TOP CONTENDERS

Jim Furyk
Quite a shocker, I know. No secret that Furyk can contend just about anywhere and in any major. This is no different. There isn't anything to dislike right now. He's playing great. Nothing rattles him. He has been everywhere before, well, metaphorically. Like most in the field of 156, this will be his first go at Turnberry. Of course, that eliminates most in the field whose portfolios only dream of stacking up against this guy.

Sergio Garcia
He's damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. Air his emotions, that is. But success is his ultimate equal/neutral-izer. He's a bit of a stretch at Turnberry because of the tremendous mental test. Garcia is more seasoned for the physical challenge. Yet, it has been only two years since he had one hand on the Claret Jug at Carnoustie. He responded to that with a T-51 at Birkdale 12 months ago. But I like his untoward apathy about his personal life at the moment; just hope that he doesn't get paired with Greg Norman.

Kenny Perry
The Fountain of Youth played in his first British in 1991, then not again until he was 42 in 2003. A self-proclaimed lover of warmer weather, you wouldn't think he'd be able to string 72 holes together without succumbing to the elements. Fact is, in four Opens since '03, he has had four top-16 paydays. He has always been streaky, and you'll want to peek at his numbers at the John Deere, but there's a 'major' difference between getting hot at the right time and rising up for five wins in the last 13 months to crack the top 5 in the world ranking.

Steve Stricker
It's hard not to think of the inherent advantage all Northern U.S. golfers have when the weather turns and sweaters replace polos. It's one thing to grow up in a Midwestern winter; it's another to choose to hit balls in less-than-ideal conditions as an established touring pro. But that's Stricker's gig. The Cheesehead has two top-10s in the British in as many years. His accuracy off the tee is going to get its greatest test since he has been able to increase his fairways-hit clip nine points over a year ago.

Tiger Woods
The world's No. 1 didn't start playing majors until 1995, the year after the R&A last used Turnberry for the British. Not that he needs it, but history is on his side as former champions Tom Watson (1977), Greg Norman (1986) and Nick Price (1994) were all atop the sport when they emerged victorious along the Firth of Clyde. Turnberry is a bit of a mutt in terms of catering to comfort zones of the rank and file. Something for everyone, everything for no one, except maybe one particularly talented 14-time major champion.

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