Phil Mickelson reveals why Bob MacIntyre has advantage at The Open no one else can see as bookies duck for cover

Well-backed Bob MacIntyre has bookies diving for cover with bets piling in on him becoming the first Scottish winner of The Open for 25 years.

And it comes with golf icon Phil Mickelson leaning on his unmatched knowledge to predict a left-hander has a real shot to rip through the wind at Royal Troon to lift the Claret Jug. Mickelson – the most revered lefty in the history of the sport – believes the unique elements at Troon help the Oban hero in his bid to follow in the footsteps of Paul Lawrie.

Speaking to CBS, Mickelson teed up why MacIntyre is a strong contender. He said: "I think the back nine, as you come back into the wind, when it's a hook, it's a lot easier than when it's a slice wind. I think a down to slice wind is a lot easier than a down to slice wind. The magnification of the shot and the miss of the shot is not going to be as great. The back nine, when it is very difficult, you have got to fight for pars. But it's a lot easier to make pars into the wind with a hook rather than a slice wind."

MacIntyre pulled off a stunning Genesis Scottish Open win last week which saw him follow in Montgomerie's footsteps by becoming the first home victor at The Open since 1999. Now Scots firm McBookie report a patriotic plunge and admit they fear a Bob bashing after making him just 22/1 to triumph at Troon.

McBookie.com spokesman Paul Petrie said: "All the money has come for Bob this week after his win in the Scottish Open, which cost us quite a few Bob! Everyone would love to see him follow in Paul Lawrie's footsteps at Carnoustie and he's certainly in form having won twice already this year. We've already cut his price and he would be a hugely popular winner with the punters. He's already had one wild night out this week