Players A-F

Players G-L / Players M-R / Players S-Z

Note: Odds offered by SkyBet are subject to fluctuation

Steven Alker 750/1

The New Zealander made it through to the Open after a superb second round 65 at Local Qualifying at Panmure. A three time winner on the Australasian Von Nida Tour and two time Canadian Tour winner.

LAST 5 OPENS: N/A

VERDICT: Played in the Open in 1998 but missed the cut, will have to be on top of his game to improve on that appearance.

ROBERT ALLENBY 66/1

Allenby has been a consistent performer in the US this season and stands at 29 on the OWGR. It?s a strange anomaly however, that the Aussie has underachieved in the Majors. So far this year he has missed the cut at Augusta, Sawgrass and Oakmont. He also has a patchy Open record. Last year at Hoylake he finished 16th despite a poor final round of 74.

LAST 5 OPENS: 16/52/MC/43/MC

VERDICT: Has failed to shine on the big occasions, but finishing 16th last year shows he has the game to compete on the links.

STEPHEN AMES 80/1

Stephen Ames arrives at Carnoustie without any real Open form to speak of. However, if this Championship places a premium on grinding out a score then he?ll surely be able to draw confidence from his performance at the US Open where he briefly held the lead on the final day.

LAST 5 OPENS: 41/MC/MC/DNP/69

VERDICT: Poor Open record suggests that he would be an unlikely contender.

FREDRIK ANDERSSON HED 400/1

The Swede has regained full playing privileges on the European Tour this year after competing mostly on the Challenge Tour in 2006. With three top 10s to his name he?s well on his way to retaining his card. The highlight of his season so far was a tie for third in the Italian Open. That day he pushed Lee Westwood all the way showing impressive mental strength.

LAST 5 OPENS: DNP/DNP/DNP/DNP/50

VERDICT: Came through a strong Sunningdale field to qualify so will head to Carnoustie in good touch

STUART APPLEBY 50/1

With eight Tour victories to his name, Appleby is a genuinely world-class performer. He has the all-round game to compete on a rugged Scottish links as shown in 2002 when he lost in a play-off at Muirfield. Having played in the final group on Sunday with Tiger at Augusta this April, he?ll be better equipped now to cope with the pressure.

LAST 5 OPENS: MC/41/36/15/2

VERDICT: Carnoustie could be a bit narrow for the Australian.

AARON BADDELEY 70/1

The young Australian has only made it into the weekend in four Majors and the Open Championship isn?t one of those. Playing in the final group at Oakmont on the last day, his game imploded under pressure suggesting that even as talented as he is, he may not be ready for Major success.

LAST 5 OPENS: MC/DNP/MC/DNP/DNP

VERDICT: Still learning his trade at the highest level.

ROSS BAIN 1000/1

Qualified through IFQ in Asia but has a limited professional record. In a career spanning two years he has played in six US Tour events but only broken par twice. He has no Major experience other than in the qualifying competitions.

LAST 5 OPENS: NA

VERDICT: A rank outsider with no previous form in the Open or any other Majors.

PETER BAKER 500/1

The man from Wolverhampton was a surprise qualifier from Sunningdale considering his lack of game time this year ? he?s only played three European Tour events. A close look at his stats over the last three years makes for worrying reading ? he averages around 56% of fairways in regulation. His putting will need to be at its? very best for him to make the cut.

LAST 5 OPENS: DNP/MC/DNP/DNP/MC

VERDICT: Unlikely to make the cut.

BENN BARHAM 600/1

Benn Barham makes his second Open appearance this year after missing the cut in 2002. Now, with more experience under his belt he?s a far more consistent performer. He?s made 11 of 20 cuts this year on the European Tour and lies in 95 on the Order of Merit. Follow Benn?s progress by reading his Open diary in the blogs section of our website

LAST 5 OPENS: DNP/DNP/DNP/DNP/MC

VERDICT: His second Open appearance is likely to be a valuable learning experience.

RICH BEEM 500/1

After his victory in the 2002 PGA Championship, Rich Beem has failed to compete consistently. He has only won three events over a 14-year career, all of these coming in 2002. His Open record is disappointing revealing a rather one-dimensional game that may not suit the challenges of the Carnoustie links.

LAST 5 OPENS: MC/MC/71/43/DNP

VERDICT: On recent Open form he?d would do well to make it into the weekend.

