John Hopkins, Golf Correspondent

Sergio García has the short game to match the long game now and three top-five finishes since 2004 means that he likes the Open. No Tiger to spook him.

Stewart Cink is the sort of highly competent and unfancied player who will not sink here.

Dark horse Can Rod Pampling (100-1) be called a dark horse? Beautiful ball-striker, good thinker. And, remember, Australians have won three of the eight Opens here.

Peter Dixon

Sergio García is the favourite and looks the favourite. Wonderful from tee to green, he has finally found a putting stroke to match the rest of his game.

Lee Westwood is fit, lean and hungry and will be buoyed by his performance at the US Open, in which he finished third. Should benefit from a much-improved short game.

Dark horse Robert Karlsson (40-1) has had seven top-ten finishes in his past eight European Tour events, is in marvellous form and is due a victory. Finished eighth at Masters and fourth at US Open.

Lynne Truss

Stewart Cink has had a terrific year, tying for third at the Masters and making pots of money, but all weirdly beneath the radar. Should not take his hat off. Otherwise extremely watchable, with a beautiful swing.

Lee Westwood has also had a great year. A slimmer version of his former self. “I fancy him, actually,” said a colleague whose identity I swore to protect. “I mean, for the tournament,” he added, quickly.

Dark horse Colin Montgomerie (100-1). I will do anything to make him win the Open, including calling him a dark horse.