First to hit the front?

For punters all too familiar with backing a golfer to win a tournament only to see him peak after the first round - Soren Hansen at Loch Lomond anyone? - it's always nice to start off a major weekend by trousering some winnings on a first round leader. To that end there are a few outsiders who might hit the front early and return a nice little earner to your Open coffers. Carl Pettersson is one who springs to mind. A European who plies his trade in the Unites States, Pettersson is due a big win and has entered a purple patch just in time for Carnoustie. The Swede came sixth at the John Deere Classic last weekend, was eighth at the Open last year, shooting a 68 in his first round at Hoylake, and is 100/1 to be top dog on Day 1 with Betfred. Rory Sabbatini is also a player who rises to the occasion on links courses. The Zimbabwean shot a 69 in is first round at Royal Liverpool last year and is a notorious quick starter. As already highlighted in this column as one to watch for The Open, the 31-year-old has come in the top three in four of the last seven tournaments he has played in and has the ability, experience and form to shoot out of the blocks at Carnoustie. At 80/1 (general) it could well be worth your while. After years in the wilderness Lee Westwood is a player who has rediscovered his ball striking ability and, as displayed at Loch Lomond last week when he shot an opening day 65, could hit the ground running again on Thursday. He had a superb start at the US Open this year and will be unfazed by the perils of Car-nasty, where he finished 16th eight years ago and is priced at 55/1 with Bet365. Rod Pampling could also be ready to turn back the clock and repeat the feats of 1999 when he was the only player to go around the course in par. The Australian likes The Open, finishing 35th last year when shooting an opening round 69 and 27th at Royal Troon three years ago. He is available at 80/1 to lead the field after the first knockings. Verdict: 1pt Pettersson to lead after Round 1 @ 100/1 e/w (Betfred). 1pt Sabbatini to lead after Round 1 @ 80/1 e/w (General).1pt Westwood to lead after Round 1 @ 55/1 e/w (Bet365).1pt Pampling to lead after Round 1 @ 80/1 e/w (William Hill, SkyBet).