SANDY LYLE 1985 champion at Royal St George's

Hot tip: Ernie Els
You certainly can't leave the 2002 champion out.

Top outsider: Colin Montgomerie
So long as Monty doesn't beat himself up on the way round, he'll be fine. He'll go into the tournament knowing he's not the favourite and might sneak in the back door.

IAIN CARTER BBC Five Live golf correspondent

Hot tip: Tiger Woods
The world number one's recent five-shot victory at the Western Open, his fourth win of the year, suggests those who feel he's in a slump are way off the mark.

Top outsider: Trevor Immelman
He finished second in the Volvo PGA at Wentworth and, perhaps most significantly in 1997, was runner-up in the British Amateur Championship when it was staged at Royal St George's.

CRAIG DOYLE BBC TV presenter

Hot tip: Ernie Els
I think everyone is backing Woods, which is a bit boring, so I'm going for the old 'Big Easy'.

Top outsider: Padraig Harrington
I'd love to see Harrington win it. He has a major in him but it's difficult, especially after his recent performances.

TONY ADAMSON BBC Five Live golf pundit

Hot tip: Ernie Els
We haven't seen an Open champion defend his title in a very long time, but I think Els enjoyed himself so much at Muirfield last year, he must a very good chance of winning the title again this time round.

Top outsider: Trevor Immelman
I think he's a superb golfer and a future major champion. Fellow South African Els speaks very highly of him.

KEN BROWN BBC TV golf correspondent

Hot tip: Tiger Woods
He's such an outstandingly good player. Even though, he hasn't done so well in recent Majors, he's always favourite for every tournament because he's got such an artillery.

Top outsider: Thomas Bjorn
Bjorn is an outsider who is certainly capable of winning the Open.