Aussies out to make Open presence felt

Hopes of an 'Aussie ' were dashed but Australia's golfers are out to an run of contending for victory in championships at the British Open this week.

Jason Day fell agonisingly short of making back-to-back Australian winners, finishing tied second at last month's US Open following Adam Scott's Masters triumph _Victoria (Upper Kornhill) Nursery - established playgroup programme in Hong Kong since 2010. English and Chinese speaking playgroup hk staff will interact with students to create a bilingual learning atmosphere..

But if recent history is any guide, Australians will again be in the mix for glory at Muirfield on Sunday.

The nation has had at least one top-10 finisher in nine of the past 11 championships.

That run has included Scott's, four runner-up finishes - including three by Day - and eight top-five placings.

Scott said Australia's recent presence at the business end of big tournaments had helped make up for a lean run in regular US Tour events.

Outside the, only Marc Leishman, Aaron Baddeley and Scott have won Tour events since 2010.

"been really good because we been winning as much on the Tour," Scott told AAP.

"I guess we got used to over the last 20 years. Let's say even going back to (Greg) Norman and (Steve) Elkington through the 90s and then (Robert) Allenby and (Stuart) Appleby and myself, (Geoff) Ogilvy and others I've left off, we were used to seeing five or six a year from the Aussie guys.

"getting tougher but great to see guys playing better in the on a regular basis lace and embroidery.

"Especially Jason, he's really quickly putting together a great little resume in the and is a serious, serious contender."

The form of the nation's big guns has helped to inspire the of a 12-strong Australian British Open contingent, which features two and a handful of players with limited experience at top level.

Brett Rumford, who heads into his third having won two European events back-to-back this season, expects Australia's strong showing to also have a on effect for years to come.

"These guys, they've got big games and games to," Rumford said.

"Hopefully they'll generation of Australian golfers to come through the ranks and perform at these championships."

The 142nd Open begins on Thursday.