Who can tame Tiger?

Sergio Garcia

None in the field can have such detailed recent knowledge of Muirfield. In 1998, Garcia played seven rounds over the course to win the 103rd British Amateur. Since then, he has turned professional and enjoyed three fantastic years, during which he has broken into the world's top five. However, he has only once duelled Tiger down the stretch for a Major title – in the 1999 US PGA at Medinah – and he has flattered to deceive in subsequent Majors. Garcia's habit is to play himself into contention and then fail to deliver on the final day. None the less, the 22-year-old Spaniard is the outstanding driver in the game – long and straight, as was Henry Cotton, who won the 1948 Open at Muirfield – and his ascent to golf's top table is surely overdue.

Ernie Els

Ten years ago, Ernie Els was little known outside his native South Africa. Much had been written about his potential to become a great player but his fleeting appearances on the world stage had been unremarkable. The Open at Muirfield in 1992 changed all that when Els, then 22, tied for fifth. It was the first occasion he had been in contention at a Major and only a disappointing final round of 74 prevented him from finishing higher. Since then, Els has won two US Opens and a host of other titles around the world to establish himself, along with Phil Mickelson, as the most consistent challenger to Tiger's supremacy. His worst finish in 10 Open appearances is 29th, and it is inconceivable that he will end his career without lifting the Claret Jug.

Nick Faldo

Subscribers to the "horses for courses" theory should make large investments with bookmakers this week in the name of Faldo. Muirfield's pedigree is proven by its roll call of champions, and the last two Opens to be staged over the old Scottish links – in 1987 and 1992 – were won by the greatest British golfer since Henry Cotton. In recent years, Faldo's form and appetite for success have subsided. But over the last 12 months, a settled private life has been reflected in a revitalised game. Almost every time he has played this season, Faldo has been in contention, most notably at last month's US Open when he tied for fifth. Few players in the field will know Muirfield so well or, indeed, have such happy memories of the place.

The course itself

There is a school of thought that Tiger is destined to win the 2002 Open in order to take his appointed place in the exclusive pantheon of Muirfield winners. The name of Woods would sit well beside those of Hilton, Vardon, Braid, Ray, Hagen, Perry, Cotton, Player, Nicklaus, Trevino, Watson and Faldo. Jack Nicklaus won the 1966 Open at Muirfield by keeping his driver mainly in the bag and taking irons off the tee. Tiger is expected to do likewise because his prodigious length will prove an advantage at only a few holes. The key to Muirfield is avoiding the rough which, following another sodden British summer, will be rampant, and the fairway bunkers. This will be Tiger's plan, but if the wind blows he may have to think again.

Tiger Woods himself

At the age of 26, Tiger is on course to become the greatest player the game has known. A decade ago, it seemed impossible that anyone could match, let alone improve on, Jack Nicklaus's record of 18 Majors. With eight already under his belt, Tiger has the potential to double that figure, especially as he could remain competitive at the highest level for at least another 20 years. Muirfield, however, is golf's ultimate examination. When Nicklaus won in 1966, it set the seal on his career. It told the world, "this man can win anywhere at any time". Woods is the first player since to generate the same mood of resignation among his fellow players. If this year's Open is Tiger's for the taking, the question is whether he is patient and adaptable enough.