Golf: Those to keep an eye on in the British Open

TIGER WOODS

Age: 27.

Country: United States.

World ranking: 1.

Worldwide victories: 45.

Majors: Masters (1997, 2001, 2002), US Open (2000, 2002), British Open (2000), PGA championship (1999, 2000).

2003 majors: Masters, tied 18; US Open, tied 20.

British Open appearances: 8.

Best finish: Won.

First time he doesn't own a major championship since he went to the 1999 PGA championship - and won. Has said all year his game has been close, and it's a matter of seeing a few putts fall. Victory would allow him to join Jack Nicklaus as the only players to win the career Grand Slam at least two times over.

JUSTIN ROSE

Age: 22.

Country: England.

World ranking: 34.

Worldwide victories: 4.

Majors: None.

2003 majors: Masters, tied 39; US Open, tied 5.

British Open appearances: 4.

Best finish: Tied 4.

No Englishman has won the British Open in England since Tony Jacklin in 1969 at Royal Lytham. The search starts with Rose, a blossoming player coming off a strong performance at Olympia Fields. Best known for his chip-in for birdie and a tie for fourth at Royal Birkdale as a 17-year-old amateur. Should get even better results this time.

DAVID TOMS

Age: 36.

Country: United States.

World ranking: 7.

Worldwide victories: 9.

Majors: PGA championship (2001).

2003 majors: Masters, tied 8; US Open, tied 5.

British Open appearances: 3.

Best finish: Tied 4.

A two-time winner on the PGA Tour this year, his ball flight and patience are a good blend for the British Open. Has had back problems that could set him back, but often plays his best while injured. Has been building toward another major victory.

MIKE WEIR

Age: 33.

Country: Canada.

World ranking: 3.

Worldwide victories: 8.

Majors: Masters (2003).

2003 majors: Masters, won; US Open, tied 3.

British Open appearances: 3.

Best finish: Tied 52.

Having a breakthrough year, and his performance at the US Open showed he's not satisfied with one major. Always figured that British Open gave him one of his best shots in a major, especially with his iron play. Short game will be the key.

VIJAY SINGH

Age: 40.

Country: Fiji.

World ranking: 5.

Worldwide victories: 34.

Majors: Masters (2000), PGA championship (1998).

2003 majors: Masters, tied 6; US Open, tied 20.

British Open appearances: 14.

Best finish: Tied 6.

Claret jug might be the grandest prize of all for the big Fijian, whose career was reborn in Europe. Tied major championship record with a 63 at Olympia Fields, but dropped out of contention with a 78 in the final round. British gallery likely will be more tolerant of his Annika Sorenstam comments. Has all the shots to win.

PADRAIG HARRINGTON

Age: 31.

Country: Ireland.

World ranking: 9.

Worldwide victories: 8.

Majors: None.

2003 majors: Masters, tied 13; US Open, tied 10.

British Open appearances:7.

Best finish: Tied 5.

Has emerged as Europe's best player, although has been suspect when in contention at a major. Obsessed with tuning his swing, replacing Vijay Singh as the hardest worker in golf. Not one to get wrapped up in anything but hitting the ball where he wants it to go.

ERNIE ELS

Age: 33.

Country: South Africa.

World ranking: 2.

Worldwide victories: 43.

Majors: US Open (1994, 1997), British Open (2002).

2003 majors: Masters, tied 6; US Open, tied 5.

British Open appearances: 12.

Best finish: Won.

Will try to become first repeat winner of the British Open since Tom Watson in 1983. Won four of his first five tournaments this year, but his game has been off just slightly during the week of the majors. Shot all four rounds in the 60s at Royal St. George's in 1993 and tied for sixth.

RETIEF GOOSEN

Age: 34.

Country: South Africa.

World ranking: 12.

Worldwide victories: 17.

Majors: US Open (2001).

2003 majors: Masters, tied 13; US Open, tied 42.

British Open appearances: 8.

Best finish: Tied 8.

Made his British Open debut at Royal St George's and missed the cut. Syrupy swing generates under-rated power, but his iron game is what gives him his best chance. Very cool under pressure.

JIM FURYK

Age: 33.

Country: United States.

World ranking: 4.

Worldwide victories: 9.

Majors: US Open (2003).

2003 majors: Masters, 4; US Open, 1.

British Open appearances: 7.

Best finish: 4.

His dozen finishes in the top 10 before the British Open is one short of the record held by Lee Trevino and Tom Kite. A game suited for links golf, with low ball flight and extreme accuracy. Short game will be put to the test. Trying to become the first player since Tom Watson in 1982 to win US and British Opens in the same year.

NICK PRICE

Age: 46.

Country: Zimbabwe.

World ranking: 10.

Worldwide victories: 41.

Majors: British Open (1994), PGA Championship (1992, 1994).

2003 majors: Masters, tied 23; US Open, tied 5.

British Open appearances: 23.

Best finish: Won.

Could be his last good chance at a major this year. Has six top 10s this year, including close calls in Dallas, Memphis, Riviera and Olympia Fields. Has great vision of how to play the hole, and his shot-making remains superb. Putting has improved, which is why he has been in contention so often - and has a good chance this week.

DAVIS LOVE III

Age: 39.

Country: United States.

World ranking: 6.

Worldwide victories: 19.

Majors: PGA championship (1997).

2003 Majors: Masters, tied 15; US Open, missed cut.

British Open appearances: 16.

Best finish: Tied 7.

Three victories by April, but his year has been shaky since. Had to cope with suicide by brother-in-law, and old neck and back injuries are nagging him. Would rather win the British Open than any other major because of its history, but he had to shoot final rounds in the 60s to get his three top 10s.

DARREN CLARKE

Age: 34.

Country: Northern Ireland.

World ranking: 26.

Worldwide victories: 13.

Majors: None.

2003 Majors: Masters, tied 28; US Open, tied 42.

British Open appearances: 12.

Best finish: Tied 2.

His best chance at a major came at Royal Troon in 1997, and the burly, cigar-smoking Clarke has been teasing everyone with his talent since. Strong player, can get hot with the putter. Must show he can hold up over four rounds.

DAVID DUVAL

Age: 31.

Country: United States.

World ranking: 86.

Worldwide victories: 14.

Majors: British Open (2001).

2003 majors: Masters, missed cut; US Open, missed cut.

British Open appearances: 8.

Best finish: Won.

Has missed the cut in four of his last six majors, and defines what a slump really is. Problem primarily off the tee, but has been working on his game and has shown occasional signs of piecing it back together. Always a good putter, could find some momentum at Royal St George's and see where it takes him.

PHIL MICKELSON

Age: 33.

Country: United States.

World ranking: 9.

Worldwide victories: 21.

Majors: None.

2003 majors: Masters, 3; US Open, tied 55.

British Open appearances: 10.

Best finish: Tied 11.

Best player to have never had a top 10 in the British Open. Winless entering July for the first time in four years, but he might have a surprise waiting for those who doubt his mettle.