A look at some of the players in the spotlight and a few flying below the radar ahead of the 97th Canadian Open, which runs Thursday through Sunday at Hamilton Golf and Country Club:

FAVOURITES

Vijay Singh, Fiji: The tireless Fijian has a sensational 61 to his credit in the last few days and would have a victory if not for Tiger Woods's play at the Deutsche Bank Championship. He loves the course and the event _ can he put it all together during his fourth tournament in as many weeks?

Jim Furyk, U.S.: Call him the Silent Superstar. Furyk is second on the money list, third in the world ranking and has seven top-three finishes this year. The classic Hamilton course seems like it was built for Furyk, who hits the ball straight and putts well.

Trevor Immelman, South Africa: He's the last player to beat Woods in a tournament, having outlasted the World's No. 1 player for a victory at the Western Open in July. Also has two second-places finishes this season because he has no trouble making birdies wherever he plays.

CONTENDERS

Charles Howell III, U.S.: He led the 2003 Canadian Open after two rounds and has said he'd give an arm to win the tournament. After being tabbed as one of the next top American players, Howell has largely under-performed with only one career PGA Tour victory. Perhaps it's time his performance matches his potential.

Mike Weir, Bright's Grove, Ont.: Remember '04? Weir's near-miss at his home Open two years ago is something other PGA Tour players still talk about because of the electric atmosphere at Glen Abbey. He's playing well again and will be looking to rebound after missing the cut in this event last year.

Stewart Cink, U.S.: Was made a captain's pick for the U.S. Ryder Cup team and nearly won the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational two weeks ago, when Woods outlasted him in a playoff. Cink tied for fourth at the Canadian Open just before the last Ryder Cup in 2004 and seems to be peeking again.

Steve Stricker, U.S.: This isn't a misprint. He's quietly having the sort of season that suggests he could find himself back in the winner's circle for the first time since 2001. Stricker is currently fifth on the PGA Tour in scoring average and has five top-10s in just 14 events.

LONGSHOTS

Billy Mayfair, U.S.: It's only been a month since he had surgery for testicular cancer, yet he's back on the course. That should make him a sentimental favourite, especially because Mayfair has shown he can still play _ the 40-year-old finished 22nd on the money list last year and has earned over US$1.3 million so far this season.

Jesper Parnevik, Sweden: The Swedish Sultan of Style spawned a whole generation of imitators with his tight, bright garb. Parnevik hasn't made a cut since May after a decent start to the year and is due for a paycheque. He has the ability to go low and the guts to wear purple pants _ what's not to like?

Tommy Armour III, U.S.: The man with the famous name has close ties to this golf course. His grandfather, the orginal Tommy Armour, won the 1930 Canadian Open in a playoff at Hamilton while he finished tied for 11th here in 2003. Thunderstorms are forecasted this week _ maybe lightning will strike twice.

CP's PICK

He's keeping it in the Commonwealth as the South African Immelman will add his name to the decorated list of Canadian Open champions. His score will eclipse the 8-under that won Bob Tway the tournament on the same course in 2003, and will secure the 26-year-old PGA Tour rookie-of-the-year honours.

© The Canadian Press, 2007