ADAM SCOTT (QLD)

Age: 38

World ranking: 17

PGA Tour wins: 13

Best Open result: 2nd (2012)

Opens played: 19 (15 cuts made)

Odds: $36

Why he can win: Scott's world-class ball-striking is built for links golf. Scott held at least a share of the back-nine lead on Sunday in three Opens from 2102 to 2015.

Why he might not: Pressure. A second major to go with his 2013 Masters title has proved elusive.

JASON DAY (QLD)

Age: 31

World ranking: 18

PGA Tour wins: 12

Best in a major: Win (2015 US PGA Championship)

Opens played: 8 (8 cuts made)

Best Open result: T4th (2015)

Odds: $41

Why he can win: Day's driving and iron play have improved out of sight and he is hitting more fairways and greens than ever.

Why he might not: Short game and putting woes. Usually in the top three putters on the PGA Tour, Day currently ranks 35th.

MARC LEISHMAN (VIC)

Age: 35

World ranking: 23

PGA Tour wins: 4

Best in a major: T2nd (2015 Open)

Opens played: 8 (6 cuts made).

Best Open: T2nd (2015)

Odds: $67

Why he can win: Leishman has a gift for flighting irons under the wind which is crucial in links golf at the Open.

Why he might not: Driving. The driver has been Leishman's weakness and finding fairways is critical at the Open.

CAMERON SMITH (QLD)

Age: 25

World ranking: 41

PGA Tour wins: 1

Opens played: 2 (1 cut made)

Best Open: 78th (2018)

Odds: $201

Why he can win: Smith thrives on tough courses and brutal weather conditions, which are both common at the Open.

Why he might not: Inexperience and poor Open form. Smith has played just two Opens and only managed a 78th placing when making the cut.

JAKE MCLEOD (QLD)

Age: 24

World ranking: 190

Opens played: 0 (major debut)

Odds: $751

Why he can win: Low expectations and freedom. This is McLeod's major debut and he will fly under the radar.

Why he might not: Form. McLeod has missed seven cuts in his debut European Tour season this year.

DIMI PAPADATOS (NSW)

Age: 28

World ranking: 220

Opens played: 0 (major debut)

Odds: $751

Why he can win: Strong closer. Papadatos has won four pro events in three different countries.

Why he might not: Like McLeod, form. Papadatos has missed his past five cuts in a row on the European Tour and its secondary circuit.

- Evin Priest, Australian Associated Press