Watch the birdies? No, watch the Tiger, says Watson

Tiger Woods of the U.S. watches his tee shot on the 12th hole during a practice round ahead of the British Open Championship at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, northern England July 15, 2014. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth

HOYLAKE England (Reuters) - After missing the U.S. Masters and the U.S. Open following a back operation, Tiger Woods returns to major championship action at this week's British Open and once again he is the hot topic of conversation.

The 38-year-old American is normally the clear favourite when he tees it up at any tournament but the bookmakers seem sceptical of his title chances at Hoylake, rating him a 20-1 shot to land the 15th major victory of his career.