John Bevan 2000/1

Finished top of Local Qualifying at Downfield with rounds of 71 and 65. Qualified for last years Open through Local Qualifying and made the cut.

LAST 5 OPENS: 129T/DNP/DNP/DNP/DNP

VERDICT: Will be hoping for a repeat of last years result.

JOHN BICKERTON 500/1

The Englishman has increased his driving accuracy over the past three years at the expense of distance and this may prove helpful at Carnoustie if the rough is as lush as it should be. The majority of his Major experience comes at the Open Championship but as he currently lies 121st on the European Tour Order of Merit, he?d be a shock winner.

LAST 5 OPENS: 48/60/DNP/DNP/MC

VERDICT: Was struck by lightening twice as an amateur and survived unscathed. Will need that kind of luck again to win this year's Open.

THOMAS BJÖRN 80/1

The big Dane can never be ignored at the Open. That he hasn?t already won one must be a bit of a sore point. He gives the ball a healthy crack but 52% driving accuracy could be his undoing at Carnoustie but if he?s managed to exorcise those demons from 2003, he?ll ready to compete again

LAST 5 OPENS: 41/MC/MC/2/8

VERDICT: His recent Open record suggests the demons are yet to die.

DESVONDE BOTES 750/1

He only made six cuts from 18 starts on European Tour in 2004. Since then he has returned to South Africa to ply his trade. He qualified for this years Open through IFQ in Africa ? it will be his second appearance in the event.

LAST 5 OPENS: N/A

VERDICT: Has done well to qualify considering the limited number top of events played in over the past two years.

GRÉGORY BOURDY 400/1

The Frenchman is currently in the middle of his most successful season on the European Tour. With three top 10s and only seven missed cuts to his name, he looks set to regain his card with ease. After a number of failed attempts this will be his first Open appearance

LAST 5 OPENS: NA

VERDICT: Making the cut will be his major goal

MARKUS BRIER 200/1

The Austrian has been a regular competitor on the European Tour this season ? he won in China at the start of the year. He also played well at Wentworth in the Tour?s flagship event but threw away a good position with a poor final round. Brier has never really challenged in the Majors as his Open record shows.

LAST 5 OPENS: MC/DNP/DNP/46/DNP

VERDICT: This is a step above his usual competitive level.

PAUL BROADHURST 200/1

Now in his 40s, Broadhurst is playing some of the best and most consistent golf of his career. In contention in the Wales Open and the BMW Championship he fell away in the final rounds failing to add to his record of six European Tour wins. If the weather is poor, he could have the gritty mental approach to score.

LAST 5 OPENS: 26/DNP/60/DNP/DNP

VERDICT: A solid performance last time suggests that he?s comfortable at the Open.

BEN BUNNY 1000/1

The amusingly named Australian qualified for the Open through Australasian IFQ for the second consecutive year. He is yet to win on the Australasian Tour but had his best season by far in 2006. Would have been disappointed with his appearance in last year?s Open Championship after shooting 74, 83 and missing the cut.

LAST 5 OPENS: MC/NA

VERDICT: Will be aiming to improve on last year's result.

Jonathan Byrd 200/1

The American has failed to impress this year ? missing eight out of 15 cuts since January on the PGA Tour ? however all that changed when he claimed one of the final places on offer this week by winning the John Deere Classic. He does know how to win, having taken the 2002 Buick Challenge and the 2004 BC Open, however he is likely to find Carnoustie a different proposition.

LAST 5 OPENS: N/A

VERDICT: A storming finish at the John Deere confirms that his game is in good shape but the fact that he is making his debut at the Open and has no Majors record to speak of means that it?s unlikely he will make much of an impression here.

ANGEL CABRERA 33/1

The US Open Champion will arrive at Carnoustie with some greatly reduced odds ? beware. His form is notoriously patchy, missed cuts and top 10s seem to come with equal regularity. However, Cabrera only finished one shot off the play-off in 1999 and finished seventh at Hoylake last year. Feeling fresh and confident, he certainly has the game to conquer Carnoustie.

LAST 5 OPENS: 7/MC/DNP/22/MC

VERDICT: Well worth a look in the 'Top Rest of the World' market but his odds will be short.

