Els: Master of Open conditions
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Any potential tricky weather conditions on the North West coast this week will play right into the experienced hands of Ernie Els as he bids for a second Open title.
The 38-year-old South African lifted the Claret Jug at Murifield in 2002 and six years on he feels ready for another taste of Open glory.
If the forecasted winds and rain hit Royal Birkdale during the tournament Els feels he is one of the players more able to deal with the conditions.
With ten top-ten finishes in 17 attempts behind him, Els feels he knows the conditions in England as well as anyone and this could be a crucial advantage.
"I have played in all kinds of conditions in Britain, so I know all about it," Els said.
Gameplan
"I seem to be at a better level mentally here, its just something with me. I have developed a good game plan for Royal Birkdale and I will stick to it.
"The real key to winning here, though, boils down to the second shots and to positional play with occasional lay-ups.
"But equally important is in quality ball striking in wind and rain - whether you are 23 or 38 years old.
"This has to be consistently good in difficult conditions. And it is here, probably, that experience tells the most."
Els says the absence of Tiger Woods has opened the door for as many as 40 golfers - all of whom stand a chance of winning a major.
Much like Woods, Els himself had a serious knee injury and he too says he returned too soon - a move which cost him.
"I really feel for him (Woods) being out of action for so long. It is really very difficult for anybody, let alone somebody like him," Els added.
"I made the mistake of doing that after my own operation and I paid the price."
Five missed cuts at the start of year came partly due to his injury, says Els, but now back to full fitness he is raring to go at Birkdale.
