The Open Championship Predictions 2013: Breaking Down the Favourites

Muirfield is all set to host the 2013 British Open as the world's best golfers target the third major of the year.

First-time winners have very much been the trend in 2013, with Adam Scott and Justin Rose joining the select few to own a major title. But who will be following in their footsteps this week?

Here's a look at four contenders with the best chance of winning the 2013 British Open, with odds courtesy of Skybet.

Tiger Woods: 8-1

It's impossible to ignore Tiger Woods in any tournament he enters as he continues to seek major No. 15, and bookmakers have duly obliged by making him the clear favourite once again.

Questions about his elbow and some scrappy recent form are certainly valid reasons to doubt his credentials, but Woods has still landed four titles already this year and recently stated his elbow feels "fine" in USA Today.

According to PGATour.com the World No. 1 has recorded the best scoring average so far this year and also leads the way in terms of both money and FedEx Cup points.

His three previous Open titles demonstrate his ability to expertly manipulate links courses, and it's hard to imagine Woods not coming into contention at some point at Muirfield.

Phil Mickelson: 18-1

Having claimed the Scottish Open, the prospect of Mickelson winning at Muirfield has been discussed a little more seriously than in previous years, and his odds have plummeted as a consequence.

Before his playoff win last week, his impressive stash of trophies—which includes four major titles—incredibly didn't include any tournament wins on European soil. Now with a victory under his belt, he's sure to approach this Open in a far better state of mind than ever before.

Currently fourth in FedEx Cup points, Mickelson has had a consistent season and has the ideal mindset to triumph on a course like Muirfield.

His tie for second in 2011 and this Scottish Open triumph should be all he needs to convince him he's more than capable of challenging for the title. 

Justin Rose: 18-1

By winning the U.S. Open at Merion, Rose is now viewed in an entirely different way by golfing fans and opponents alike.

Having lifted a major, his stock has risen dramatically, and he's rightly seen as a genuine contender for this title.

In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Rose highlighted his desire to win and follow in the footsteps of Britain's Andy Murray:

"

The irony didn’t escape me that Andy Murray’s breakthrough had come at the US Open, just like mine did, and that he was now winning, if you like, his home "major."

I’m pretty sure winning the first made winning Wimbledon easier for Andy and, who knows, perhaps it’ll be the same for me with The Open. I’d certainly like to follow in his footsteps.

"

He currently boasts the second-best scoring average, according to PGATour.com, and has a game ideally suited to the layout at Muirfield where his driving skills should be crucial.

Adam Scott: 20-1

As with Rose, the mantle of having won a major has catapulted Scott up the betting for subsequent tournaments and currently sees him ranked as fourth favourite for the 2013 Open.

Following his stunning collapse of 12 months ago, Scott will certainly have demons to overcome at this tournament, but don't be surprised if the same memories inspire him to produce his very best form.

Erasing the 2012 Open will undoubtedly serve as inspiration, as will the fortunes of Mickelson, which Scott revealed in a recent interview with The Guardian:

"

It took him a lot of years to actually get over the line. Sometimes you just don't win when you walk up there the first time. Hopefully for me it's a similar kind of thing in that the floodgates opened for Phil after he finally got over the hurdle.

He didn't let that one major be it; he didn't take his foot off the gas. I feel like if you want to become one of the greatest players in the game, you have to keep your foot on the gas.

I've got my first major. And my sights are definitely set on trying to win more. It is a nice feeling.

"

Scott is currently fifth in terms of scoring average and 10th on the Money Leaders list, and if he finds his game and can suppress any lingering issues from last year, he could well make an impact.