MARK CALCAVECCHIA 200/1

Playing in his 21st Open Championship, Calcavecchia one of the older players in this year?s line-up. He won the tournament in 1989 at Royal Troon beating the likes of Greg Norman and Tom Watson. He?ll gain confidence from last year?s solid performance as well as finishing 20th at this year?s Masters.

LAST 5 OPENS: 41/60/11/MC/80

VERDICT: His experience makes him a possible contender, nothing more.

CHAD CAMPBELL 125/1

Campbell?s best result in the Open was in 2003 when he came 15th in his first appearance. Hailing from Texas, he feels more comfortable than most playing in the wind. Zach Johnson?s triumph at the Masters may provide the motivation and belief he needs.

LAST 5 OPENS: 65/MC/MC/15/DNP

VERDICT: Perhaps the best of the young Americans, he certainly has the game if not the mental application to contend.

MICHAEL CAMPBELL 125/1

Campbell will arrive at Carnoustie amid a rather hit and miss season ? he currently lies in 36th position of the European Tour Order of Merit. He has a solid Open record proving that he can contend on a plethora of different links courses. If Carnoustie is reminiscent of a US Open-style challenge (tight fairways, fast greens, thick rough), Campbell will be one of the few with the experience and game to cope.

LAST 5 OPENS: 35/5/20/53/84

VERDICT: Struggled to find his 2005 form since but knows what it takes to win a Major.

PAUL CASEY 25/1

Casey was pipped for the 2006 Order of Merit on the final hole of the season by Padraig Harrington. Last season appears to have given him a boost and a solid year so far has seen him move into the World Top 20. The only concern for Casey fans will be that his game tends to suit vast American-style courses. Carnoustie certainly doesn?t fit that description.

LAST 5 OPENS 71/MC/20/MC/MC

VERDICT: Another top British prospect, but plenty to prove in this event.

K J CHOI 100/1

The diminutive Korean made 22 cuts from 26 events on the US Tour last year, proving his consistency at the highest level. Having already won this season (the Memorial Tournament) his next step would be Major success. Choi is a solid competitor with a steely mental approach that will serve him well around what is one of the toughest Open courses.

LAST 5 OPENS: 26/DNP/60/DNP/DNP

VERDICT: His Open record is patchy but he undoubtedly has the ability to contend.

STEWART CINK 100/1

His average driving distance of 293 yards will help around Carnoustie, however he will have to increase his accuracy above his current 57% to pose a real challenge. Having played in the past three Ryder Cups (he beat Garcia in the singles last time), Cink has good international experience. He stands in 27th on the US Tour moneylist.

LAST 5 OPENS: MC/MC/14/34/59

VERDICT: A good performance here will help him secure a FedEx Cup berth.

DARREN CLARKE 150/1

Clarke has struggled greatly with his golf since the loss of his wife Heather ? he has no form to speak of in the run up to the tournament (he has only made one cut on the US Tour). Excluding last year (when his wife was extremely ill) his Open record is fairly strong and he?ll be looking for a good performance at Carnoustie to kick-start a new chapter in his career. With his game in tatters, Clarke?s confidence may be too fragile to compete.

LAST 5 OPENS: MC/15/11/59/37

VERDICT: Clarke has missed too many cuts to be confident of a good result this year.

David Coupland 2,500/1

The amateur from Boston in England, David Coupland came through LFQ at Monifieth with flying colours. He followed an opening round of 69 with a sparking 65 that included eight birdies to win by one shot. Showing his class under pressure will serve him well.

Last 5 Opens: N/A

Verdict: A fierce scrap to finish as top amateur will spur him on but he?ll have to produce his best golf to reach the weekend.

BEN CURTIS 150/1

Curtis won the Open on his first appearance in 2003 proving just how unpredictable the game at the highest level can be. Since then the American has missed all three cuts in the Open. He understands what it takes to play well on the links but if his results this year (he currently lies in 107th on the US Tour money list) there will be no repeat of his shock win in 2003.

LAST 5 OPENS: MC/MC/MC/1/DNP

VERDICT: Making the cut would be a good result for this one-time champion.

ADILSON DA SILVA 1,000/1

This Brazilian qualifier has only previously played in one Major. To his benefit, it was the 2000 Open at St Andrews. He may have missed the cut by eight shots but the experience should serve him well this time.

