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Some of the best golfers in the world will be competing in the British Open this week.
The absence of Tiger Woods from the tournament has been well documented, but there is plenty of other talent on show for golf fans across the world as they get ready for arguably the most prestigious event in the sport.
The Open Championships take place at Royal St George’s Golf Club this week, with the first of four rounds taking place on Thursday 14th July.
One man likely to be in the public eye is Rory McIlroy.
The Northern Irishman will still be beaming from his US Open success last month and he goes into this event as the clear favourite to make it two major wins in a row.
McIlroy has been heavily involved in both majors so far in 2011. He led the Masters until a disastrous final round and then produced four incredible rounds of golf to win the US Open.
Many are expecting him to have a significant influence again and there is no doubt that if he plays like he did last month, there aren’t too many players that can stop him.
Beyond McIlroy, the contenders have something in common – they are European.
Luke Donald is second favourite for success after he consolidated his place at the top of the world rankings with victory at the Scottish Open at the weekend.
He is closely followed by former World No.1 Lee Westwood who will go in search of his first major win once again.
Martin Kaymer and Sergio Garcia then complete the top five favourites for this event, continuing the European theme in the process.
Graeme McDowell is then expected to be in contention after showing his best form for a while at the Scottish Open before the first non-European on the list, American golfer Nick Watney.
A slight outside bet to consider though could be Australia’s Jason Day. The 23-year-old has been in inspired form in 2011 and could be ready for the a breakthrough victory in his career.
As ever with four day events though, the winner could come from anywhere. Who can rule out Phil Mickelson, Padraig Harrington or Charl Schwartzel for example?
Overall, it should be a fantastic few days of golf. The weather is expected to by dry as the world’s top golfers compete on one of the most beautiful courses around.
McIlroy is favourite to lead the way, but there are many other contenders for victory, not least a number of the Northern Irishman’s European Ryder Cup team-mates.
The first ball will be hit on Thursday afternoon. Beyond that, don’t take your eye off events at Royal St George.
