Open Championship golf betting guide

Royal St George's is bound to test every golfer who tees it up on 14 July. The last time the Open was played there Ben Curtis won and was the only player to shoot an under-par total.

The key to succeeding on the Kent coast is keeping your ball in play, avoiding the thick rough and bunkers, and of course getting a little bit of luck.

Therefore, I have gone for people who consistently hit fairways, have been in good form recently and have links golf pedigree.

I will also point out that Rory McIlroy (6/1) and Lee Westwood (10/1) just seem too short odds to consider on a course as dangerous as Royal St George's. In McIlroy's case, you have to have concerns about his additional media commitments after his US Open victory and factor in that he's taken a three-week break. Justifiable or not, it makes 6/1 look quite unappealing.

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Golf Monthly's betting tips for The Open:

Martin Kaymer @ 20/1 - winner of the Alfred Dunhill Links in 2010, looks to be coming back into form with a top 10 finish in the French Open. Always consistent from the tee, it could well be his year. He also has quite generous odds for someone who was world number one a few months ago.

Jason Day @ 33/1 - finished runner up in the last two Majors. His experience of sand belt golf in Australia will help him on the links at Royal St George's. Has had seven top tens from 11 cuts made this year. Leads the sand saves on the PGA Tour this year.

Rickie Fowler @ 80/1 - Great odds for someone who loves his links golf. Shot the lowest scores over the weekend at St Andrews last year. Has looked to be in form as well with a good performance at the AT&T National.

Sergio Garcia @ 25/1 - A very tricky pick. His odds are not generous for someone who has obvious problems with his putting. But as his tee to green game is so strong, with an encouraging US Open performance and then a second place in BMW International he has to be considered.

Graeme McDowell @ 33/1 - Has not been at his best this year, but seemed relieved to no longer be US Open champ. Will also have been inspired by Rory McIlroy's stunning US Open win. A good each way bet.

Louis Oosthuizen @ 66/1 - Great odds for a defending champion and a must each-way bet. Finished top 10 in the US Open only three weeks ago and South Africans golfers seem inspired at the moment.

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Open Championship picks

Martin Kaymer 3 pts each way @ 20/1 Sergio Garcia 2 pts each way @ 25/1 Jason Day 1 pt each way @ 33/1 Graeme McDowell 1 point each way @ 33/1 Louis Oosthuizen 1 point each way @ 66/1 Rickie Fowler 1 point each way @ 80/1