10 Peter Dawson

Dawson, the chief executive of the Royal and Ancient, makes the list due to his appalling misjudgement in re-writing the rules so that women – women! – can now enter the Open. Thus far, none have played the tournament, though it can’t be long before the monstrous regiment are applying their lippy prior to teeing-up in such places as Carnoustie.

9 The "Free George Davis" protesters

This lot make the list for obvious reasons. At Birkdale in 1983 the group daubed their slogan across a green, creating much publicity for themselves and yet again causing embarrassment to the Royal and Ancient and their lax security.

8 Mark Roberts, streaker.

The bare-bottomed Mr Roberts makes our villains list due to his recurring habit of streaking at the Open (and at other sports events as well). Many a (female) golf fan has been enchanted by Roberts’ cheek(s).

7 Woody Austin

This bloke makes it due to his refusal to come and play the Open this year at Carnoustie. "I don’t play that kind of golf," said Austin, utter ignoramus. "I don’t want to go there, shoot two big scores, and generally make a fool of myself."

6 Lee Westwood

The Ryder Cupper is included for the quite despicable way in which he once referred to the Old Course, home of the Open and home of golf. "The Old Course might just be the 240th best course in Fife," said Westwood.

5 John Daly

The 1995 Open champion enters our list due to the utterly splendid and unfailing way in which he has brought dishonour and disrepute to the office. Gambling and ferocious chocolate-eating are among the more demure addictions Daly has enjoyed.

4 Rodney Pampling

"Pampers" makes the list because of the complete hash he made of the 1999 Open at Carnoustie. The Australian was the first-round leader after shooting a 71 but then missed the cut with a second-round 86.

3 Doug Sanders

Poor old Sanders makes our villainous list on account of his missed three-footer for the championship at St Andrews in 1970. Pausing to reach down and remove an imaginary stem of grass from his line, the American then missed the putt and handed the title to Jack Nicklaus

2 Maurice Flitcroft

The infamous Mr Flitcroft perfected a routine of sneaking into the Open pre-qualifying, shanking and splaying the ball everywhere. It caused much mirth for the media but a headache for the Royal and Ancient, who were forced to tighten up the rules.

1 Sam Snead

Snead tops the list due to his irrational contempt for the Open. Snead played the Open once - winning it - in 1946 but swore never to come back, deploring the British and their golfing ways. The old duffer.