The second major of the year for the men starts on Thursday followed the next week with the second for the women on the same course! Not at all sure about that - but will wait and see how it works. My first thoughts on hearing this were what about the condition of the course after the Mens Open and the fact that being in the same geographical location denied other areas from hosting a major. However I understand when the decision had to be made about location of these majors we were deep in recession and there were really no other offers! Its good to try new things so I for one will reserve my thoughts until we see how it all works.

In terms of the US Open, I think there is a wide-open field this week. Really interesting some new players coming into contention and some of the “old guard” finding their game at just the right time! I couldn’t care less if Tiger is playing or not he is a busted flush and even if he was in the field it would only be the bookies who would make him favourite!

On that basis my bets are placed. This time I’m going with Skybet as everyone seems to be paying top 6 for an e/w and the odds are also fairly similar and I have more credit in that account! I’ve taken their 8/1 bet on and Englishman winning, and then e/w bets on all of the following:- McIlroy 10/1, Garcia 28/1, Poulter 66/1 and Jimenez 125/1. I think in particular Garcia and Jimenez are generously long odds - time will tell! Game on!