Bodog Beat

Even though Tiger woods will be missing from the British Open, there's still plenty to bet on. (AP Images)

Tiger Woods won't be at the British Open and it's probably time everyone got over it. The fact is, the world's number one golfer doesn't dominate every single major he enters. Actually, he's won just twice in his last six tries. Granted – save for the 2006 U.S. Open when he missed the cut and last year's British Open when he tied for 12th – Woods has finished in the top five in each of the 14 big-four tournaments since 2005. Still, this week's event at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, doesn't deserve an asterisk just because his highness is on the shelf following knee surgery.

Instead of bemoaning Woods' absence, let's accentuate the positives, of which there are many.

The Course

Like all the tracks in the British Open rotation, Royal Birkdale is steeped in history. Founded in 1889, it's hosted the Open Championship eight times already. The last one came in 1998 when Mark O'Meara defeated never-to-be-heard-from-again Brian Watts in a playoff. Other golfing legends to lift the Claret Jug at the famed course with the giant sand dunes include Tom Watson, Johnny Miller, Lee Trevino, Arnold Palmer and Peter Thomson.

As for how it's playing in 2008? "It's very difficult," Masters champion Trevor Immelman told the Times. "It's a lot greener than I expected and there is a lot of long, juicy and tough rough. It is not wispy. You had better drive the ball straight here because if you don't, there is no way you can contend."

The Favorite

Believe it or not, it's Sergio Garcia. The not-so-young-and-cute-anymore Spaniard is getting 8/1 odds to win, followed by Ernie Els at 12/1. Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood and Padraig Harrington are all at 16/1.

Read all of "Tiger or No Tiger, It's Still the British Open" in Bodog Nation!