Padraig Harrington: 2010 British Open Favorites

Two time British Open winner Padraig Harrington is a 20-1 favorite at online bookmakers in golf betting odds to win The Open for the third time in his career. Harrington was the back-to-back winner of The Open in 2007 and 2008. Although his odds do not show that Harrington is one of the 2010 British Open favorites, he does have a PGA Championship win on his resume. Harrington is currently ranked 15th on the Official World Golf Ranking. Heading into 2010 British Open betting, he has made the cut in 10 out of 13 events entered for 2010 with a best finish of 3rd in the World Golf Championships-CA. Harrington also finished 5th in the Travelers Championship this year. Padraig Harrington has an average score of 70.67 with total winnings in 2010 of over $1.2 million.

Even though he is not one of the 2010 British Open favorites, Harrington says that he will enter The Open with a new mindset to attack the Old Course, which is known as the birthplace of golf. Harrington is extra motivated because of the extra special venue. Since the Old Course is so rough and putting there is so tricky, Harrington is going to take to the air for many of his shots. "I am very familiar with the course but I do expect it to be slightly different, especially with the variations in pin positions," said Harrington.

Harrington added that good drives will be needed along with good irons adding that players will need good ball control heading into the greens. The ball is likely to run on the Old Course with its hard surface and dry conditions which means players must control their shots. Harrington has reverence for the course. "There are a few courses that make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck, and St. Andrews is an unbelievable place as it is the home of golf. I wouldn't give up the other two Claret Jugs, but it would be nice to win at St. Andrews."