The list has no flaws. Well, in my opinion it doesn't. It took me awhile to compile this list of the Top 10 players that I think near about are guaranteed to play well at the upcoming British Open at St. Andrews. There are several players who came close to making the cut, but I chose the ones that I think have the best chance to win this tournament. So, players like Phil Mickelson, Colin Montgomerie and Tom Watson did not make the cut. So without further ado, here is my Top 10 for this week's British Open.

1. TIGER WOODS – Did you expect anybody else? He has DOMINATED the past two British Opens played at St. Andrews. He also has won two of the past five British Opens. His last one was in 2006, but nobody can count Woods out at St. Andrews. It's just crazy to think he won't finish in the top 5 like he has at every Major Championsip so far this season.
2. ERNIE ELS – Els has continued to make a strong case for Player of the Year throughout this season. He can solidify that honor this week with a win at the British Open. St. Andrews is a course that he has played well at in the past. It has been awhile since Els has won a Major Championship, but he could end that this week.
3. JUSTIN ROSE – Rose might possibly be the hottest player on any Tour right now. Rose has won two of the past six tournaments played, so he's striking the ball well. If he can control his distances with his irons and play well off the tee, we could be looking at this year's Claret Jug winner.
4. LEE WESTWOOD – Will the best player without a Major Championship please stand up? Although Westwood has injury issues, if he plays, he will be a force to be reckoned with. Westwood has the talent, and when he plays overseas, he's one of the more dominant players in the World.
5. PADRAIG HARRINGTON – No matter how much a player struggles, you have to respect a man that has won two of the past three British Opens. Harrington won in 2008 and 2007, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's the last man standing on the 18th green on Sunday.
6. GRAEME McDOWELL – Not too often does a first time Major Championship winner earn his second at the next Major Championship, but McDowell has performed well his past two events. He has as good of a chance as any on a links-style course overseas.
7. IAN POULTER – Had the U.S. national soccer team beaten England earlier at the World Cup, we would have seen Poulter in a U.S.A. flag attire. Although I'm slightly disappointed we won't see him dressed in that manner, Poulter can compete with the best in the world. I expect at least a top 10 finish out of Poulter this week.
8. EDUARDO MOLINARI – I know, I know. You don't pick players that have won the week before to win at a Major Championship, but Molinari is too good to pass up at this tournament. He played in the 2005 British Open at St. Andrews as an amateur, and although he didn't play great, he now knows the course.
9. TIM CLARK – Clark has only one PGA Tour victory, but it was at TPC Sawgrass earlier this year, and when his putter is hot, he's as good as anyone on Tour. Clark has the driving accuracy to keep his ball on the fairway all week, which will make for easy pickings at St. Andrews.
10. RORY McILROY – What British Open Top 10 list would be complete without the 21-year-old McIlroy on the list? He already has a PGA Tour victory under his belt, and he finished second on the European Tour last season. He has played St. Andrews enough times to know his way around the course, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he, like Tiger Woods, dominated this course.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Contact me and let me know how you feel about these picks. I'll be out of the office the next two days, but feel free to comment on here and I'll be sure to get back at you.

tseibert@rmtelegram.com