British Open 2013: Europeans Have the Edge for Third Major of the Year

The 142nd Open Championship tees off on Thursday, July 18, at Muirfield on the East Coast of Scotland, one of the best courses in Europe. While the event is saturated with the biggest names in golf, it's the Europeans who are destined to emerge at the British Open.

But it's not going to be easy.

In comparison to previous editions of the tournament, the level of competition for the trophy is tremendous with a number of potential challengers from either side of the Atlantic.

South African Ernie Els won the 2012 Open by just one shot over Adam Scott, who let the pressure toward the end affect his final shots. Els returns to Muirfield to defend his trophy this time around, and he'll certainly be a contender throughout the tournament.

And how could we forget Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson? Woods, the world's No. 1 golfer, is widely considered to be one of the favorites this year, and his troublesome elbow injury appears to be much improved.  Mickelson, meanwhile, is coming off a victory at the Scottish Open, and he'll look to carry that momentum over to Muirfield.

Still, the strength in depth of European players increases the inevitability of a British winner this year.

European golf is experiencing a period of domination, with the incredible 2012 Ryder Cup win as a catalyst for impressive performances across the spectrum.

Justin Rose notched an exhilarating win at the U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club in June, and he certainly has the potential to make some more noise at the British Open.

Per BBC Sport, Rose feels "his US Open victory has 'broken the curse' that has plagued English golfers in major tournaments." Rose added:

"

I have faced questions for years about who the next English guy to break through will be. I feel fortunate it was me who broke through first but I am sure it will give the others a little extra burst of enthusiasm.

It probably gives them that added bit of belief. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the other guys follow in the not too distant future.

"

Will Rory McIlroy be next to break through?

The talented McIlroy of Northern Ireland has contrasted the fortunes of other British golfers since the Ryder Cup in Medinah. Coming into the year ranked No. 1 in the world, McIlroy struggled at the Masters, finishing in a lowly 25th position.

But the 24-year-old’s natural technique and wide-ranging shots keep him in the hunt for the British Open, and he will be joined on the first by Scottish Open winner Mickelson.

The presence of Mickelson, who won his first title on European soil in 20 years last week, could spark McIlroy into life, despite having a relatively "light" schedule in preparation for the Open.

McIlroy told Phil Casey of the Press Association, via the Daily Mail:

"

My schedule has been light, but from the Open onwards I am playing seven events in nine or 10 weeks. I still have a lot of golf to play. Two weeks is a lot of time to try and get something right and hopefully I will be ready for Muirfield.

"

The Brit isn’t particularly comfortable on links courses, but neither are Tiger Woods and Justin Rose, especially in East Lothian.

Europe also has Graeme McDowell, Martin Kaymer and Padraig Harrington to call upon, all of whom will be in with a fighting chance at the British Open. Paul Lawrie, the 1999 champion, is another name to watch, as he is ranked 50th in the world and is striving for that defining moment of 2013.

Although Luke Donald and Lee Westwood have not found their best form in 2013, the two have flirted with the top of the World Rankings. The British Open could present the perfect opportunity for them to capitalize on their home soil.

Never has the sport been so tight at the elite level. It is sure to be fascinating to see Europe’s best lock horns with esteemed challengers like Els and Woods, and in the end, it will be a European player who emerges victorious at Muirfield.