Not long now until the Open kicks off at Sandwich, Kent and I for one can't wait!!

In general I don't often get to the Open, due to being a completely bonkers time of year for us at the academy.  But as  St.Georges is so close, I can't resist popping down to the South Coast for a quick fix on Friday.  So if anyone is down that day, ping me a text or email and we can hook up?

Ok, so lets cut to the chase and throw a few thoughts into the ring on who's picking up the Claret Jug this week!

As you know I'm normally the worst tipster in the world, so as I say here are 3 or 4 that you can cross off your list, which narrows the field for you.  MJ's top four would be Westwood, Rory, Watney and Kuchar.

Rory Mania - Interesting to see Rory has not played since the fantastic result in the US Open, opinion seems divided as to merit of this?  My take is he has a simply fabulous team around him and based on the transformation from Augusta to the US Open, I can only think they have sat down and planned these last few weeks to pin point precision.  Rumour has it he's been down at Sandwich loads and likes the set-up of the course, mind you when you hit 320 arrow straight off every tee, most courses look fine!  Maybe an apperance at the Scottish this past week would have taken some of the media attention off him for the Open, but I think any time he steps on a course now he will be the centre of attention.  Plus with what happend in Scotland this past few days, he was better off keeping his head down at Sandwich and playing loads of practice rounds.  I bet Westwood and co would have done the same if they had known what was heading there way in terms of weather and disruption? Obvious exception of Luke Donald, congrats on chalking up another victory.

Mr Consistent - I would suggest that Westwood would be one of the most popular winners in years, but can he finish the job this time and find the magic putting touch?  With a string of top 10 finishes to his name over the past dozen or so majors, surely an each way bet would make sense?  He's topped the stats at the last two Opens for fairways and greens in reg, so with some luck on the greens he could very well go one step further.

Possible Contenders - Nick Watney on the back of two wins this year and tied 7th at last years Open, must be in with a shout.  Now 10th in the world, he will be full of confidence and ready to add a major to his ever impressive CV.  Jason Day has only played in four majors, but don't let that put you off, as he's finished 2nd twice and in the top 10 on one other occasion. Now 7 in the world and somewhat of a Major Specialist, he does not look like the kind of lad that will take a step back. Matt Kuchar finished well in Scotland, so again full of confidence and has been one of the most consistent of the American players during the past 12 months or so.  I certainly think he has the game to adapt to the potential high winds etc and no question he has the head to deal with the added pressure.

Let's hope we get some fine, but testing weather for the week ahead and I'm sure we are all in for another thrilling Major and another British winner, fingers crossed!