Without Tiger, No Favorite for Claret Jug

As we enter the 137th version of golf’s oldest championship, Tiger Woods’ name isn’t the only conspicuous name missing on the entry list, although no one will pretend like his absence won’t be felt. Kenny Perry, arguably the hottest golfer in the world, has also left his name out of the field, choosing to play the U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee rather than vie for his first-ever major. A potential Ryder Cup spot means more to him than a shot at the Claret Jug.

But, the show must go on, and with a weakened field, the possibilities are endless as to who can take advantage of this golden opportunity. Since Woods’ momentous announcement that he would be out until ’09 battling surgeries, golf has flown under the radar over the last four weeks. That all changes now. The Open Championship represents the first time the sport will truly feel the profound impact of Woods not being present.

Ironically, in a tournament that’s as wide open as ever, finding a true candidate to take the title has become increasingly difficult. Second-ranked Phil Mickelson seems the most likely player to benefit from Woods being gone. After all, he’s won three majors during the Woods Era, which is tied with Vijay Singh and Ernie Els for the most since Tiger’s first major in 1997. But, this tournament has forever stumped Mickelson; he has only one top-10 finish in his career and didn’t even make the cut at Carnoustie last year. Put your money on the erratic Mickelson at your own risk.

Vijay Singh certainly has the credentials to compete, but he is entering his twilight years with little hope to capture one last victory in a major. Singh has experienced a precipitous fall in recent years, dropping to tenth in the world rankings. He hasn’t won a title in over a year and has no top-10’s in majors in over two years. At 45, he is quickly being eclipsed by a talented group of youngsters. Els is a much better bet, having experienced somewhat of a resurgence in recent months. He’s finished in the top five three of the last four years and has a title here in 2002. Don’t be surprised to see his name with the leaders on Sunday.

That group includes Adam Scott, probably the best player in the world to have not yet won a major. According to golf experts, Scott is primed to win multiple majors and he’s long overdue to finally break through. However, his recent history suggests otherwise as he has struggled to put everything together over a four day span. Joining him in that dubious category is Sergio Garcia, a man who had a golden opportunity to win his first one here last year, but missed a putt on the 72nd hole, then lost in a playoff to Harrington. Putting has always stopped Garcia from achieving great things, what makes you think it won’t prevent him from victory again?

And finally, there’s the local hope, Justin Rose, who as a baby-faced 17-year amateur finished in fourth at this very course in 1998. Rose is a trendy pick to take home this title and be the first Brit to win his national title since Nick Faldo won it at Muirfield in 1992. Since he burst onto the scene a decade ago, Rose has had his ups and downs, but after falling out of the top 100 in the world in 2005, he has rebounded strongly recently and is a fixture in the top 10. He is the defending champion in the European Order of Merit. Only an Open Championship is left for him to achieve before he can be crowned as the continent’s top golfer. It’s a tall task to be sure, but Rose will have the backing of a nation as he strives to end the 16-year drought.

As the world’s best – minus Tiger – get ready to tee off at Royal Birkdale, each of the 156 competitors can hit the links with the peace of mind that there is no favorite, no player to be intimidated of. In a tournament that’s seen Ben Curtis, Paul Lawrie, and Todd Hamilton lift the Claret Jug, it’s just as likely that a journeyman like Stuart Appleby will be the last one standing as Mickelson, Garcia, or Rose. This is what happens when you lose Tiger Woods.