The 152nd Open Championship Players to Watch
This year’s last Major Championship will be held ‘across the pond’ at Royal Troon. There have been four Open Championships held at the venerable club that plays to a par 71 at 7385 yards. It is without question one of the most unique courses in the Open Rota. Read more the 152nd Open Championship players to watch.
In 2016, Royal Troon hosted the Open Championship where Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson had one of the most epic battles ever seen in ANY major championship. When the dust settled, Stenson hoisted the Claret Jug at a whopping -20 under par, 3 clear of Phil Mickelson who, by the way, was 11, yes, 11 shots clear of third place.
Anytime the Open Championship is contested, one thing every single year is always a critical piece to determining the Champion Golfer of the Year. That is: the weather and more specifically the wind.
It can absolutely play a massive factor in the outcome of any Open Championship. It blows hard, it will gust, then stop and even change direction 180 degrees and if any player has high hopes of winning this event, they MUST avoid about 25 or so strategically placed bunkers that can and will ruin your chances.
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Players to Watch
COLIN MORIKAWA (+1800)
With 5 top 5 finishes in his last 10 starts, Colin has already won this event in his first ever Open Championship. Colin is gaining an average of 10 strokes over the field in his last 5 starts. 10 strokes!
The thing that makes me bullish the most about the current state of his golf game is he has turned his chipping and putting into serious strengths. As strong as his already impressive iron game.
TONY FINAU (+5000)
Despite the uncomfortable “look’ of Tony’s putting stroke, he has gained strokes on the field in each of his last 3 events. There are only 3 players on tour who have struck the ball with the precision and expertise that Tony has this year, and they are: Scottie, Rory and Xander. Tony too has improved his short game gaining 3 strokes per start on the field. In 7 Open starts, Tony has 6 top 30 finishes.
PATRICK CANTLAY (+4500)
A great scrambler, Patrick has an edge this week that could be the difference at Troon. Remember, the last 10 Open Championships were won by first time major winners.
Cantlay has been an elite ball striker no doubt. The start of this year, however, was nothing to talk about. In his last 4 events, Patrick has gained strokes with his irons and in 8 of his last 10 events, he has gained on the field with his driver.
With 2 top 5 finishes in his last 2 events, PC is trendy beautifully. In those events, he has gained an average of 5 strokes on the field with his putter, another fantastic sign.
Toss a couple dollars on these guys
Bryson DeChambeau….. really, do I need to say anything….just check out his Major Championship record this year…+1800.
Rob McIntyre….how do you not love the local Scotsman, who impressively won near his home last week at the Renaissance Club, after showing up late for his Open Championship presser said, sorry guys I am still drunk from celebrating my win ….yep cannot make that up! +3500
Cameron Young…great ball hitter, not a great putter but with high winds and weather forecasted all week, he may be able to ball-strike his way to victory.+5500
Tommy Fleetwood….yeah I know he won’t win but take a prop bet flier here, top 10 top 20 and cash a ticket. Various odds depending on your prop bet.
