As a keen golfer of 'almost a near miss standard' I have been drawn this evening to the betting shop to bet on the greatest golf tournament on earth - The Open Championship - which starts tomorrow.

The Championship is marked by the exit from world golf of two great golfers - Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin. Nicklaus is without doubt the finest golfer to have ever graced the game, Jacklin was one of the finest golfers Britain ever produced and an inspirational Ryder Cup captain 4 times. You will get odds of 7/1 on Nicklaus making the cut and 40/1 of Jacklin doing likewise. Neither will compete for the main prize as they are both well into their sixties. Spend your money on Nicklaus to make the cut- Jacklin is no more than a social golfer theses days.

As for the main event the intelligent money will be on Europe's stars. Darren Clarke and Luke Donald are good money at 25/1 and you can get 80/1 on the in form Montgomerie to break through.

The favourite is of course Tiger Woods at 3/1 and he will challenge unless there is "weather".

Really clever money is on links specialist Paul Lawrie at 150/1 - a recommended each way bet

http://www.opengolf.com/

I would love to see one of our young golfers win the Open but fear that none of them have had enough experience in the big events so far. Luke Donald looks the best hope for the future. I think Montgomerie is a great bet at 80-1.

I share your admiration for Jack Nicklaus. Surely the greatest sportsman of all time.

Indeed. I hope the weight of my fiver doesn't hold him back this afternoon

Did you do him each-way?

No - too stupid as usual