3 golfers with the most to gain at the British Open

First played in October 1860, the British Open has been a place where legends are made and legacies are cemented for more than 150 years. 

Last year Phil Mickelson captured the Claret Jug, filling a hole on his hall-of-fame resume and cementing himself as one of the most versatile and successful golfers of the generation. A veritable who's-who of golf history have announced their arrival to the world by adding their names to the top of the leaderboard, and this weekend 156 golfers will battle for the opportunity to join the list of legends. 

Related: 5 things you need to know about the British Open

A major title would be a feather in anyone's cap, but here are three golfers that would stand to gain the most by walking away from Royal Liverpool Golf Club as British Open champion.

Related: Your A-Z guide to the 2014 British Open

Adam Scott

The World No. 1 hasn't been around since the U.S. Open in June, but his results in the last two British Opens are a tie for third in 2013 and a runner up finish in 2012. The 2013 Masters champion can put some space between himself and the rest of the field by capturing his second career major title. 

Rickie Fowler 

The 25-year-old Fowler has steadily improved each and every year on tour, and his performance in this year's majors puts him in position to take the big step. Fowler finished fifth at the Masters and tied for second behind Martin Kaymer at the U.S. Open. The only way his majors record can get better this year is to put his hands on the Claret Jug.

Rory McIlroy

While the Tiger Woods comeback story would be a journalist's dream, the world will always give Woods the benefit of the doubt to compete in a tournament. McIlroy, however, has lost the faith of the general public. Plagued with a 'case of the Fridays', McIlroy hasn't been able to put together many consistent weekends all year long. The 25-year-old from Northern Ireland grew up on links golf, and could turn the story of his whole season around by capturing his third major title.