2011 British Open: 5 Players Who Could Win the Claret Jug

The Open Championship is one of the more difficult majors to win. To win this tournament, one's game has to be absolutely on. You can't miss putts or mishit shots. You have to be precise.

Will it be Louis Oosthuizen? Phil Mickelson? A no name underdog?

With The Open Championship right around the corner at the end of this week, let's take a look at who has the best chance to win and hoist The Claret Jug come Sunday.

5. Louis Oosthuizen

I know Louis Oosthuizen doesn't have many wins other than his championship in 2010. He has never made the cut at The Masters, finally made the cut at The US Open (T-9) in 2010, and has never made the cut at the PGA Championship.

But Louis can be King Louis once again this weekend.

Last year he led the field in fairways, putted well, and hit many greens in regulation at St. Andrews last year.

This season he has played decently well making six out of nine cuts with a top ten finish.

4. Jason Day

Could this be where the 23 year old from Australia makes his break through?

In the first two majors of 2011, Day has finished as a runner-up.

 He's playing extraordinary golf.

He has five top ten finishes in his last seven starts. He's made 12 of 14 cuts this season and his scoring average his right around 70.

This could be his time to shine at Royal St. George.

3. Rory McIlroy

I couldn't leave Rory McIlroy off my list after the clinic he put on at The US Open at Congressional.

Arguably playing the best golf in major championships out of anyone on tour, McIlroy is bound to make noise at Royal St. George.

In 2011, he's made six out of seven cuts with three top 10 finishes. Last season he tied for third at St. Andrews and again at The PGA Championship.

Some people believe he doesn't have the game to win when the elements play a factor like they do for The Open Championship but his golf as of late makes him a threat.

McIlroy is trying to become the first player since Tiger in 2000 to win The US Open and The Open Championship in the same year.

2. Luke Donald

Donald is a short game wizard and is a clutch putter.

In 2011 Donald has nine out of ten cuts, eight top ten finishes including a runner-up and a victory at the WGC Match Play Championship.

Last year Donald tied for 11th at St. Andrews.

It will be interesting to see if the world number one can hold his ranking and take home his first major.  

1. Lee Westwood

It's about time for Lee Westwood to break through at a major.

He has five top-three finishes in his last seven major championships, including the last two Open Championships.

He's missed a cut in seven starts this season, including a top-three finish at the U.S. Open.

Westwood is currently in the top-20 in driving distance, third in scoring average and ranks third in final round scoring average.

He can't keep placing in the top-three forever without winning a major. Royal St. George could be the place where Westwood breaks through.