2013 Open could be the year the English drought ends

Twenty-one years have elapsed since Nick Faldo won his third and final Open title. Since then, several Englishmen have gone close to securing the British major, but none have claimed the Claret Jug since.

And while many will be tempted take on the Anglo assault with Ladbrokes offering money back if an Englishman wins a with several in cracking form, 2013 could prove to be the breakthrough year.

Justin Rose, 25/1, secured his first major at the US Open last month, but it was on these shores that Rose shot to stardom when tying for fourth as a 17-year-old amateur in the 1998 Open. However, he has struggled to make an impact on the tournament since then, with his best result coming in 2007 when he finished twelfth.

It does bode well for Rose though that he performed well the last time the Open was held at Muirfield. In 2002, Rose was three shots off the lead but crumbled and finished 22nd but now has the experience to avoid a similar fate. If Rose were to triumph at the Open, he would become only the seventh man to land a US/British Open double.

Former world number Luke Donald, 25/1, is still searching for an elusive major. He played well at the US Open and looked in with a shout for a while, but dropped three shots on the closing two holes before closing with a 75. However, he will take some positives from his performance.

Donald has performed consistently well at the Open and a late charge saw him finish fifth last year. With the spotlight off the Englishman, he could come good here.

It would also be a popular victory should fans’ favourite Ian Poulter, 40/1, land a maiden major. Poulter has had two top-ten-finishes in the last five years, including the last year at Royal Lytham when he shot a closing round of 67.

Poulter thrives under pressure and if still in contention on the final day, you can be sure he will not wilt.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.