There's no Tiger in the field at the British Open, a fact that will make it much easier for someone to win his first major.

Those who played there in 1998 won't recognize it. Royal Birkdale has changed all but two holes since it last hosted the Open Championship.

The course is just 155 yards longer but has been tightened with 20 new bunkers. Fairways have been shifted, leaving new options available on five holes. There's even a new green at No. 17.

With all the changes, and with Woods watching at home, the tournament is wide open. There might even be a chance for someone with a Georgia connection to break through.

Here's a look at the local contingent, which begins play today in the world's oldest golf tournament.

Stewart Cink

The Duluth resident has made 10 starts at the British Open, with his best finish a tie for sixth in 2007 at Carnoustie. Cink has top 15s in the Masters (T-3) and U.S. Open (T-14) this season.

David Duval

The last victory for the former Georgia Tech standout came at the 2001 Open Championship at Royal Lytham and St. Annes. He made the cut last year and finished 56th at Carnoustie. Duval has made one cut in 12 starts this season.

Jamie Elson

The former Augusta State standout is making his first start in the Open Championship. Elson earned his way into the tournament at a qualifier, where he made a hole-in-one.

Charles Howell III

The Augusta native has played in the British Open four times. His best finish was 42nd in 2004 at Royal Troon, which was the last time he made the cut. Howell is making cuts this season but isn't contending.

Ryuji Imada

The former Georgia All-American earned his first spot in the Open by his strong performance this year on the PGA Tour. Imada has played three events since winning the AT&T Classic in mid-May, and posted a top-20 finish at the U.S. Open.

Matt Kuchar

The former Georgia Tech standout will be trying to make the cut in the Open for the first time. Kuchar has seven top-10s in 20 starts this season.

Davis Love III

The Sea Island resident will be playing in the Open for the 22nd time. He's missed the cut the past three years, but he has finished in the top 11 six times, including a fourth-place showing in 2003 at Royal St. George's. Love finished eighth at Birkdale 10 years ago.

Tom Sherreard

A native of England, the Georgia State junior emerged from a local qualifier last week to become the school's second player to participate in the British Open.

Brandt Snedeker

The part-time Sea Island dweller will be making his first trip to the British Open. He's finished among the top 10 in the first two majors: a tie for third at the Masters and a tie for ninth at the U.S. Open.

Oliver Wilson

The Augusta State star is returning for his second shot at the Open; he missed the cut a year ago. Wilson is fifth on the European Tour in earnings and has a great chance to earn a spot on the Ryder Cup team.

BRITISH OPEN

> When: Today-Sunday

> Where: Royal Birkdale Golf Club (7,173 yards, par 70), Southport, England

> Purse: $8.24 million. Winner's share: $1,487,000

> Television: TNT (today-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 7-9 a.m.; Sunday, 6-8 a.m.) and ABC (Saturday, 9 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.)