The Open: Players to follow (1)

Tiger Woods is obviously difficult to ignore at any time, not least Major time, but the 100/30 is too short for an investment. Sixth place at the AT & T was no disgrace following the upheaval of recent fatherhood and his runners-up spot in the US Open bore all the hallmarks of Tiger at his battling, if not, golfing best.

The length of Carnoustie, the longest in Open history, could play into Tiger's hands but it is a course where accuracy triumphs over power. Which is why Jim Furyk is far better value. He may have a swing like a seizure but he is a consistently high performer with no discernible chink in his armour.

He can hit the ball long, has a short game to match and usually has excellent course management. I say usually because at Oakmont he inexplicably went with the driver on the 17th – a decision this backer feels cost him his second US Open.

Furyk doesn't suffer from travel sickness – he came fourth at Hoylake last year and crucially his last five results read: 2nd, 23rd, 2nd (at the US Open), 5th, 3rd. Snaffle up the Fury at 35/1 with Sporting Odds. Each way pays out on the top five you know.

Rory Sabbatini is a player who often avoids the limelight but that's not due to any shortcomings on the golf course. The understated Zimbabwean is 100/1 for The Open which is too long for a player in his vein of form.

The 31-year-old has come in the top three in four of the last seven tournaments he has played in and a 26th at Royal Livepool last year suggests he has the staying power and a liking for our fair isle to be in the final day shake-up.

I would also keep an eye on Justin Rose, who is finally showing signs of blooming. After winning a long-awaited title at the start of the year by claiming the Mastercard Masters in Australia the 27-year-old has been in fine fettle in 2007.

Five top-ten finishes either side of the Atlantic this year and particularly his tenth place at the US Open – a tournament where he also came fifth in 2003 - suggests that a Major win is well within his scope. This is a tournament which also holds particularly fond memories for the Englishman who first came to prominence with a fourth-place finish as a spotty 17-year-old amateur at Royal Birkdale. Rose is 30/1 with Bet365.