Ernie Els (Getty Images)

European Tour knowledge of the hallowed St Andrews turf could have a major bearing on the outcome of The Open Championship in the view of three time Major Champion Ernie Els.

The 40 year old is a regular participant in the annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on The European Tour which takes place on the Old Course as well as the Championship Course at Carnoustie and the new links at Kingbarns every October.

And the winner of the 2002 Open Championship at Muirfield believes such regular exposure can only be a good thing for the European Tour contingent seeking to claim the Claret Jug.

“Because of The European Tour playing here every year, you’re going to have a huge European Tour presence here this week,” said Els.

“The guys know the course like the back of their hands now so you’re going to have a big group of guys on Sunday with a chance to win, I think.”

Els also indicated that the destiny of the championship could well lie in the way players adapt to the most famous hole in golf – the Road Hole 17th.

“The rough is really thick on the left (of the 17th). If you hit it in there you’ve just got to pitch it out – I tried to advance the ball from there this morning and you’ve got no chance.

“But you also have to be in control of your emotions and hit the right shots at the right time. Somebody will win this Open obviously but I think somebody might lose it also.”