Compiled by PHILIP REID

The American

Hunter Mahan

Why?: Although his British Open record is nothing to write home about (so far), having missed the cut in three of his last four appearances, Mahan has evolved into a completely different player this season. He has missed the cut only once in 14 outings on the US Tour and he showed he has grit when beating Rory McIlroy in the Accenture Matchplay final. He hits the ball straight and putts great.

Odds: 40/1

The South African

Ernie Els

Why?: The old dog for the hard road. The Big Easy has history on this course: he was tied-2nd behind Tom Lehman here in 1996 and was tied-3rd behind David Duval in 2001. In other words, he knows how to get around the links. A top-10 finish in the US Open proves he still has the game. Now, if only that putter worked its magic.

Odds: 40/1

The Irishman

Pádraig Harrington

Why?: Whisper it: he never went away as a Major contender, and Harrington’s form in the Masters (tied-8th) and US Open (tied-4th) has given substance to the swing changes he conducted after his three Major wins. Overdue a win, he is hitting the ball better than ever from tee-to-green. Getting the ball into the hole has proven to be the Achilles Heel.

Odds: 18/1

The Italian

Francesco Molinari

Why?: History is against him: no Italian has ever won the Claret Jug. The younger Molinari brother has the capacity to change that, though. He has played the best golf of anyone on the European Tour in the past month, following a top-10 finish in the Irish Open with runner-up spots at the French Open and the Scottish Open. Drives the ball beautifully and a good course strategist.

Odds: 35/1

The Englishman

Matthew Baldwin

Why?: The British Open, of all events, regularly throws up a dark horse and the 26-year-old fits the bill for this one. A graduate of the Challenge Tour, Baldwin has made a seamless move on to the main tour and his top-five finish in the Scottish Open confirmed a liking for links golf that was developed down the Lancashire coast at Southport. Knows this course like the back of his hand.

Odds: 250/1

* Odds courtesy of Paddy Power