The Open, as it's called in the rest of the golf world, was the first of the major championships. It turned up in 1860 at Prestwick. It is the quirkiest and thus the most interesting of the four, always played on seaside links courses which are quirky in themselves (one quirky bounce can determine the winner). Thus, at the Eye On Golf prediction meeting, we came up with the following:

The guy American fans love to hate but still wouldn’t mind seeing win The Open: Colin Montgomerie. Come on, Monty, just once for the homeland, please!

Best choice to hit a corporate tent and actually win the tournament: John Daly. Is he playing or pubbing this week?

If the wind is blowing left-to-right on every hole favorite: Phil Mickelson. With that great hacker's slice that Rick Smith has taught him, he's a shoe in.

Sentimental favorite: Tiger. Would love to see him successfully defend and, of course, win one dedicated to Earl. (Actually I'm trying to get an invite on the yacht.)

Ultimate homegrown favorite: Luke Donald. And immediately after his victory he'll paint a picture of the Beatles.

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