British Open Golf Championship 2009

The 138th British Open gets underway at Turnberry on 16th July 2009 and will conclude on the 19th. This will be the fourth time the Turnberry venue has hosted the 'Open' but only the first time since 1994. It is a truly maginificent Open Championship golf course and is listed as one of the top ten in the world. It makes a welcome return to the British Open rotation system after satisfying the Royal and Ancient that their logistical problems are over. The Open was last played here in 1994 and was won by Nick Price from Zimbabwe.

Sadly this year the Open Championship will be without the popular, Phil Mickelson, who came so close to winning the US Open last month. He will be missing due to his wife's serious illness. The field will include however the former three time champion, Sir Nick Faldo who will be the first Knight of the realm to grace a British Open.

About the British Open

The British Open is the eldest of the Four Major Golf Tournaments and is the third one played during the calendar year. The US Masters takes place in April, the US Open in June and the PGA Championship takes place in August. The Open Championship history is a long and colourful one and has hosted many fantastic Tournaments. The roll of honour reads like a who's who of golf as will be noted by reading the British Open past results. Of the many mighty battles it is held, there was none better than the 'duel in the sun' played here at Turnberry's inaugural Open in 1977, between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. Check out the match in British Open memories.

Paddy Power FREE £30 Bet For The 2009 Open Golf Championship

The emergence of Paddy Power as one of the best online bookmakers available has been well reported. They are renowned for developing golf markets and will have plenty on offer for the new customers taking advantage of this FREE Bet facility. They have an easy to follow account opening process and will match any bet made up to £30 on the 2009 Open Golf Championship.

Claim a free bet of £30 For the 2009 Open Golf Championship with Paddy Power

British Open Betting

Reigning Champion Padraig Harrington will be looking to equal the record of the great Australian Peter Thompson, by winning the Claret Jug for the third consecutive time. The Irish money will no doubt be on him to do so but it will be Tiger Woods who will start as favourite in the British Open Golf betting. Last year saw a betting bonanza take place at the Open and Bookmakers were overwhelmed with new clients taking advantage of the Free Golf Bets offers. These offers are even better this year but before taking one up, you are advised to read the player profiles and betting options. The Open Championship 2009 odds will be generous, it is the great thing about golf betting. There are usually some great odds available, even on the favourites; for instance Harrington was 33/1 before he teed off at Royal Birkdale in 2008. He will be a big British Open golf tip again this year to complete his hat trick of wins.

Open Golf Visitors

It is expected that the Tournament will attract in excess of 40,000 spectators per day. The area surrounding Turnberry is as unique as the golf course and there is plenty for the visitor to take in as well as watching the tournament. See our Visitor guide for ideas and background to the area British Open Tickets for the 2009 Open will go on sale at the beginning of the year, those wishing to attend should book early.

This year attendances will be up as many hundreds more will come and bear witness to the expected challenge from Tiger Woods. The world number one golfer missed out in two Majors last year and he will be in determined mood to chase after the record of 18 Major wins held by Jack Nicklaus.