Darren Clarke

Tiger Woods

Ernie Els

Ernie Els (South Africa)
Born: 17 October, 1969
Majors: 2

The amiable South African's game is centred on his beautifully relaxed swing — the 'big easy' — and his superb touch. Els has been one of the world's top five for a while now but has recently not been as consistent as he would like. One more Major and he will have to be considered alongside the game's enduring champions. Ernest is, in fact, Els' middle name. His first is Theodore.

Colin Montgomerie

Colin Montgomerie (Scotland)
Born: 23 June, 1963
Majors: 0

Famous for this anti-American tantrums and failure to win a Major, Europe's No. 1 will not want to be remembered as 'Mrs Doubtfire', but rather as one of the game's true greats. Monty certainly has one of the best long games in the world and he is an exceptionally straight driver of the ball. His distance control with his irons is second to none so he usually finds the greens in regulation. His putting can be slightly hesitant but the real question mark hangs over Monty's temperament. To the delight of the American crowds, the sizeable Scot is easily upset and will often let a reasonable score slip in tough conditions. Unsuited to a tight finish, he may have to blow the field away to pick up his first Major.

Phil Mickelson

Probably the second best player in the world at the moment and definitely the best left-hander in the game. Mickelson's success usually derives from his dazzling short game. His chipping and wedge play are frequently a marvel to behold and his putting is up there with the very best. If he has an obvious weakness it is his driving — which can crumble under pressure or in difficult conditions.

Carlos Franco

Famous for his elegant moustache and for not putting the hours in on the practice range, Franco is one of the most consistent performers on the PGA Tour. The Paraguayan came to the fore during the Dunhill Cup when he led his country to a famous win over Scotland — and his powerful driving means that when his confidence is high, Franco should be considered as a real contender.

David Duval

Jesper Parnevik

The idiosyncratic Swede is famed for his bizarre headgear and diet of volcanic rock. But it should not be forgotten that Parnevik is also an outstanding golfer. He hits the ball long and his iron play is superb. He's come close to a Major on a couple of occasions but his temperament can be slightly uneven when things go right to the wire.

Jose Maria Olazabal

Jose Maria Olazabal (Spain)
Born: 5 February, 1966
Majors: 2

With two Majors to his name, it is easy to see why Spain's No. 1 is one of the most respected players on the European Tour. His long iron play is his strongest suit but he can also be dazzling from the bunkers and when chipping from around the greens. Olazabal's Achilles' heel is undoubtedly his poor driving. His tee shots frequently go straight left — the 'duck hook' — but when his driving is there or thereabouts, so is Olazabal.

Lee Westwood

England's heir apparent to Nick Faldo is still only 27-years-old and has plenty of time to establish himself in the Majors. Westwood's success is built around his consistent long game and powerful hitting. The main area of concern is his putting — which tends to determine which end of the leaderboard he finishes. Good enough to win a Major — and when his confidence is high has the game to take on the very best.