LAST 5 OPENS: N/A

VERDICT: Probably not a contender for the weekend.

JOHN DALY 275/1

This likeable powerhouse will have to improve on his accuracy to conquer Carnoustie ? he lies in 190th position on the US Tour for fairways hit. So far this year has been extremely disappointing, he has missed five cuts and withdrawn from three events. Part of Daly?s appeal however is his unpredictable nature. He?s as likely to throw his putter in the Barry Burn and walk off after 17 holes as he is to win.

LAST 5 OPENS: MC/15/MC/72/MC

VERDICT: A rib injury earlier this season and troubles away from the course could prove to be too much of a distraction.

BRIAN DAVIS 150/1

Occasionally visits the European Tour but plays the majority of his golf in America. This season hasn?t been his best with a second and one top-10 being the highlights. Finished in the top-10 of the Order of Merit on the European Tour in 2003 proving his ability outside of America. His best result on the Open was also during 2003 when he finished 6th which was also his best major finish.

LAST 5 OPENS: DNP/MC/MC/6/DNP

VERDICT: 2003 was an outstanding year and will be looking for a solid week to really get his season going.

CHRIS DiMARCO 75/1

The Presidents' Cup hero turned around a very poor Open record by finishing runner-up at Hoylake last year. DiMarco was the only player to give Woods a challenge on the final day, just as he was in 2005 at the Masters when he lost in a play-off. DiMarco has played poorly this year: he currently lies in 117th on the money list but undoubtedly has a taste for the biggest events

LAST 5 OPENS 2/67/63/MC/66

VERDICT: Travels better than most of the Americans, but is lacking any form.

LUKE DONALD 28/1

England's leading player is based in the States, which might explain his apparent lack of form in the Open. The World Number 9 is far more at home on the vast, lush courses of the US Tour. He is, however, one of the most consistent players on either Tour with a classy game that should cope with whatever the weather throws at him.

LAST 5 OPENS 35/52/MC/MC/MC

VERDICT: Has the skills to avoid Carnoustie's penalties, so should improve on that poor tournament record.

NICK DOUGHERTY 100/1

The 25 year-old Englishman fulfilled his promise earlier this year by finishing tied seventh at the US Open. Playing with Woods on Saturday, he revelled in the limelight where many fall by the wayside. Since Oakmont, Dougherty has only played two events and he looked fresh as he qualified through IFQ at Sunningdale. In good form, he could be one to watch

LAST 5 OPENS: MC/DNP/DNP/DNP/DNP

VERDICT: Fresh and confident, the Englishman is promising outsider.

BRADLEY DREDGE 125/1

The Welshman has developed a reputation as one of the most consistent players on the European Tour. Famously, chose not to try and qualify for the US Open opting instead to focus on the Tour. He?ll be fresh and confident ? he currently lies in 17th on the Order of Merit after two second place finishes so far this year.

LAST 5 OPENS: MC/DNP/DNP/DNP/28

VERDICT: Might be worth an each way bet as top European

Scott Drummond Qualified through Local Qualifying after a four-man play-off. Has had a very quiet year but showed he can play during his rookie of the year season of 2004.

LAST 5 OPENS: 72T/23T/133T/DNP/DNP

VERDICT: Will be looking to jump-start his season with a solid week at the Open.

JOE DURANT 250/1

Durant has played in five Opens to date making the cut just once in 2002. He had one of his most successful seasons on tour last year but missed the Open. He qualified for this year?s tournament through his Official World Golf Ranking that clearly shows his ability but we?ve is rarely seen him outside the States.

LAST 5 OPENS: DNP/MC/DNP/MC/59

VERDICT: A journeyman US Tour player with no real Open form to speak of.

JOHAN EDFORS 250/1

The Swede burst to fame last year as a qualifying school graduate who managed to win three times. Making the most of his rich vein of form he finished 10th in the Order of Merit. This has unlocked the door to more high profile events. This experience will serve him well at Carnoustie but his rather erratic game might unravel in the face of one of Britain?s toughest challenges.

LAST 5 OPENS: MC

VERDICT: Still finding his feet at the highest level, he lacks the consistency to mount a serious challenge.

MATTIAS ELIASSON 750/1

The 32 year-old Swede has been a perennial struggler on the European Tour throughout his career. His best finish was last year when he finished 75th to regain his card comfortably. This year he has lacked the same consistency missing eight cuts from 14 events. Yet to win on the European Tour, he lacks any real major experience.

