by David Barwise
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| photo: pgatour.com |
Another week, another major championship – such is the
hectic nature of the golfing summer. Every year, we find ourselves at the Open
and wonder “how the hell did we get here???”
But if you’re British (as I am) another big question arises
– whether “we” actually have a shot this year. The Open is often criticised and
always admired for its dramatic shift from the other big tournaments in the
calendar. Not usually too long off the tee, courses on the rota instead
challenge the field with tight lies, frightening pot bunkers and unpredictable
climate. Typically, this would best suit home-grown players who have grown used
to the harsher conditions.
But the figures don’t lie. Of the eight times that Royal
Troon has hosted the competition, it has only yielded one home-grown hero
(Arthur Havers in 1923). Given the amount of global talent the odds are against
a Brit winning this year, but with an Englishman winning the first major of the
year perhaps there is hope...
Danny Willett
Since Spieth’s meltdown on Sunday at the Masters, the press
have understandably stated that the tournament was the young Texan’s to lose.
While this may be true, Willett played at the standard of a true major champion
and took his chance (which is as big a thing in professional golf as learning
how to strike the ball). That being said – as a player who ultimately aims to
overpower every hole that he plays – this is not necessarily Willett’s type of
course. A dip in form following his win was perhaps inevitable but, if his last
two finishes are anything to go by (missing back-to-back cuts), I wouldn’t
expect low numbers from Danny this week.
Rory McIlroy
Rory may have missed the cut at the US Open, but that’s the
only one since the Masters. In fact, of the other five tournaments, his worst
finish has been a very covetable T12 at THE PLAYERS Championship. He also won
the Irish Open a matter of weeks ago and he is only Brit (aside from Darren
Clarke) to win the Open this century. Determined to make up for lost time after
missing this event last year, I foresee a leaderboard finish for the Northern
Irishman. So long as he leaves the football at home.
Justin Rose
It’s hard to say exactly. I would argue that he is the
“classiest” player in the British ranks right now. Traditionally quick out of
the blocks, if his putter is hot on Thursday he could put himself in
contention. But what could have been a very promising 2016 has gone awry
through injuries. The man himself concedes that it has been difficult to build
up momentum this year and doesn’t believe he has much of a shot against the
in-form players.
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| photo: eighteenunderpar.com |
Chris Wood
Not a great deal is known about Chris Wood, stateside. But
the fact of the matter is he’s ranked 22nd in the world (which is above
Brandt Snedeker and JB Holmes, and also a personal best). The excellent run of
form he’s on makes him one of my favourite Europeans for this tournament. I
expect to see him floating around the top ten, at least.
Russell Knox
Top ranking Scot. On paper, Knox should be a strong choice
this week (accurate off the tee and plenty of GIRs). A T10 finish at the
Scottish Open is promising as well. However, he finished T10 in the same event
last year and went on to miss the cut at the Open. Personally, I think he’ll
sail to the weekend but won’t threaten the guys up top.
Paul Casey
To make the cut. But I sadly can’t see him doing much more
than that. His form has been too hit-and-miss (an excellent T4 at the Masters,
but has since missed three cuts) and he may struggle having “Americanised” his
game moving from the European Tour to the PGA.
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| photo: telegraph.co.uk |
Lee Westwood
Perhaps my top pick this week. T2 at the Masters and solid
ever since. Rumour has it that he’s sorted out his putting. If that really is
the case, he should be odds-on favourite to win! A Green-In-Regulation machine,
Westwood has always looked most threatening at the Open. One of the more
considered guys on tour, Lee is the sort of player that would opt for the
lay-up shot and allow the hot-heads to make the mistakes. However you spin it,
if you stay out of the bunkers this week you’re the one to beat which plays
into the hands of the former world number one. I’m not sure if there’s anyone
else the public would rather see take the Claret Jug.
Andy Sullivan
Good player. In-form. Due a win. Not sure if it’ll be this
time around, but I still expect to see him in the top twenty five at the end of
the week.
Matthew
Fitzpatrick
My pick at the start of the year for this event. Understandably
not everyone’s favourite for victory this week, but he stacks up very well for
this course. Straight ball? Check. Strong iron-play? Check. Good wind player?
Check. My only concern is that his game (from event-to-event) is very
temperamental. Fitz missed the cut at the Irish Open but somehow found victory
at the Nordea Masters two weeks later. This spike in form was to be
short-lived, however, when he missed the cut two events later at the French
Open. Another two weeks later, we find ourselves at the Open. The smart money won’t
be on him, but if he keeps his cool he could be the dark horse of this
competition.
Graeme McDowell
Graeme played well at Castle Stuart. Graeme drives an
accurate ball. Graeme is a major winner. Yes. But Graeme has also missed eight
cuts this year, which scares me. I secretly believe that, out of all the Brits,
Graeme is up there and could do well.
I just don’t think he will this time
around.
Luke Donald
The fact that he wasn’t eligible for the Masters speaks
volumes. If he gets close to what he is capable of, he’d win this week – it’s
his sort of course. He won’t, though; he’ll finish around T45 (where he’s
finished in his last two tournaments).
Tyrrell Hatton
Qualified after a sterling performance last week saw him claim
second place. Ultimately, he was held off but good play at the Scottish Open
normally equates to good scores at the Open. Past performances are not on his
side (he has never made a cut in this event), but this has been a very strong
year for the 24-year-old with some great finishes. I expect him to make the
cut.
Jamie Donaldson
Qualified through the Open Qualifying Series Thailand.
Sadly, his game has taken a bit of a nose-dive as of late, missing cuts in five
of his last seven events. Get well soon, Jamie.
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