Padraig Harrington - Ireland

The Open Championship 2009 will obviously be paying a warm reception to its Champion form the last two tears, Padraig Harrington. When winning the British Open golf championship at Royal Birkdale last year, Padraig entered into the Open history record books and joined a very elite band of players who have managed to defend the title. Those players include, Tiger Woods, Tom Watson, Lee Trevino, Arnold Palmer and the great Australian, Peter Thompson, who actually defended the Open twice. Can Padraig go on and do the same this year? He will certainly be up for the challenge and he will be playing on a course that will suit him as well as anyone. He will be one of the favourites in the Open betting to win, even with Tiger Woods back in the field this year, Padraig will still have a great chance and the way he is playing who can say that he won't.

After winning the Claret Jug last year, Padraig was launched into the top three players in the world, his highest ever position and his confidence is now sky high. The Turnberry Golf course will have its challenges for the Champion, but he is better equipped than most to deal with them. It is little wonder that he has becomee one of the favourites in the tournament to bet on and there will be many taking advantage of the Free Bet Offers for the Open this year. He certainly will be one of our Open Championship tips to win.

In a professional career spanning fourteen years Padraig has won twenty three tournaments, including his two British Opens. He is currently sitting third in the world rankings, behind Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson and is clearly one of the most respected and feared competitors on tour. IN addition to his two Open wins, Padraig has achieved a further nine top ten Major finishes.