Is Phil Mickelson a safe bet this week? Is he ever? No, but you can never rule him out.

BY MIKE CORMACK
sportsnet.ca

Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els et all will be playing for glory and history this week, but if you’re reading this, chances are you might have something on the line too.

Of course the title of British Open Office Pool Winner, pales in comparison to Champion Golfer of the Year, nevertheless when bragging rights are on the line you always want to bring your A game.

With that in mind, sportsnet.ca ranks the Top 10 players most likely to walk away with the Claret Jug on Sunday, and lead you to office glory.

1. LEE WESTWOOD - England

Age: 37

World ranking: 3

Ladbrokes.com odds: 21/1

Worldwide victories: 31

2010 victories: St. Jude Classic

Majors: None

2010 Majors: Masters-2, U.S. Open-T16.

Why he could win: Finished T3 a year ago and is arguably the world's best player tee to green.

2. PHIL MICKELSON - U.S.A.

Age: 40

World ranking: 2

Ladbrokes.com odds: 17/1

Worldwide victories: 40

2010 victories: Masters

Majors: Masters (3), PGA Championship (1).

2010 Majors: Masters-1, U.S. Open-T4.

3. TIGER WOODS - U.S.A.

Age: 34

World ranking: 1

Ladbrokes.com odds: 7/1

Worldwide victories: 82

2010 victories: None

Majors: Masters (4), U.S. Open (3), British Open (3), PGA Championship (4).

2010 majors: Masters-T4, U.S. Open-T4.

Why you should pick him: Despite recent struggles no course in the world sets up better for him. Two-time champion here.

4. ERNIE ELS - South Africa

Age: 40

World ranking: 6

Ladbrokes.com odds: 21/1

Worldwide victories: 62

2010 victories: WGC-CA Championship, Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Majors: U.S. Open (2), British Open (1).

2010 Majors: Masters-T18, U.S. Open-3.

Why you should pick him: Has six Top-4 finishes in the Open Championship since 2000. Runner-up to Tigere here in 2000.

5. PADRAIG HARRINGTON - Ireland

Age: 38

World ranking: 15

Ladbrokes.com odds: 26/1

Worldwide victories: 21

2010 victories: None

Majors: British Open (2), PGA Championship (1).

Why you should pick him: His swing coach says no one is hitting it better right now. Won twice at St. Andrews in Dunhill Links event.

6. RORY MCILROY - Northern Ireland

Age: 21

World ranking: 9

Ladbrokes.com odds: 17/1

Worldwide victories: 2

2010 victories: Quail Hollow Championship

Majors: None

2010 Majors: Masters-Cut, U.S. Open-Cut.

Why you should pick him: Missed a playoff at the French Open two weeks ago by a shot. Most talented player in the world not named Tiger, Mickelson or Els.

7. JUSTIN ROSE - England

Age: 29

World ranking: 16

Ladbrokes.com odds: 21/1

Worldwide victories: 8

2010 victories: Memorial, AT&T National.

Majors: None

2010 Majors: Masters-DNP, U.S. Open-DNP.

Why you should pick him: World's hottest player with two wins in past three PGA Tour starts. Contended as 17-year-old amateur in '98.

8. GRAEME MCDOWELL - Northern Ireland

Age: 30

World ranking: 13

Ladbrokes.com odds: 34/1

Worldwide victories: 5

2010 victories: Wales Open, U.S. Open.

Majors: U.S. Open (1)

2010 Majors: Masters-Cut, U.S. Open-1.

Why you should pick him: Reigning U.S. Open champion brimming with confidence. Excellent bad-weather player, and the forecast is bad.

9. LUKE DONALD - England

Age: 31

World ranking: 7

Ladbrokes.com odds: 41/1

Worldwide victories: 5

2010 victories: Madrid Masters

Majors: None

2010 Majors: Masters-CUT, U.S. Open-T47.

Why you should pick him: He'll keep it out of the pot bunkers and once he's on the greens he's one of the best in the world.

10. STEVE STRICKER- U.S.A.

Age: 43

World ranking: 4

Ladbrokes.com odds: 41/1

Worldwide victories: 8

2010 victories: Northern Trust Open

Majors: None

2010 Majors: Masters-T30, U.S. Open-T58.

Why you should pick him: Won John Deere Classic last week with an impressive 26-under total.