Montgomerie, Mickelson "bridesmaids" to Tiger Woods when betting on British Open

Where betting is off limits for golf profesionals (for their own sport) in the United States, it is welcomed in Europe. About twenty percent of the players in Britain make a sidebet through a caddy or friend. The Victor Chandler Agency has even been the sponsor for the British Masters in the past and is among many agencies and betting parlors set up both on the internet and nearby to accept bets from both golfers and gamblers.

I wonder if Phil Mickelson, a known high-stakes gambler, will place a bet on himself this weekend? After his implosion at the U.S. Open and his less-than stellar performance at the Cialis Western Open, could he be sneaking a bet on Tiger to win?

Mickelson is currently sporting 12/1 odds on Victor Chandler placing second to Tiger Woods but Woods reigns supreme as the 5/1 favorite. Vijay Singh and Ernie Els are currently tied at 16/1 as British Open favorites. Els has taken home the silver claret jug (a.k.a. The Golf Champion Trophy) in 2002 and Woods claimed victory both in 2000 and 2005.

Colin Montgomerie’s odds are dwindling (33/1) because of his inherent “self-destruct mechanism", as one bettor stated while putting on his best Monty impersonation.

If you want to pick a long shot try local favorite Warren Bladon whose odds are 2500/1. The picture framer/plumber’s assistant, blue-collar worker has played nine holes with Jack Nicklaus in a practice round at the Masters and even competed against Tiger Woods for low amateur at the 1996 British Open but was ousted in the second round when Woods shot a 66 to make the cut. Hey, you never know!

My choice is, as always, Phil Mickelson. He has already conquered two Masters, the 2005 PGA Championship and usually comes close at the U.S. Open. His best finish at the British Open has been third place in 2004 but he slipped to a tie for 60th last year. Perhaps he can redeem himself this week, although links courses are not his favorite.

So here I go again, choosing Lefty. Perhaps this time I, as well as many of Mickelson’s supporters (a.k.a. Phil’s FANatics), will not be disappointed.