An in-form Lee Westwood will shoulder the hopes of a nation when he leads a strong British challenge into the 137th Open Championship, which starts today at what is predicted to be a wet and windswept Royal Birkdale.

In the absence of Tiger Woods, who is recovering from a knee operation, there is genuine hope that, come Sunday, a home winner will be lifting the Claret Jug for the first time since Paul Lawrie at Carnoustie in 1999. But while the British contingent is lining up for a crack at the oldest major in golf, there is serious doubt that Padraig Harrington, the champion, will be fit enough to make it to the 1st tee. The Irishman injured his right wrist in training last weekend and puts his chances of playing at no more than 75 per cent and of completing all four days as “50-50”. If he does pull out before the start, Heath Slocum, the American who is first reserve, will take his place.

For many a year, players such as Westwood, Justin Rose and Paul Casey have been touted as major championship winners in waiting. Now, along with Graeme McDowell, of Northern Ireland, the long-hitting Ross Fisher and Ian Poulter, they have their best chance to prove that the talk has been more than hot air.

In a field that includes accomplished major champions in Phil Mick-elson, the world No 2 from the United States, and Ernie Els, the South African, a host of leading Americans and a reinvigorated and confident Sergio GarcÍa, from Spain, the task will be tough. But for the thousands who will flood to the Merseyside links today, expectations will be high.

At 35, Westwood, who once climbed to No 4 in the world, has taken a long time getting to the point where he feels that he can win a major. He has trimmed down, muscled up and added an improved short game to impressive long play. The fruits became obvious at the US Open last month, when he finished third behind Woods and Rocco Mediate, having led with nine holes to play - and his newfound confidence is something to behold.

Rose made his mark as a 17-year-old amateur at Birkdale a decade ago, pitching in with his final shot at the 72nd hole and finishing joint fourth. The world No 9 hopes that the memories prove an inspiration. “I’ve had satisfying moments on the course but never that sort of buzz,” he said. “For me to experience something bigger, I need to go on and win this.”

After a three-week break, Casey has attempted to come in under the radar. He has been quietly finding his focus and working out his strategy for playing a course ravaged by crosswinds. He has slipped in the world rankings, to No 48, but knows that success could be around the corner.

“A number of British guys are capable of winning it,” he said. “A lot of it is the belief and hard work. Padraig wasn’t hoping to win it [at Carnoustie last year], he was trying to win it. That is the stage I’m at. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Brit lifting the trophy, hopefully me. I’m sure it will happen sooner or later because we have so many good players coming through.”

Harrington, who had been hitting balls on the range without a problem, started a practice round at the 10th and managed only two shots before going in for treatment. A little later he reemerged at the 10th, played one tee-shot and decided to walk the course instead, playing the odd chip shot, taking a few putts and signing countless autographs.

“I had some physio and laser treatment and took anti-inflammatories,” Harrington said. “I’d be apprehensive about hitting any shot, especially out of the rough. I’m in the situation now of trying to manage the pain.” And if this was not the Open Championship? “I’d be at home right now,” he said.