Player capsules for the British Open

At his worst in 2012: Failing to break par in any round at the U.S. Open.

British Open moment: Closing with a 65 at Carnoustie in 2007.

Pot bunker mentality: A win would make him the front-runner for PGA Tour player of the year. Supremely gifted as a ball-striker, and slightly above-average length could make him well-suited for Royal Lytham. Will always have a reputation as a poor chipper until he wins a major _ or a key Ryder Cup point.

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IAN POULTER

Age: 36.

Country: England.

World ranking: 27.

Worldwide wins: 14.

Majors: None.

At his best in 2012: Five top-10s and has yet to miss a cut.

At his worst in 2012: If that’s the nicest thing that can be said about him, it hasn’t been much of a year.

British Open moment: Practicing his putting for so long in one spot at Royal Birkdale that he left two footprint-sized patches of dead grass.

Pot bunker mentality: The Open would seem to rank among his best chances because of a strong short game and a knack for getting the ball in the hole. Surely that palace he built at Lake Nona has room for a claret jug.

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