British Open 2015 Schedule, Tee Times, Odds, Predictions & Preview: Jordan Spieth Goes For Third Major
The third major of the golf calendar is here. Golf fans everywhere will be watching anxiously as history could very well be in the making.
Jordan Spieth has won the first two majors to start this year. He absolutely dominated the Masters in record fashion and followed that up with a victory at the U.S. Open on the final hole. Spieth is trying to make history to become the first golfer ever to win all four majors in the same year.
Even Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods never accomplished that feat.
The scariest fact of all, Spieth is just 21 years of age.
The last golfer to win the first three majors of the year was Ben Hogan in 1953.
This year's British Open will be played at St. Andrews golf course in Fife, Scotland. The British Open has always represented a huge rivalry between the United States, England, Scotland and Ireland over the decades as does the U.S. Open. Nick Faldo was the last Englishman to win the British Open in 1992, while Paul Lawrie's incredible come-from-behind victory in 1999 (that year it was in Scotland) was the last win by a Scotland-born golfer.
Unfortunately for avid golf fans, Rory McIlroy will not be competing. McIlroy is the No. 1 ranked golfer in the world, but he injured his ankle playing soccer. Hopefully he will be ready for the PGA Championship, which begins Aug. 13.
In case you were wondering, or lost count, Tiger Woods is currently ranked 241st in the world.
Schedule
Coverage begins at 4 a.m. EDT on ESPN. It's important to note that Scotland time is five hours ahead of U.S. Eastern time, so that means the first set of players will begin at 6:32 a.m. Scotland time, but 1:32 a.m. U.S. time. For hardcore golf fans without DVR, better get to sleep early Wednesday night.
Notable Tee Times (American East Coast Time)
1:32 a.m. Thomas Bjorn, Greg Owen and Rod Pampling:
The first grouping of the tournament.
3:33 a.m. Ernie Els, Tom Watson and Brandt Snedeker:
A group of older veterans to watch here. Let's see if they can make the weekend cut and relive the glory days.
4 a.m. Ian Poulter, Charl Schwartzel and Bubba Watson
Charl Schwartzel and Bubba Watson have each won a major in their career while Englishman Ian Poulter has finished second at this event before.
4:11 a.m. Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Patrick Reed
Can Sergio Garcia win his first career major? His best finish at the British Open is third place. A lot of golf fans from Spain are expected to be watching.
4:33 a.m. Dustin Johnson, Hideki Matsuyama and Jordan Spieth
All eyes will be on Spieth as he continues his quest for the grand slam.
4:55 a.m. Tiger Woods, Louis Oosthuizen and Jason Day
Tiger Woods placed 69th overall at last year's British Open. Let's see if he can do better this year.
9:12 a.m. Adam Scott, Martin Kaymer and Jimmy Walker
Adam Scott is one of the best putters on the tour today. In 2012 he finished second at the British Open.
9:34 a.m. Matt Kuchar, Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson
Mickelson won this event in 2013. Like Woods, he is well past his prime, but he's looking to prove his doubters wrong.
Odds according to latest bookmakers.
Jordan Spieth: 9/2
Dustin Johnson: 12/1
Rickie Fowler: 16/1
Justin Rose: 18/1
Henrik Stenson: 20/1
Tiger Woods: 20/1
Phil Mickelson: 33/1
Sergio Garcia: 33/1
Bubba Watson: 33/1
Prediction
What a tournament this promises to be. Spieth is aiming for his third major of the year, but this field is packed with veteran talent and young up and comers. Rory McIlroy's absence should open the door for Spieth to win his first career British Open. Spieth wins the 2015 British Open on by a slim margin on the final Sunday.