KEY POINTS:
Here's a quick look at ten of the leading contenders to take out the British Open at Carnoustie, Scotland, this weekend:
TIGER WOODS (US)
World ranking 1, age 31
Bidding to become the first player to win three Opens in a row since Peter Thomson of Australia in 1956. Finished runner-up at the Masters and the US Open this year and has won three times on the US PGA Tour. Playing for the first time in a major since the birth of his daughter last month.
PHIL MICKELSON (US)
World ranking 2, age 37
Has a dismal record in the Open, a third place at Troon three years ago being the exception. Has remodelled his swing during the past few months through new coach Butch Harmon in an effort to be more consistent off the tee - but a wrist injury at the US Open has held him back. Lost a play-off for the Scottish Open last weekend.
JIM FURYK (US)
World ranking 3, age 37
Encouraged by a fourth-place finish at Hoylake last year after five straight missed cuts in the Open. One of the most consistent players on tour this year although has yet to win a tournament. Came desperately close at the US Open last month before a poor drive at the 17th on the final day left him in a tie for second with Woods, one shot behind winner Angel Cabrera.
ERNIE ELS (South Africa)
World ranking 4, age 37
Without a win this year and has struggled after making extensive equipment changes. Missed the cut at the Masters and tied for 51st at US Open. But is one of the best exponents of links golf and showed a return to form by finishing third at the Scottish Open last weekend.
ADAM SCOTT (Australia)
World ranking 5, age 27
His tie for eighth place at Hoylake last year was his best result in seven Open appearances. Scott spearheads the usual big Australian contingent for the Open having moved up briefly to fourth in the world after a string of good performances on the US tour. Missed the cut at the US Open though and doubts remain over his abilities in playing the majors.
VIJAY SINGH (Fiji)
World ranking 6, age 44
Will be playing in his 19th successive Open since his debut at Troon in 1989 with his best performance to date being a tie for second at Royal St George's in 2003. Singh has won twice on the US tour this year making the cut in all 19 tournaments he has played in.
LUKE DONALD (England)
World ranking 9, age 29
Has a dire record in the Open for such a talented player with five missed cuts in seven appearances. His best finish was last year when he tied for 35th place. Played steadily at the Masters this year but missed the cut at the US Open. Coming off his honeymoon after marrying long-time girlfriend Diane Antonoupoulos.
PADRAIG HARRINGTON (Ireland)
World ranking 10, age 35
The Irishman has missed the cut in the last two Opens but is seen by many as the best bet to supply a long-overdue win for a European player in a major. Harrington played well at the Masters this year but missed the cut at the US Open. Scored an emotional win in the Irish Open but has struggled for form since then.
SERGIO GARCIA (Spain)
World ranking 13, age 27
Already playing in his 11th open, is remembered for his tearful exit in his mother's embrace after shooting 89 and 83 to miss the cut the last time the Open was held at Carnoustie in 1999. Has shown his winning potential with five top 10 finishes in the last six opens. Was in the final pairing with Woods at Hoylake last year but crumbled.
K.J. CHOI (Korea)
World ranking 12, age 36
Has hit a rich vein of form with recent wins in the Memorial and the Woods-hosted AT&T National hoisting him to a career-best 12th in the world rankings. But has a poor record in the Open with his best finish being a tie for 16th at Troon in 2004.
