2010 Open Championship Predictions: Tiger Woods Doomed?

ESPN.com analysts have offered up their own 2010 Open Championship predictions with Ernie Els (14/1 odds) the favorite to win at Sportsbetting.com.

Same ol' story for the Big Easy: In two majors this year, he's already received his share of heartache and heartbreak, which has become the unfortunate norm for this three-time major champion. He's getting closer, though, and it may be only a matter of time before the 40-year-old pulls it all together on the back nine of a final round to capture that elusive fourth major title.

Don't be surprised if it happens this week, considering an Open record that shows top-30 finishes in 17 of his last 18 starts, including a dozen top-10s, eight top-5s, and a victory in 2002.

Ian Poulter is another of the favorites at 25/1 odds.

With a premium on short-game abilities over ball-striking, his prowess on mid- and short-range putts could be a difference-maker.

Everybody, including the gambling public, appears to be on Rory McIlroy, who, despite the heavy action coming in, still promised a nice sized payout at 14/1 odds. 

Despite that this year's site is playing host to international superstars (Padraig Harrington), recent major champions (Graeme McDowell) and colorful characters (Ian Poulter), no European will draw more attention than the young McIlroy.

As he proved at Quail Hollow earlier this year -- when he made the cut on the number, then shot 66-62 on the weekend to win -- he has all the tools to make a significant impact any given week.

As for Tiger Woods, don’t count on it, say the prognosticators at ESPN.com.

Tiger is attempting to win a third consecutive title here on his favorite course in the world, but based on his recent putting stroke -- which will be accompanied by a new putter this week for the first time since 1999 -- a third-straight fourth-place finish is more likely.

Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com