The best in the world head to the home of golf in one of the most anticipated Open Championship's in recent memory. Plenty of storyline are surrounding the season's third majors, some involving rising superstars and other involving aging veterans. Here is what to watch for over the next four days:

An Open Without Rory:

A bit of air was taken out of the championship with the defending champion and world number one Rory McIlroy announced he would be sitting out the tournament to recover from a torn tendon in his ankle. McIlroy was considered the favorite to win on a course that suited his style, and his loss opens up the field to the other competitors. 

Jordan Going For The Grand Slam:

With McIlroy out of the tournament, all eyes will be on Jordan Spieth as he attempts to go for three straight major victories. Nobody has ever won the calendar Grand Slam in the modern era, and only one player, Ben Hogan in 1953, ever won the first three. Hogan was unable to attempt the Grand Slam in '53 for travel reasons, so Spieth will attempt to be the first player to enter the PGA Championship after winning the previous three majors. Not only is Spieth coming off of two straight majors, but he is also coming off an impressive victory at the John Deere Classic, where he defeated Tom Gillis in a playoff. 

Tom Watson's Last Open:

When it comes to the modern Open Championship, no many is remembered more than Tom Watson. Watson won five Claret Jugs, including the famous Duel In The Sun in 1977 where he took down Jack Nicklaus, who was in the prime of his career. Watson turned back the clock in 2009 and nearly won his sixth Open at the age of 59, eventually losing in a playoff against Stewart Cink. Watson made the cut last year at the age of 64, and will be looking for a Sunday tee time one more time as Watson takes a final trip around St. Andrews. 

Nick Faldo's Last Open:

With Tom Watson playing his final Open, there has not been much conversation about Sir Nick Faldo also participating for the final time at St. Andrews. Faldo has been working primarily as a commentator for CBS over the past ten years, so he has been in semi-retirement for several years. Faldo's legacy, however, will be what is discussed throughout most of the week, as the great British golfers look to Faldo as a role model and standard barer for British golf. Faldo won three Open Championships, including the 1990 edition at St. Andrews by five strokes. 

How Will Tiger Do?

Every time Tiger Woods tees it up, it seems as if there are more questions than answers. At the beginning of the season, he was struggling to make cuts, and a third round 85 at The Memorial seemed to suggest that Tiger would never be a contender again. Following three rounds in the 60's at Greenbrier, however, people now wonder if Tiger could possibly contend at The Open. Tiger has won twice at St. Andrews, both in pretty convincing fashion, so if there is any place where Tiger will feel comfortable, it is here. 

How Will Dustin Rebound?

Dustin Johnson had the opportunity to win his first ever major title as he stood over an eagle putt on the 18th hole at Chambers Bay. A three putt gave Spieth his second major title, and has many wondering if Johnson will ever get himself back into that position again. St. Andrews favors big hitters, and Johnson has quite a bit of control in his golf swing, so if Johnson has eliminated all the demons from his mind, he could be a contender this week.

How will St. Andrews hold up?

St. Andrews will be hosting The Open Championship for a record 29th time, and while a few changes have been made to the golf course, how difficult the course plays will be completely dependent on the weather. It is Scotland, so the possibility of strong winds and rain exists each day, but St. Andrews is regarded as one of the easiest courses in the Open rotation. The record for lowest round in a major tournament is 63. If the winds stay away, that record could be in jeopardy this week.

The golf writers here at VAVEL have made our predictions for the 144th Open Championship. Here is who we see winning the tournament, who we see as a potential sleeper, and a player who no one is paying attention to who could make some noise by the end of the week.

Anthony Distler:

Winner: For two weeks, I have been telling everyone that I do not see Jordan Spieth winning this tournament. Not only are you asking me to bet on history, but Spieth has to fly from Wisconsin and play on a course he has barely seen; however, if anyone can do it, it is Jordan. He is playing golf at an all time historic level, and with Rory out, I think Jordan takes it.

Sleeper: I'm going with Danny Lee here. Lee won two weeks ago and came one shot short of a playoff with Spieth last week, so he is playing at an incredibly high level. He does not have a lot of experience in majors as of yet, but I think his strong play continues and he ends up with a top 10.

Dark Horse: The Open Championship has historically been the tournament that has given older plays an opportunity to compete, whether it's Greg Norman's last run in 2008, Tom Watson almost making history in 2009, or Darren Clarke, Ernie Els, and Phil Mickelson all winning in consecutive years. I think an older player gets one run at greatness, and that player is Hiroyuki Fujita of Japan. He has not played well this season, but he has played St. Andrews twice, and came within a shot of making the cut at Chambers Bay. He has competed in 18 majors, and has yet to finish inside the top 10. The 46-year-old doesn't have a lot of opportunities left, so I think he takes advantage of this one and grabs a late tee time on Sunday. 

Bryan McLean:

Winner: Jordan Spieth

Sleeper: Matt Kuchar

Dark Horse: Charl Schwartzel

Noel Alberto:

Winner: Rickie Fowler. Coming off of a Scottish Open victory, Fowler is definitely one of the most readily prepared to tackle links golf at the Old Course at St. Andrews. After a tumultuous showing at the US Open, the American has a chip on his shoulder to perform well at The Open Championship. After finishing second to McIlroy last year, he knows what it takes to contend at The Open Championship. With McIlroy out and all the pressure on Spieth, watch out for Fowler to sneak in and take home The Claret Jug. 

Sleeper: Bernd Wiesberger. The Austrian has struggled in his career playing at the British Open with his best showing finishing T-64 two years ago. In three years, he's missed the cut twice but that still doesn't deny the quality of golf this young man plays. The course may favor the "bigger hitters" but Oosthuizen was a very average driver when he won and still managed to drive nearly 320 yards on average, and Wiesberger is one of those average drivers who can take advantage of the course. Also, being a solid putter is pretty advantageous here for the Austrian. Watch for him to contend on the last two days.

Dark Horse: Hideki Matsuyama. The Japanese phenom is going really under-the-radar probably because of who he is paired with... Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson, some formidable opposition. Albeit he isn't the best putter or longest driver, Matsuyama has played well at The Open Championship finishing sixth two years ago. He's going to need to putt better than he has all season to get into the weekend, but if he does, he could be making some noise.