Dagnabbit, 4 AM is Early: British Open Preview

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Hackers, I am going to give it another shot at predicting a major. Last time, my picks did not turn out so hot, so I will try to bounce back this week.

I love the feel of the British Open. It is ancient and rustic. The tournament takes us back to a time when Old Tom Morris was using a feathery (Pre-1848 golf ball) and persimmon shafted a spoon (old golf club) to attack a roughly manicured piece of land. There are many differences that make the British Open one of the most unique and challenging tests a golfer can face. The bunkers are so deep; you can almost feel the heat from Hell. When you are in the bunkers, you think that you ARE in Hell. They don't use lawn mowers, they use live stock. The rough is not cut at all! Throw in the wind and it could equal the worst day of a golfers life. It is so difficult, that some Americans choose not to attend. They can't stand the brisk links style of play. Heck, even "Irelands Favorite Son", Rory McIlroy, had the 36 hole lead going into Saturday last year and shot an 80. I do love this tournament, but there is always one draw back...

Dag-Gum-it, it is hard to get up and watch it at 4 AM. When you enjoy sleep as much as I do, I try to squeeze as much sleep as I can between the time I hit the snooze and the absolute time I have to start getting ready for work. So there is no chance of me catching the Thursday and Friday rounds live. I always count on catching the Saturday and Sunday rounds, but it is even hard to do that when coverage starts at 8 AM. It is especially hard when you go out the night before catching up with some old fraternity brothers in Atlantic Beach all weekend. But there is nothing like a little couch time with Mike Tirico serenading your hangover away! So on to the "Not So Expert" predictions.

Since I don't think that an American will win, I am going to pick 3 international players and one American sleeper. It will not be Phil, again. The British Open is not really his style.

3. Rory McIlroy - This seems to be the popular pick of the week. Let me say, Rory has the game to win anywhere. If he puts on a show like he did at Congressional, this thing could be over before it starts. He is accurate and can make putts under pressure. Not to mention, he has a backyard that looks like finger of the Golf Gods touched it. See Insert. But also, Las Vegas loves him. In my short gambling experiences, Vegas is almost always right or close to being right.

2. Lee Westwood - This guy is due. He has been one of the best golfers in the world for the past decade. He is always steady. He is another player that is long off the tee and very good around the greens. If he putts well, he will definitely be in the mix on Sunday. Not to mention, he is English. What a headline "England's Own Wins His First Major!" Talk about someone that will party if they win! Westwood is known to drink a few totties in his day.

1. Sergio Garcia - If Westwood is due, Sergio is desperate. Garcia has to fight more than the winds, though. He has a deeper, darker challenge called demons. When this guy is on, he is on! You can tell he is out there playing, not thinking. He is a guy that when you watch him, you can tell that his wheels are turning too much. However, recently he has been in top form. His putting has always been sketchy, but since he has switched to the claw, he is much improved. I think this is the year that he gets the monkey off his back.

American Sleeper Tom Watson - Stop Laughing. Sure, this may be a sentimental pick. But, Mr. Watson is still playing at a high level on the Senior Tour. He is one of the best wind players to ever live (see his 5 British Opens) and 2009 was not that long ago. I know it is not likely to happen, but a guy can dream. Can't he?

This should be fun, the British Open always is. It is fun watching guys putt from 50 yards and knock it stiff. As always, please feel free to send me your picks via comments, E-mail at sshomewood@gmail.com, or Twitter!

Also, to Uncle Steve, Stephen, Will and Conger... Have fun at the British Open tomorrow! I am jealous that ya'll are on leg 3 of the "Career Grand Slam"! Awesome... Don't spend to much time in the pubs!