Top Five British Open Players to Keep an Eye On

It feels like just yesterday when the world’s top golfers were vying for a prestigious green jacket at the Masters Tournament, the first major of the season.

But now, in mid-July, the stage is set for the final major of the year – the British Open at the renowned Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, England, which commences on Thursday.

All eyes will be on Wyndham Clark, the surprising winner of the United States Open in June, as he attempts to replicate his success at the British Open. Additionally, the world’s number one golfer, Scottie Scheffler, known for consistently performing well, will strive to secure his second major victory after conquering the Masters last year.

Here we present five other players who are worth watching this week.

Brooks Koepka

No golfer has been more impressive in the major championships this year than Brooks Koepka. He achieved a second-place tie at the Masters and emerged victorious at the PGA Championship.

At the age of 33, Koepka, who possesses five major titles, is still in his prime. If he acquires one more major win, he will join the ranks of legends such as Lee Trevino, Nick Faldo, and Phil Mickelson, who have all won six majors. Koepka has expressed his aim of reaching double figures in major victories, and it’s not an unattainable goal.

He once stated, “I believe that majors are sometimes the easiest to win. Half of the competitors eliminate themselves mentally, and I know that I can outperform most of them.”

Koepka, who recently signed with the Saudi-financed LIV Golf tour for 2022, has successfully recovered from knee and hip injuries that had hindered his game and confidence in recent years.

Rory McIlroy

With each major championship, the same question arises for 34-year-old McIlroy – will he secure his fifth title? Since his triumph at the 2014 PGA Championship, he has remained stuck at four major victories.

He came close to victory at this year’s United States Open but faltered with a lack of birdies on the vulnerable par 5 8th hole and a bogey on the par 5 14th hole, ultimately finishing second by just one stroke.

Nevertheless, McIlroy, currently ranked number two, still has time on his side. It’s worth noting that both Mickelson and Ben Hogan didn’t secure their first major victories until their early 30s. On the other hand, McIlroy must capitalize on these opportunities as they are limited. He does have an advantage this week as he triumphed on the same Royal Liverpool course in 2014, capturing his sole British Open title with a two-stroke victory over Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler.

Justin Rose

Time is becoming a factor for Justin Rose, who will turn 43 at the end of the month, in his quest for a second major victory. His first major win came at the 2013 US Open. Since 2000, only Tiger Woods and Mickelson have triumphed in majors after turning 43.

Rose, hailing from England, has showcased his skills this year. In February, he emerged victorious at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, thanks to impressive final rounds of 65 and 66. He achieved a tied sixth place finish at the Players Championship, a tied ninth place finish at the PGA Championship, and an eighth place finish at the RBC Canadian Open.

Believe it or not, twenty-five years have passed since Rose, a 17-year-old amateur at the time, astounded the golfing world by holing out from 50 yards away on the 72nd hole to secure a tied fourth place finish in the 1998 British Open. Reflecting on that remarkable moment, Rose stated, “It was an experience that surpassed anything I could have ever imagined or expected.”

Cameron Smith

Attempting to defend his title is 29-year-old Australian golfer Cameron Smith, who claimed victory with a final-round 64 at last year’s British Open, finishing one stroke ahead of Cameron Young. McIlroy trailed in third place, two shots behind Smith. Smith put on an exceptional putting display, sinking every putt in the final round, including a phenomenal 10-footer on the challenging 17th hole, famously known as the Road Hole.

Smith, currently ranked seventh, stated, “I knew that if I could position the ball there, I would have a good opportunity.” Basking in his recent LIV Tour win in London, Smith tied for 34th place at the Masters, tied for ninth place at the PGA Championship, and achieved a commendable fourth place finish at the US Open, closing with an impressive three-under 67. Unless his putting form falters, he should be a strong contender in this tournament.