17 Jul 2014

Tiger and Phil at outside odds

3:57 pm on 17 July 2014

After missing the US Masters and the US Open following a back operation, Tiger Woods returns to major championship action at this week's British Open and once again he is the hot topic of conversation.

The 44-year-old American is normally the clear favourite when he tees it up at any tournament but the bookmakers seem sceptical of his title chances at Hoylake, rating him a 20-1 shot to land the 15th major victory of his career.

Compatriot Phil Mickelson's odds are even worse than Woods despite the fact he's the reigning champion after clinching his first Open crown at the 20th attempt last year.

The 39-year-old is hoping to become just the third man in 30 years to successfully defend the title.