Is it Westwood's time – or will Donald beat him to that elusive first major?

Our experts believe that one of the Englishmen will walk away with the Claret Jug – and Darren Clarke may be a good outside bet

(GETTY IMAGES/ PA)

James Corrigan, Golf correspondent

Winner Lee Westwood

If the weather forecast is correct, Lee Westwood will enjoy the best side of the draw. He will then require all the good fortune this quirky links can offer him. The 38-year-old has two top-three finishes in the last two years and this could be his time. Everything seems to be in his favour.

Each-way bet Darren Clarke

Lower down the betting list, Westwood's friend Darren Clarke might go well at 200-1.

James Lawton, Chief Sports Writer

Winner Lee Westwood

Destiny has been tugging at Lee Westwood for some years now but maybe with never such resonance as in these last few days. The wind is blowing and the Royal St George's lay-out puts a premium on superior course management. This could, finally, be Westwood's time at a most attractive 14-1.

Each-way bet Tom Lewis

The Claret Jug will be a dream for the supremely confident 20-year-old English amateur Tom Lewis for at least another year, but in the meantime the best golfer from Welwyn Garden City since Sir Nick Faldo is a tempting 25-1 to finish in the top 10.

Paul Mahoney, Golf writer

Winner Lee Westwood

The heart always says the first player spotted upon arrival will be the winner. So all hail Retief Goosen. But the head says Lee Westwood. Third in 2009, second in 2010. Will he be first in 2011? Has great ball control off the tee. Perfect to navigate the gusting winds forecast for St George's. An Englishman to win the Open in England. Rule Britannia etc.

Each-way bet Matt Kuchar

Kuchar is the Luke Donald of the US Tour. Only Madonna has more top 10s. He is happy to be sneaking under the radar. Now if he can stay under the wind, too...

Brian Viner, Sports writer

Winner Luke Donald

The Englishman lives in the big baseball city of Chicago and I think he's ready to step up to the plate. Although he only has one top-10 finish in an Open, he showed by winning so comfortably in Scotland at the weekend that his game is ready for the vagaries of links golf.

Each-way bet Angel Cabrera

I've gone for a Donald so I may as well go for The Duck. The two-time major champion is known affectionately as "El Pato" because of his waddling gait, and is available at a very tempting 80-1 with some bookies.

Andy Farrell, Golf writer

Winner Luke Donald

luke donald was my tip at the start of the year and everything that he has done since only strengthens that view. Full of confidence as world No 1 and hopefully the win last week has not taken it out of him. A brilliant short game, as Donald has, will be vital this week.

Each-way bet Matteo Manassero

The straightest driver in the world and knows the course from the British Boys' Championship a few years ago.

Selected Open odds

Rory McIlroy 8-1; Lee Westwood 11-1; Luke Donald 12-1; Martin Kaymer 28-1; Sergio Garcia 28-1; Graeme McDowell 33-1; Matt Kuchar 33-1; Steve Stricker 35-1; Matteo Manassero 50-1; Angel Cabrera 80-1; Darren Clarke 200-1; Tom Lewis 350-1.