Hoch - not a fan of the Open Championship (Allsport)

By David John

Betting Box Tipping Guide

BETTING BOX
FIXED ODDS
	8pts win Rocco Mediate at 10/11 (William Hill).	Mediate looks a decent bet to take advantage of Hoch's severe dislike of this event.
	4pts win Greg Norman at 9/10 (SportingOdds).	Take the Great White Shark to see off Sandy Lyle over 72 holes.

This week's Open Championship really gives the odds compilers a chance to go to town with a whole host of match bets, selected field and specials for the golf punter to get stuck into at Muirfield.

William Hill are leading the way concerning the World number one with their "Tiger Feats" market where he can be backed at 12/1 to win in a play-off, 14/1 to lead after every round or 80/1 to burn it up in 59 or under at any stage over the four days.

If, however, you think that Tiger will be taking an early bath and heading home on Friday evening, then 25/1 is currently on offer with the Leeds-based firm.

These are all a bit of fun and my feeling is to give them a swerve - there are some better bets to be had elswhere.

We return to William Hill for the best match bet on offer which pairs perennial Open griper Scott Hoch with the jovial Rocco Mediate.

Hoch has put on record that he hates tackling the links-style golf at the Open and his record in the tournament speaks for itself. Since 1990, he has played on only four occasions and made just one cut, finishing a feeble tied 68th at St Andrews in 1995.

For Hoch, far more at home on the target-style courses in America, as soon as the wind goes up so does the white flag and he is ideal material for taking on over 72 holes.

Mediate does not have the greatest record in this event but gets on with the job in hand and his straight driving and sound putting will always be an asset here.

I don't expect him to have to produce any fireworks to see off Hoch anyway so grab the 10/11 on offer with Hills.

Two former winners of the tournament are thrown together by SportingOdds in the other interesting match up and expect Greg Norman to get the better of Sandy Lyle.

The Great White Shark is lightly campaigned these days due to his business commitments but is more than capable of producing the goods when dusting off the clubs. He has not played the Open since 1999 at Carnoustie (6th) but boasts two wins and numerous other high finishes in his illustrious career.

His recent form has been nothing to get excited about but he comes alive on the links and retains the game to be competitive at the highest level.

It was great to see Lyle in contention at Loch Lomond last week but his challenge petered out over the weekend.

The signs have definitely been apparent of a revival this term by the affable Scot but there will be no hiding place here and any of the waywardness off the tee that has blighted his game is going to be heavily penalised.

The pair are on offer at 9/10 and a small investment on Norman looks the safer option.