Cam Smith

Age: 29

World Ranking: 7

Open Championships Played: Five

Best finish at the Open: Win (2022)

Best Major result: Win (The Open Championship, 2022)

Why he can win: Hoylake is the perfect canvas for the defending champion to create his brand of short game artistry. Coming into the week fresh from his first win since the Australian PGA – saluting at LIV London two weeks ago – Cam in good form is a daunting prospect for the rest of the field. One of the best putters on the planet, and almost as good with a wedge, Smith going back-to-back will depend on his driving, which has been incosistent in 2023. The Queenslander believes he has it sorted out, and he will need to at Royal Liverpool.

Odds: $15

Jason Day

Age: 35

World Ranking: 27

Open Championships Played: Ten

Best finish at the Open: T4 (2015)

Best Major result: Win (PGA Championship, 2015)

Why he can win: Day has shown plenty of promise this year, however, he hasn’t had the major season he would have hoped for. Day has plenty of experience in the biggest events, and knows what it takes to win them, so can't be discounted here. Already a PGA Tour winner this year, the former World No.1 is one of the few Aussies who teed it up last time the Open was at Hoylake in 2014, with that experience perhaps helping a return back to that winning form.

Odds: $101

Min Woo Lee

Age: 24

World Ranking: 47

Open Championships Played: Two

Best finish at the Open: T21 (2022)

Best Major result: T5 (U.S Open, 2023)

Why he can win: Min Woo has proven he has what it takes In Open-like conditions with his win at the 2021 Scottish Open and his record at big events continues to improve with more experience. Offering the feeling of something special around the corner, Lee is a shot-maker and his creative instincts will hold him in good stead at Hoylake. Yet to genuinely challenge for a major title, though it wouldn’t shock many if he is in the thick of it on Sunday.

Odds: $51

Adam Scott

Age: 43

World Ranking: 39

Open Championships Played: 22

Best finish at the Open: Second (2012)

Best Major result: Win (Masters, 2013)

Why he can win: Scotty has been playing in these championships for over two decades and has had a couple of close calls, in other words he knows how to get himself around a links layout albeit they have provided their share of heartbreak. T5 at Hoylake in 2014 and 8th in 2006, Scott has a good record at this venue, and as a noted flusher, the Queenslander will relish things if the wind gets up. The key will be stringing together four solid rounds of golf ... maybe it will be 23rd time lucky for the 43-year-old.

Odds: $67

Lucas Herbert

Age: 27

World Ranking: 56

Open Championships Played: Three

Best finish at the Open: T15 (2022)

Best Major result: T13 (PGA Championship, 2022)

Why he can win: Another Aussie hopeful who teed it up at the Scottish Open to prepare for The Open, where he finished in a share of 60th. Tied 15th at St Andrews last year, Herbert clearly has developed a knack for links golf and has shown glimpses of brilliance this year and always seems to be ready to go when the majors roll around. Another who likes to shape shots and is comfortable in the wind, it wouldn’t surprise if the Victorian has a decent showing here.

Odds: $131

David Micheluzzi

Age: 26

World Ranking: 363

Open Championships Played: Debut

Best finish at the Open: N/A

Best Major result: Missed Cut (PGA Championship, 2023)

Why he can win: This Open Championship has been in the Victorian's sights for months after a phenomenal home season and after he got a taste of major championship golf at this year's PGA he will be better for the run. Royal Liverpool will suit his game far more than Oak Hill did, and Micheluzzi has been in the area for over a week already. The 26-year-old knows how to win, and if he is in contention over the weekend, he will no doubt pull on those winning traits to help him finish strong.

Odds: $501

Harrison Crowe (a)

Age: 21

World Ranking: 653

Open Championships Played: Debut

Best finish at the Open: N/A

Best Major result: Missed Cut (Masters, 2023)

Why he can win: Crowe has already had a taste of major championship golf this year, so the nerves should be a little smaller this time around. The 21-year-old will arrive on the property with all the right intentions and certainly has the game to compete at the highest level, although winning may seem far-fetched, never say never. The silver medal for the leading amateur is undoubtedly on the cards for the Sydneysider if he can start well and play the weekend, with Crowe owning significant links experience ahead of what will be one of his final outings before taking the pro plunge.

Odds: $1,001

Travis Smyth

Age: 28

World Ranking: 310

Open Championships Played: Debut

Best finish at the Open: N/A

Best Major result: Debut

Why he can win: Smyth has made a solid start to 2023 with his limited playing opportunities, finishing in a tie for sixth at the PIF Saudi International on the Asian Tour. He then finished solo third at the World City Championship in Hong Kong, which got him into the field at Hoylake. Smyth had a taste of LIV Golf last year, which will help his comfort levels amongst the biggest names in the game this week, while his first Asian Tour win exposed him to a wider audience. The New South Welshman has the ability to post a number if he gets hot, and is no stranger to playing in the wind.

Odds: $501

Haydn Barron

Age: 27

World Ranking: 937

Open Championships Played: Debut

Best finish at the Open: N/A

Best Major result: Debut

Why he can win: The big-hitting West Australian is primed for a major debut and has nothing to lose. PGA Tour of Australasia’s rookie of the year last season, this will be his biggest test to date after securing his spot by going birdie-eagle to finish 4th at the Australian Open. Barron will use driver as a weapon, and if he can keep the ball in play, he will have plenty of scoring opportunities at Hoylake, and has a recent mini Tour runner-up to fill the confidence levels.

Odds: $1,001

Connor McKinney

Age: 21

World Ranking: 1140

Open Championships Played: Debut

Best finish at the Open: N/A

Best Major result: Debut

Why he can win: McKinney has been plying his trade on the Challenge Tour and got through Open Qualifying at Dundonald Links in a play-off. Another Aussie facing his most significant test to date when he makes his major championship debut, the Scottish-born West Australian more than knows how to get around the links. A big opportunity to expose himself to top level golf, and clearly has form on his side after negotiating final qualifying.

Odds: $1,001