Padraig pips rivals in major race

Last updated: 1st February 2010

In our closest poll result so far, Padraig Harrington has emerged as the top European most likely to win a major in 2010.

At the start of last week, there were 7 Europeans in the top 11 of the world rankings so we asked Golf365 readers which of these players would be the best bet for a major this year.

The lead changed hands several time during the week but the final result showed Harrington (26%) just edge out Rory McIlroy (23%) and Lee Westwood (21%).

That trio were some way clear of the remaining quartet with Martin Kaymer scoring 13%, Ian Poulter 8%, Paul Casey 5% and Henrik Stenson 5%.

Harrington hasn't been seen on the course this year but it seems his reputation as a proven major winner was just enough to give him the nod. After all, he has three majors to his name while his six rivals haven't managed a single one between them.

The strong vote for McIlroy is clearly a reflection of his vast potential and impressive play in last year's majors (the young Northern Irishman was T10th in the US Open and T3rd in the USPGA).

And Westwood was almost bound to show up strongly after finishing as European No.1 last season and coming so close to winning The Open. However, the fact he didn't top the poll could be a slight reflection that the Englishman has had several chances to win majors but hasn't been able to convert one of them.

Our results seem to tally quite closely with Sky Bet's odds.

The Harrogate bookies are betting on the next British Major winner and their market shows McIlroy as the 7/2 favourite, just in front of Westwood at 4/1.

In the same market, Casey is 11/2 and Poulter 8/1 although also in the mix is Ross Fisher at 5/1.

As for the year's first major, McIlroy and Harrington are joint second favourites at 14/1 behind 5/1 favourite Phil Mickelson (this market is 'without Tiger Woods'). Westwood is the next quoted Brit at 18s.