Go with trio for Open joy

SPORTS BETTING: NO Tiger Woods in the field, Phil Mickelson widely available at 16-1 and Lee Westwood favourite to win his first major.







That’s the unlikely scenario as the world’s best golfers descend on Bethesda, Maryland, for the US Open, which gets under way tomorrow.



The second major of the season is dominated by a clutch of highly-rated Europeans, an ageing Mickelson and a batch of American youngsters headed by Matt Kuchar, Nick Watney and Bubba Watson.



All have strong claims and it would be fantastic to see Westwood, the 12-1 jolly, finally land the big tournament his talents so richly deserve.



It seems slightly unfair that Graeme McDowell, a worthy winner though he was, should land last year’s US Open yet Westwood is still waiting for that major victory to fall into his lap.



And that’s his big problem. Westwood tends to sit back when the major heat is on rather than go out and grasp success. That has to change if the Worksop wonder is to win this weekend.



Luke Donald (14-1) is a serious contender along with the in-form Kuchar (25-1) and big-hitting Watson (45-1).



But Mickelson is too erratic for my liking, Rory McIlroy (20-1) may still bear the scars of his Masters capitulation, and Steve Stricker (25-1) is not one for the majors.



My three against the field, then, are Martin Kaymer, Watney and Adam Scott.



German ace Kaymer won last year’s USPGA tournament, boasts a rock-solid temperament and has superb game to match. He is sure to win more majors and this could be another.



American Watney has yet to taste success at the very highest level, but has all the attributes.



And Aussie Scott is a class act who is climbing the world rankings again following a slump.



RECOMMENDATIONS: Martin Kaymer, e.w., 29-1 (Blue Square); Nick Watney, e.w, 30-1 (Sporting Bet, William Hill), Adam Scott, 70-1, e.w (Coral).