Paxton , playing on his home course , was likely the betting favorite .
His results going in were not equal with Tingey who in October 1899 had halved against the venerable Harry Vardon at Watford and had been playing better golf in the short term .
Paxton , playing on his home course , was likely the betting favorite , although his results going in were not equal with Tingey who in October 1899 had halved against the venerable Harry Vardon at Watford and had been playing better golf in the short term .