With the exclusion of Tiger Woods, the shake-up of the World Rankings in recent weeks and the demise of American Golf, that British Open played at Royal St George's this week looks to be a chance for a number of outsiders to stake a claim amongst the world elite.
The course itself is much different to any other that has been played recently in the major tournaments. The idea of Links Golf brings into play the conditions surrounding the 18 holes much more than the usually untroubled courses, and just as Scotland showed last weekend, the sea breezes and torrential rain can play a major role on someone's round.
On that occasion, Englishman and World Number One, Luke Donald, won the competition, which has only strengthened his preparations for The Open with a hope of bettering his 5th place he managed in 2009.
His short game may be ideal for this kind of golf course. Hitting under par is a feat in itself, so the fact Donald holds arguably the best short game may be a big factor.
A lot of people from the UK could only admire the way young Northern Irishman, Rory McIlroy, held his nerve on the last day to bring home the US Open a month ago, banishing the memories of a torrid final round at the US Masters having led for the first three days.
So he becomes the bookmakers favourite, with most bookmakers pricing him between 7's or 8/1. He hasn't lost any kind of magical touch and the recently announced World Number Four has the backing of most of the British Isles to triumph again.
Another man who is bound to do well is Lee Westwood. The World Number Two still looks for his maiden Open title, however his placings in the The Open in the past two years (2nd in 2010 & 3rd 2009), and his impressive recovery in the US Open to tie 3rd there can only lead to another solid tournament here.
A Major is bound to come his way soon, and doing it this weekend on home soil will not only delite himself, but the massive following he'll get at Sandwich too.
Graeme McDowell is another player that has been backed heavily. McDowell holds a very good Links golf game, which he proved at Pebble Beach last year winning the US Open. He's looked in good nick in the build up to the competition, but the odd slip-up was visable in his game whilst competing in Scotland last week.
The Northern Irishman has the ability to triumph again, and winning that first major last year will only settle him for the big occasion again. But can he hold his nerve, we'll see...
From the rest of Europe, there a few challengers that stand out.
Martin Kaymer has to be mentioned. He stands at World Number Three currently, and possesses a game that may suit the Links style. However he hasn't performed in the Majors this year, but maybe that is about to change.
The Spaniard, Sergio Garcia, is another one to look out for. This time last year Garcia was still in dreadful form, however a respectable 14th showed he was still capable. Now he returns with some form, after a creditable US Open and narrowly missing out on the BMW International Open title.
I think the strongest challenge from America will come in the shape of Steve Stricker. His year has been pretty impressive, not missing the cut once in the tournaments he has played in, and most recently winning the John Deere Classic within the past seven days.
He has a tremedous putting stroke, which is going to be key in the blustery conditions, as holding difficult par putts may be the difference in first and second!
From everywhere else in the world people may fancy Louis Oosthuizen again. The reigning champion has now completed his first year as an Open Champion, and has shown glimpses of the ability that can prove he can do it again.
Jason Day may have another say. The young Aussie has surprised many with his performances this year, but his two 2nd places at The Masters and the US Open, proves he may be a decent shout.
Others may fancy The Masters champion. Charl Schwartzel may be an attractive each way price at 40/1 and holds a good enough short game to trouble the leader boards again.
So there we are, just a flavour of what to expect, and who may be creeping up towards the top of the leader board come Sunday afternoon. As I say, this year, the championship is so open, as many golfers hold the ability to win, but who can avoid trouble, have the right attitude and have lady luck on their side to hold aloft The Claret Jug in five days time?
For me, I have gone with Stricker, Garcia and Day, but who knows what may happen during the course of the competition. I think whoever holds the best short game will have the greatest chance, as well as those who put well in what will be very tricky conditions.
Let's just say I'm happy enough to watch the action, and leave the playing to the professionals!
The course itself is much different to any other that has been played recently in the major tournaments. The idea of Links Golf brings into play the conditions surrounding the 18 holes much more than the usually untroubled courses, and just as Scotland showed last weekend, the sea breezes and torrential rain can play a major role on someone's round.
On that occasion, Englishman and World Number One, Luke Donald, won the competition, which has only strengthened his preparations for The Open with a hope of bettering his 5th place he managed in 2009.
His short game may be ideal for this kind of golf course. Hitting under par is a feat in itself, so the fact Donald holds arguably the best short game may be a big factor.
A lot of people from the UK could only admire the way young Northern Irishman, Rory McIlroy, held his nerve on the last day to bring home the US Open a month ago, banishing the memories of a torrid final round at the US Masters having led for the first three days.
So he becomes the bookmakers favourite, with most bookmakers pricing him between 7's or 8/1. He hasn't lost any kind of magical touch and the recently announced World Number Four has the backing of most of the British Isles to triumph again.
Another man who is bound to do well is Lee Westwood. The World Number Two still looks for his maiden Open title, however his placings in the The Open in the past two years (2nd in 2010 & 3rd 2009), and his impressive recovery in the US Open to tie 3rd there can only lead to another solid tournament here.
A Major is bound to come his way soon, and doing it this weekend on home soil will not only delite himself, but the massive following he'll get at Sandwich too.
Graeme McDowell is another player that has been backed heavily. McDowell holds a very good Links golf game, which he proved at Pebble Beach last year winning the US Open. He's looked in good nick in the build up to the competition, but the odd slip-up was visable in his game whilst competing in Scotland last week.
The Northern Irishman has the ability to triumph again, and winning that first major last year will only settle him for the big occasion again. But can he hold his nerve, we'll see...
From the rest of Europe, there a few challengers that stand out.
Martin Kaymer has to be mentioned. He stands at World Number Three currently, and possesses a game that may suit the Links style. However he hasn't performed in the Majors this year, but maybe that is about to change.
The Spaniard, Sergio Garcia, is another one to look out for. This time last year Garcia was still in dreadful form, however a respectable 14th showed he was still capable. Now he returns with some form, after a creditable US Open and narrowly missing out on the BMW International Open title.
I think the strongest challenge from America will come in the shape of Steve Stricker. His year has been pretty impressive, not missing the cut once in the tournaments he has played in, and most recently winning the John Deere Classic within the past seven days.
He has a tremedous putting stroke, which is going to be key in the blustery conditions, as holding difficult par putts may be the difference in first and second!
From everywhere else in the world people may fancy Louis Oosthuizen again. The reigning champion has now completed his first year as an Open Champion, and has shown glimpses of the ability that can prove he can do it again.
Jason Day may have another say. The young Aussie has surprised many with his performances this year, but his two 2nd places at The Masters and the US Open, proves he may be a decent shout.
Others may fancy The Masters champion. Charl Schwartzel may be an attractive each way price at 40/1 and holds a good enough short game to trouble the leader boards again.
So there we are, just a flavour of what to expect, and who may be creeping up towards the top of the leader board come Sunday afternoon. As I say, this year, the championship is so open, as many golfers hold the ability to win, but who can avoid trouble, have the right attitude and have lady luck on their side to hold aloft The Claret Jug in five days time?
For me, I have gone with Stricker, Garcia and Day, but who knows what may happen during the course of the competition. I think whoever holds the best short game will have the greatest chance, as well as those who put well in what will be very tricky conditions.
Let's just say I'm happy enough to watch the action, and leave the playing to the professionals!
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