Ernie Els has the rare honour of being defending champion of the course and of the Open Championship in the same year. Last year Els lifted the Claret Jug at Lytham and St Annes beating Adam Scott by one stroke with a closing 68 and in 2002 at Muirfield, venue of the this year’s Open, the South African survived a 4-man play off triumphing over Thomas Levet, Stuart Appelby and Steve Elkington.
Lytham and St Annes — 2012 Results
1 Ernie ELS RSA 67 70 68 68 273
2 Adam SCOTT AUS 64 67 68 75 274
3 Tiger WOODS USA 67 67 70 73 277
3 Brandt SNEDEKER USA 66 64 73 74 277
5 Luke DONALD ENG 70 68 71 69 278
5 Graeme MCDOWELL NIR 67 69 67 75 278
7 Nicolas COLSAERTS BEL 65 77 72 65 279
7 Thomas AIKEN RSA 68 68 71 72 279
9 Matt KUCHAR USA 69 67 72 72 280
9 Dustin JOHNSON USA 73 68 68 71 280
Early Picks for 2013
Tiger Woods
Ernie Els
Justin Rose
Adam Scott
In with a chance –
Phil Mickelson
Rory McIlroy
Zach Johnson
Luke Donald *
Ian Poulter *
Sentimental Favourite
Fred Couples – Could he emulate Tom Watson in 2009 where a veteran nearly won it – going one better?
(*Non Major winner – the odds are stacked against them, but not impossible)
For some of these players they will either have to defend a title or win two majors in one year – a tall order – but the history of Muirfield tells us that a player from the upper echelons of the golf win. Player, Nicklaus, Watson, Faldo have all won here before and are all multiple major champions. There are no players in recent history at this course that are “one shot major wonders”. Something to consider if you having a flutter on your favourite golfer.
Ernie Talks about defending and links golf.
Justin Rose discusses the challenge of the Open.
The 16th Hole at Muirfield – at taste of the course layout.