Furue Not My Favourite
At the time of writing, Ayaka Furue is the favourite to win with Rhino at 12/1. She won her first major championship at the Evian Championship in France last month, winning by a single shot. The 24-year-old demonstrated her resilience by finishing fifth at the Scottish Open last week, a performance that warrants respect. However, I have my concerns if the weather turns and we get high winds and rains, which is forecasted this week. I just like players who have proven experience in those kinds of conditions.
In The Form Of Her Life
That’s why I am looking at Lydia Ko, who is playing some of the best golf of her career. The New Zealander did us a favour when she finally won Olympic Gold in Paris earlier this month, after being on the podium at the last two competitions. She also played well at the Scottish Open last week to finish ninth, but that’s not the reason I am siding with her. If you go back through her career, then you’ll see she was the leading amateur in the Women’s Open in 2012 and 2013, which included when she was playing at this venue. Moreover, she’s got experience of Links courses playing well at Royal Liverpool, Royal Birkdale, and Turnberry over the years, so that will count for a lot. At 22/1, I’m expecting her to have a good week.
Hall The Links Queen
Next on my shortlist is Georgia Hall. I actually played against her when I was a junior golfer, and she beat me easily! Hall has been a very consistent golfer at this tournament over the years, and she won it in 2018 when she won at Royal Lytham. Though that was her only victory at the Women’s Open, she finished runner-up in 2021 and has made the top ten on several occasions. Moreover, she’ll like coming back to St.Andrews as she shared the leading amateur prize with Lydia Ko in 2013. At 50/1, I think she’s worth a saver.
Maguire Eyes The Solheim Cup
Last but not least on my shortlist this week is Irish golfer Leona Maguire. It’s fair to say she’s been in the wilderness at times this year, but I think returning to a Links golf course could see a positive change in her. The 30-year-old has shown an aptitude for links courses over the years, and she played well in 2022 at the Women’s Open when it was hosted at Muirfield. Even when he was an amateur, she played well, winning at the likes of County Louth and Nairn, so it’s in her golf DNA. She’ll need a good week to make sure he qualifies for the European Solheim Cup team, which takes place next month. I think at 110/1 she’s overpriced.
AIG Women’s Open Shortlist
Lydia Ko EW (22/1)
Georgia Hall EW (50/1)
Leona Maguire EW (110/1)