Rain replaces clear conditions for early Open starters at St Andrews
Published:St Andrews staff had to clear away pools of water from parts of the Old Course before the first tee-off after terrible weather on Wednesday forced the cancellation of the Champions Challenge.
But it was still, calm conditions which greeted Paul Lawrie as he struck the first shot of the 139th Open at 6.30am.
The 1999 champion is at par through 10, making the Scot a 150/1 chance to win again.
Rain started to fall at around 8.00am but with hardly any wind to go with it, the early starters will be glad they got out so soon.
Germany’s Marcel Siem is making the most of the playable weather racing to -5 after 10 holes, following birdies on the second, fourth, fifth, seventh and 10th. He has come in to 50/1 to win the Open and would be the first German to lift the Claret Jug.
Another name making an early move is entirely more recognisable. John Daly is at -3 after the seventh and a win for the now-not-so-big American is currently a 50/1 chance (in from 200/1 before the tournament began).
According to Met Office predictions, the rain and gloom will subside to be replaced by sun but strong gusts.
The weather boffins are expecting a wind speed of 14mph by 4.00pm, meaning Phil Mickelson, who tees off at 2.20pm, could get caught in the worst of it. He’s a 16/1 price to win his first Open Championship.
With three-balls setting off every 10 minutes, odds will change rapidly, so go to Open Championship betting for all the latest prices.
Tiger Woods tees off at 9.09am and the world number one is 6/1 to win a fourth Open title. Having won the last two times the event has been held at St Andrews, it would be brave to bet against him.
