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British Open favorites

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Posted: Tuesday July 13, 1999 07:54 AM

Here's a look at my top five for the British Open.

1. Vijay Singh. Probably the most consistent ball striker in the world. Very long, very strong out of the rough, knows how to work the ball in the wind, and has won tournaments all over the world. The big question is his putter, but Carnoustie's greens are on the small side without a lot of undulation, so they shouldn't unduly test him. He's near the top of almost every tournament he enters, and he's been pointing for this one since his third at Pinehurst.

2. Tiger Woods. All signs are good. Woods has been winning, he believes the glue has hardened on his swing changes, and most important, he has confidence in the putter. Third last year at Royal Birkdale and third last month at the U.S. Open, his tools are beyond reproach. His challenge will be to keep from trying too hard, because majors are what he plays for, and he's still looking for his first one since the 1997 Masters.

3. Sergio Garcia. Pure talent and momentum. The 19-year-old already has two 62's since turning pro in April, and he's been first and second in his last two events. He is long, creative and capable of winning on a links course, having won both the British Amateur and the British Boys. He may just be good enough to blow in here à la Tiger at Augusta in 1997.

4. Colin Montgomerie. Carries heavy baggage in still trying to win first major, but his confidence is high after closing 64 to win at Loch Lomond. Monty is the straightest-driving top player in the world, which will be key at heavily roughed and narrowed Carnoustie, and his sometimes indifferent putting shouldn't be as crucial. It's all about frame of mind, and if the hyper Montgomerie can stay calm and tough, he has all the game necessary to win.

5. David Duval. All depends on how he reacts to confidence-shaking finish at U.S. Open, where he faltered with the lead on Saturday and fumbled golden opportunity on Sunday. He's never won in the British Isles but he's got the length and is nearly as accurate as Montgomerie off the tee. Although his ball flight is reasonably low, there is some question as to his imagination in creating the shots a links demands. A win would prove the doubters wrong and once again establish his superiority over Woods, who has passed him as world No. 1.

Jaime Diaz is a Sports Illustrated senior writer.

 

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