Four long shots who are in with a chance

BRAD FAXON (US)

Happy playing in the wind after growing up in Rhode Island where he won the State Junior title three times and the State Amateur twice. Has taken over from Ben Crenshaw as the mostly naturally gifted putter around. Likely to earn second Ryder Cup appearance at Valderrama. Won once this year and was seventh at Turnberry in 1994.

FRANK NOBILO (NZ)

Bearded descendent of Italian pirate who won the Great Greensboro Open after moving full time to the US Tour and recovering from mystery shoulder/arm injury. Second to Woods at the Western Open two weeks after. Regular contender in recent American majors, and his best finish in the Open is 11th also at Turnberry in 1994.

VIJAY SINGH (Fiji)

Victorious at a soggy Memorial Tournament as well as at the South African Open earlier in the year. Assiduous worker on the practice range and a big hitter who will be helped by calmer conditions. One top-10 finish in the Open came at St Andrews two years ago when he was sixth.

LEE WESTWOOD (Eng)

European Tour's star-in-the-making who was 24th and 19th in his first appearances in the US Masters and the US Open this year. Playing in only his third Open, after missing the cut last year and finishing 96th in 1995. Two second and two thirds in Europe, plus a win in Malaysia this year.