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Open Features The numbers point to Tiger Woods A shock at 2005 Open unlikely Avoiding bunkers the key at St Andrews Tom Watson speaks of respect for Jack Nicklaus Late qualification causes Sean O'Hair problems Short game problems issue for Todd Hamilton Greg Norman has few hopes on return from injury Tiger Woods favourite for Open Todd Hamilton returns the Claret Jug Colin Montgomerie still set on breaking Major duck Tony Jacklin to call it day Padraig Harrington withdraws after father's death Varied weather hits St Andrews Padraig Harrington may withdraw after father's death Seve Ballesteros vows to return to Open Nicklaus & Watson paired together Nick Faldo backs Tiger Woods to break Major records Jack Nicklaus begins his Major goodbye Despite length St Andrews still needs wind Phil Mickelson confident of Open chances Major goodbye lined up for Jack Nicklaus Bernard Langer earns late Open call up Thongchai leads Asian Tour challenge Brad Faxon makes it through Open Qualification Differing views on playing before a Major Mayfair, Perez & Bryant secure Open places Ian Woosnam makes it through Open Qualifying Kenneth Ferrie clinches Open spot

Phil Mickelson confident of Open chances

World number four Phil Mickelson was in upbeat mood for the British Open after closing with a two-under-par 69 at the Scottish Open on Sunday.

The 35-year-old American, winner of last year's U.S. Masters, was delighted with his driving at Loch Lomond and believes this will be a telling factor at St Andrews from Thursday.

"It was a fun and enjoyable week, although I didn't play as well as I wanted to," the left-hander told reporters after finishing at five-under 279.

"But today was a much better day for me with regard to ball-striking and I do feel more comfortable for next week.

"I drove the ball well here and driving is going to be key at St Andrews with a lot of bunkers you want to carry, or try to carry.

"I don't anticipate a lot of low drives at St Andrews. If the weather is similar to what we've had here this week there will be a lot of similar shots played at the British Open."

The Old Course at St Andrews, renowned for its wide fairways and multiple humps and bumps, has been lengthened by 164 yards since Tiger Woods won the 2000 championship with a record 19-under-par total of 269.

The par-72 layout now measures 7,279 yards, with many of its infamous bunkers brought back into play.

Mickelson, who ended a 12-year wait for his first major title with a dramatic one-shot victory over Ernie Els at last year's U.S. Masters, believes he came of age as a British Open player at Royal Troon 12 months ago.

Known for his high-ball game, the American finished just a stroke outside a four-hole playoff for last year's title, eventually won by compatriot Todd Hamilton over Els.

"I've always been a player who plays through the air and it would say much to be able to overcome the challenge of playing over the ground," said Mickelson.

"Last year was the first time I did it effectively at a British Open. Going into Troon was the first time I felt I had the requisite skills to play those bump-and-run shots successfully.

"It would be a big personal triumph if I came out on top next week."

Mickelson added he would get in some putting practice at St Andrews later in the day.

"That's where you score and, with all the double greens at St Andrews, I will be practising long-range putts as well as those from between five and six feet."

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