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The Open Championship: ProGolfNow writers’ picks

By Elizabeth Bethel

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 23: Eddie Pepperell of England looks at The Open trophy and the Joburg Open trophy on display at the 1st tee during day one of the Joburg Open at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club on February 23, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 23: Eddie Pepperell of England looks at The Open trophy and the Joburg Open trophy on display at the 1st tee during day one of the Joburg Open at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club on February 23, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /
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The ProGolfNow writers are sharing their personal picks to win the 146th Open Championship. No one has picked DJ for the win this week!

The 146th Open Championship has the ProGolfNow writers scratching their heads. We know who the oddsmakers are favoring. Dustin Johnson has topped their list for months.

Going into Championship Week at Royal Birkdale, Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, and Jon Rahm are featured prominently as Johnson’s top challengers.  And, even though he’s missed three cuts in his last four starts, Rory McIlroy fills out the fifth spot on the oddsmakers top-5 list. But there are more than five players in The Open Championship field.

Reflecting back, none of us can forget the epic battle Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson waged last year at Royal Troon. It was simply exhilarating. Ultimately, Stinson prevailed by firing off four birdies in the last five holes, but it was a final round battle that Sir Nick Faldo characterized as “links perfection.”

Who will hoist the Claret Jug this year?

From the European Tour’s Joburg Open to the PGA TOUR’s John Deere Classic, the Claret Jug has been making cameo appearances for months, building anticipation of Open Championship week among players and fans alike.

Related Story: Before the Claret Jug, the Challenge Belt

Will Royal Birkdale produce another memorable final round or will it be a runaway? We won’t know for a few days. But the ProGolfNow writers are sharing their personal picks to hoist the coveted Claret Jug this year.

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Elizabeth Bethel: John Rahm is going to unleash his power game at Royal Birkdale and although he’ll find repeated trouble in the Birkdale rough he’s already demonstrated that has the shots and the raw muscle to get his ball from tee to green despite some potential mis-steps. Can Rahm out-power Dustin Johnson? Sunday will tell the tale, but I see Rahm with the advantage in a links game shootout.

Kathlene Bissell: I’m liking Rickie Fowler. He’s long enough, he can play in the wind, if there is any, and he’s a good enough putter.  He played three wonderful rounds at the U.S. Open.  And maybe he’s still mad enough about that Kardashian comment to get it done.

Brandon Raper: I’ve ridden with Rickie Fowler for The PLAYERS and the U.S. Open. He’s looked good in the Scottish Open and has kept his consistent results rolling all year. So he’s the pick, right?

Actually, not this time. I still like Fowler, but I’m going to go with Jon Rahm at Royal Birkdale. The way he decimated the field at the Irish Open made an impact, and he seemed comfortable in all conditions throughout the week at Portstewart. Rahm hasn’t had great results in the majors this year, but he’s gained valuable experience. If he can keep his head straight and not go ballistic when things go a little sideways, I like what he’s got going.

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Carter Mackenzie: Tommy Fleetwood. No particular reason except he is in good form and seems to be tracking towards a Major.

Colin Mieczkowski: Charley Hoffman. Hoffman has a very solid season with five top 10 finishes, including finishing T3 at the Travelers Championship. He shot a scorching 65 to open The Masters and held the lead for a period of time before falling to T22.  He continued this major success by finishing in the top-10 at the U.S. Open.

Furthermore, five of the last six Open Championships have been one won by players 39 years of age or older.  Hoffman is 40. He also ranks in the top-40 in birdie average, as well as the top-20 in eagles per hole. This type of game is suitable for a links course, especially Royal Birkdale.

If Chuck wants to grab a major, he’ll need to do it now, while he’s hot.

Mike Randleman: I believe the first-time major winner streak will stretch to eight when world No. 2 Hideki Matsuyama hoists the Claret Jug. Matsuyama’s strength in his irons may be better served for parkland style tracks, but he can flight it well in the wind. Further, The Open tends to have the most manageable greens. If Matsuyama can putt serviceably, he’ll be in the mix. A T14 two weeks ago at the Irish Open and T18 and T6 at the 2015 and 2013 Open Championships, respectively, give the 25-year-old a solid links résumé.

Next: 2017 Open Championship field

Who’s your pick to hoist the Claret Jug this year? Are you in synch with the oddsmakers or are going with a long shot? Share your pick to win The Open in our comments section.

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