The way in which he destroyed the field at the US Open earlier this year certainly does not bode well for the competition.

However don't rule out a British victory at St Andrews. Volvo Order of Merit leader Darren Clarke, Colin Montgomerie and the current form man Lee Westwood all lead the home challenge.

Or what of the likes of David Duval and South African Ernie Els who will surely have plenty of backers?

How will defending champion Paul Lawrie get on on Scottish soil once again and can Frenchman Jean Van de Velde stay out of the water this time to go one better?

With the risk of over simplifying the challenges and any possibilities, Tiger will once again roar in The Open.
Zen, Japan

It's very hard to see anyone other than Tiger winning it but, for all sorts of reasons, not least to spite Mark James, I would love to see Faldo winning it. If it had to be won by an American, I would like it to be Fred Couples. He has, without doubt, the most effortless swing in golf, poetry in motion. I also hope and pray that the Golden Bear makes the cut.
John Lewis, UK.

Padraig Harrington looks good for an each-way bet. And if he's there on the last day, I also bet that he's made sure that his card is signed properly!
Philip, England

I think the man to watch out for is Justin Leonard. Slow starter and great finisher. Great results at Troon, Carnoustie and St Andrews. Always in contention...
Rune L, Norway

Paul Lawrie will prove everyone wrong again this year. He has the temperament and ability to become Britains finest ever Open Champion.
Paul Johnson, England

I think that Jarmo Sandelin will win The Open. He is in form at the moment and a very good outside tip.
Vince Adamson, UK

The hype about Woods is getting out of hand. Although he is the clear favourite he is far from invincible and has yet to prove himself on classic links courses.Those who refuse to allow themselves to be intimidated by him, such as Clarke,Westwood and Sutton, have shown the way.
Gary Freer, England

I think a man to watch out for is Carlos Franco of Paraguay. He had two consecutive 65s in the Dunhill cup last year and has a world ranking of 11. He can't be ignored.
Phil Whelan, Ireland

If the course conditions remain consistent, I feel the "Millennium champion" will be one with a major under their belt. Pick the Nicks; Faldo edges Price with a birdie on the last.
James Starr, USA

From 1997-2000, I've picked one man at all the majors and that is Tiger Woods. Darren Clarke and Angel Cabrera I think will put up the best fight. I do not expect any other American to do well except Phil Mickelson.
Jerry Carreon, United States

I think that even though Tiger is playing well, I have my doubts about him winning the Open. I would go with someone like Ernie Els, or maybe a comeback for Faldo who's been out of the news until recently. And let's not forget little Sergio Garcia shall we. No matter what, I hope that the game of golf turns out to be the real winner.
Imran, Pakistan

Watch out for Darren Clarke. An excellent links player and with his new found confidence through beating Tiger at the Worldmatchplay, anything is possible. A good outside bet would be Michael Campbell. In contention for the title on a couple of occasions and is playing the best golf of his life.
Alistair Cook, England

Not only will Tiger woods win, I can see him wining by a record margin to add to his runaway record victories in the US Masters and the US Open. I just don't think there's a golfer to touch him. Certainly, he's the best in the world and the first of a new breed of golfer. I think he'll dominate the sport for the next decade.
Jesper Andersson, Sweden

The time is right for Monty to lose his "best golfer never to win a major" tag. Coming off the back of his Volvo order of Merit title, his confidence must be high, and I can see him proving the critics wrong and producing the goods this year. Good luck Colin.
David Sweeney, UK

I believe Tiger Woods will win this year's Open and become the youngest player to have won all four majors. Competition for the title will come come from Montgomerie and Duval, but I think when the pressure is on, Woods always performs, whereas one or two of the other golfers in the field have a tendency to choke.
Stewart, USA