking,now sitting at # 11.It is his second start at The Open and will surely improve on last year’s disappointing debut.

I always expect Geoff Ogilvy to show more of the great talent he possess but his results at The Open are less than impressive,two top 20 finishes for 4 miss cut.Will 2009 be the year for the australian?

I also think that Sweden’s Henrik Stenson can win the big tournaments,he showed it at The Players a couple of months ago.His 9th place at the U.S. Open is a good sign,watch him.

It is always difficult to win a Major and The Open Championship with his very special conditions makes it even more of a challenge.

Who is your favorite?

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Tomorrow,Thursday July 16th,is the first day of play.We will know who can handle the Ailsa course at Turnberry.