GOLF: It's a familiar refrain. Who can stop Tiger Woods? Nobody could at the US Masters or at the US Open. If the bookmakers are to be believed then he is likely to take a third step to the Grand Slam in a single season, although the SupremeOdds.com price of 2/1 is a generous offer.

Phil Mickelson is very short (10/1) with Ladbrokes, after performing well in the two majors to date. His excellent short game will be of immense value at Muirfield but the tendency to spray it off the tee on occasion will be punished severely by the jungle-like rough.

Length off the tee isn't a prerequisite here but good course management is and it is with an eye on this that Nick Faldo (66/1, Supreme), twice a British Open winner at this venue, represents excellent value and will have his supporters. His ability to control the ball, never more evident than at Bethpage, will tempt the punter.

And what of Sergio Garcia (22/1, Supreme)? The Spaniard won his British Amateur Championship at Muirfield. Jesper Parnevik (66/1, Ladbrokes), Darren Clarke (40/1, Ladbrokes, Supreme), Angel Cabrera (80/1, Powers) and Michael Campbell (66/1, Supreme) have a little bit of history in this event while the in-form American and former Open winner Justin Leonard, with his superb putting touch, is good value (50/1, Ladbrokes, Supreme).

Defending champion David Duval is not in the best of form this season; Davis Love wasn't but in recent months has taken a turn for the better and at 40/1 (Supreme) offers a tempting price.

This column would probably plump for Garcia with either Paul Azinger or Scott McCarron worth a few euro each way.