Coceres has played well on the American circuit

Alliss added that one or two of the non-Americans also stood a good chance of glory.

"Jose Coceres has been playing well over in America and Angel Cabrera isn't doing too badly for himself," said Alliss.

"Spaniard Sergio Garcia and the rest of the European players could be there or thereabouts.

"This course could suit Colin Montgomerie. I realise we've been saying that Monty can win a Major before each championship. I just wish he could get in there and do it.

"Nick Faldo needs to recapture a little bit of length and good fortune on the greens if he's going to do well here.

"As far Retief Goosen is concerned, I think only on a couple of occasions has the champion gone on to defend the title - so the odds against Goosen winning are pretty severe.

Woods is a multiple Major winner

Alliss realises that there will be one name that will be on everybody's lips.

"Tiger Woods is head and shoulders above everybody else," he said.

"He has a great striking ability, brilliantly thinks his way around the golf course, and conjures up numerous magical gold shots.

"That doesn't mean to say he isn't prone to making the occasional mistake.

"He's there to be shot at. It will be a brave man to say, 'yes he will win', although as expected, the bookies have him as favourite.

"If the weather is reasonably fine and they don't get much rain then the course will be relatively easy.

"If it's hard, firm and bouncy and the weather is dry with a little bit of breeze, then we may be in for a very exciting championship."