Candian Open preview, picks & analysis

EXPECT some late withdrawals from the Canadian Open at Oakville, Ontario, after The Open Championship overran. In any event, don't put money on any of the bleary-eyed, jet-lagged players who fly in from St Andrews.

It is surely asking too much for anybody who was in contention at the Old Course to be able to find the energy to repeat the feat after so little recovery time. Twelve months ago, Tim Clark pipped Jim Furyk by a single shot after both players produced four superb rounds. Clark came out on top after a final round of 65, which took him to 263, 17 under par.

Clark has done little or nothing since and will arrive in Ontario with his confidence at an all-time low. He is one of the many golfers who will have to go back to the drawing board on January 1 when the ban on anchored putting comes into effect. His mood will not have been helped by the fact that he was unable to take part in The Open because of visa problems.

An increasing number of Canadians are making their presence felt on the PGA Tour, and they would all love nothing more than to lift their own national championship. Sadly, former Masters champion Mike Weir will not be among them. The left-hander, who has struggled horribly with his game recently, has announced that he is taking time away from the game. Weir is a much-liked individual and it is to be hoped that he can find a way back.

The leading Canadian contender is expected to be Graham DeLaet, who surely won't have to wait much longer before finding his way into the winners' circle. Nick Taylor, a winner already this season, and David Hearn will also have plenty of local support.

Hunter Mahan, who walked away from the 36-hole lead two years ago at Glen Abbey to attend the birth of his first child, returns and needs a good week after just three top-10 finishes this season.

As things stand, 27 players taking part in The Open are due to compete. They include Furyk, twice a Canadian Open champion, Bubba Watson, who missed the cut at St Andrews, and Jason Day.

Incredibly, only  five weeks remain in the FedExCup regular season, as jockeying starts to heat up for one of 125 spots at The Barclays playoff opener.

Candian Open Betting Picks

To win: Graham DeLaet. Canadian who is long overdue a win

Each way: Luke Donald. Whisper it, but the Englishman is on his way back

Each way: Jason Day. Assuming he plays and is not exhausted, he will be there or thereabouts

Canadian Open Fantasy Picks:

Graham DeLaet. Home fans would love to see him win

Luke Donald. Needs to get going again soon

Jason Day. Mr Consistency

Jim Furyk. Loves this tournament

Martin Laird. In need of a few good weeks

Brian Davis. If he keeps knocking at the door it will open

Hunter Mahan. Could be inspired by return to this event

Ryo Ishikawa. Beginning to live up to his potential

Jerry Kelly. Having a golden spell as he prepares for Champions Tour

Matt Kuchar. Another who loves playing in Canada