British Open profile: Steve Stricker

Best Odds: 35/1 - bet365
Age: 44
World Ranking: 5
Best Open results: T7 - 2008, T8 - 2007

Open Record:

First entered the British Open in 1996 but is yet to develop a love affair with his overseas major. Strick’s best two results came after four years where he never even made the flight across the pond. His T7 at Birkdale sounds fine but it’s debatable how much the American really enjoyed his trip after an opening 77 and brutish conditions led him to finish the Sunday at +12. In many ways the T8 at Carnoustie a year earlier was probably more fun. A stunning third round 64 put him right into contention before he faded on the final day.

Form:

Stricker is always in good form heading into the Open because he always wins the John Deere Classic! A birdie putt from off the green on 18 gave the world number five his third consecutive victory in Illinois. But this year is looking particularly vintage after Mr Consistency bagged the Memorial Tournament in early June as well. Hot on Watney’s heels in the FedExCup race.

Verdict:

Heroics in the John Deere Classic are all very well but the very fact he was there tells its own story. Many of the other fancied Americans had already headed to the UK to find their links bearings when Stricker bagged his latest title. The man from Wisconsin seemingly leaves his homeland for as short a time as possible. The odds have shortened in reaction to Sunday’s win - he no longer represents great value.