LAST 5 OPENS: DNP/DNP/DNP/DNP/MC

VERDICT: Played well to qualify through IFQ and will have to perform equally well to make the cut.

ERNIE ELS 14/1

Ernie Els has finished in the top-10 in this event on nine occasions, including three times as runner-up. He finished third last year when seemingly out of form. The knee injury he suffered in 2005 continues to undermine his class, but he has a special relationship with the Open and will be desperate to return to his very best.

LAST 5 OPENS 3/34/2/18/1

VERDICT: Never to be written off at the Open, but his previous Carnoustie effort was moderate and plenty to prove right now.

NICK FALDO 500/1

Faldo has one of the best Open records ever ? three times Open champion and 13 top-10 finishes. This year has been a busy one for Faldo as he continues to focus on his blossoming career in the media. This will be his first tournament start of the year giving him the chance to see at close quaters some of the Ryder Cup hopefuls compete.

LAST 5 OPENS: MC/11/MC/8/59

VERDICT: Having not played this year, it?s hard to see him making the cut.

NICLAS FASTH 50/1

The passionate Swede had a fantastic week at Oakmont finishing as the highest placed European in 4th. In 1997 Fasth announced himself to the world in the Open at Royal Lytham finishing second behind David Duval. In good form with a gritty game, he?s a strong outsider who?ll be desperate to continue his march up the world rankings.

LAST 5 OPENS: MC/DNP/DNP/MC/48

VERDICT: Full of confidence, shouldn?t be written off.

ROSS FISHER 300/1

This year has been a steep learning experience for the talented young Englishman. Firstly in Dubai and then at Wentworth, he yielded winning positions. That he?ll finally prevail soon is not in doubt but he lacks the experience to mount a serious challenge at this year?s Open.

LAST 5 OPENS: NA

VERDICT: One to watch for the future, Fisher is in the process of learning how to win.

ALISTAIR FORSYTH 200/1

The Scot currently lies in 64th on the European Tour Order of Merit having only missed two cuts this season. Impressively, he averages 67% of fairways in regulation and 71% of greens in the right number. If the rough is as severe as last time his solid long game will help him mount a solid challenge - the flat Carnoustie greens might also help him improve his putting stats.

LAST 5 OPENS: DNP/MC/47/59/DNP

VERDICT: Carnoustie seems made for the Scot so might be worth a an outside wager as top European.

MARK FOSTER 400/1

Foster is a consistent but rather unspectacular European Tour journeyman. He has only missed one of the last 13 cuts but has only recorded one top 10 finish. He qualified through IFQ at Sunningdale shooting 65-70 (five under par) ? his form is good so he?ll be hoping to make the cut.

LAST 5 OPENS: DNP/DNP/63/28/DNP

VERDICT: Will need to produce some of his best golf to make the cut.

PETER FOWLER 400/1

In his 31st year as a professional, Fowler has a slightly inconsistent game. His best finish at the Open was 22nd in 2003 but since then he hasn?t made it into the weekend. Fowler qualified this year through IFQ in Australasia.

LAST 5 OPENS: DNP/MC/DNP/22/DNP

VERDICT: No form in the Major?s provides little hope.

DAVID FROST 150/1

Interestingly, Frost?s best result in the Open was 7th in 99 at Carnoustie. Aged 46 he has played 11 events on the European Tour this year and finished inside the top 10 three times. He showed his class qualifying at Sunningdale this year by shooting a 66 in the afternoon round to get through by a shot.

LAST 5 OPENS: DNP/15/DNP/DNP/MC

VERDICT: Good memories of Carnoustie and some good recent form make him an interesting outsider

JIM FURYK 25/1

The World Number 3 and former US Open Champion has a mixed Open record ? he has twice made the frame, including last year, but he has also missed plenty of cuts. Furyk made it into the top-10 at Carnoustie in 1999, and his metronomic accuracy from the tee will be a considerable asset this time. Finishing second at Oakmont was a bitter-sweet experience but should ultimately provide him with confidence heading into the Open.

LAST 5 OPENS: 4/MC/MC/MC/MC

VERDICT: His sheer consistency deserves a second Major title and his game is well-suited to this course.