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Open Championship power rankings: Top ten at Royal Birkdale

By Brandon Raper

SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND - APRIL 24: The Claret Jug, the Open Championship trophy, in front of the clubhouse at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, the host course for the 2017 Open Championship during a Media day for the 146th Open Championship on April 24, 2017 in Southport, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND - APRIL 24: The Claret Jug, the Open Championship trophy, in front of the clubhouse at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, the host course for the 2017 Open Championship during a Media day for the 146th Open Championship on April 24, 2017 in Southport, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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Henrik Stenson of Sweden celebrates victory as he walks off the 18th green with Phil Mickelson of the United States after the final round on day four of the 145th Open Championship at Royal Troon on July 17, 2016 in Troon, Scotland. Henrik Stenson of Sweden finished 20 under for the tournament to claim the Open Championship. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

The Open Championship returns to Royal Birkdale for the first time since 2008. Who will top this week’s power rankings as the favorite for the Claret Jug?

Every major championship is special in its own way, but the Open Championship brings an allure all its own. The oldest tournament in golf returning to the very best courses where the game was born so long ago is a special moment in the game.

Founded in 1889, Royal Birkdale certainly fits the mold and it’s played host to so many pivotal moments in golf’s history. In 1961, Arnold Palmer won his first Open on these grounds. In 1969, Jack Nicklaus famously conceded a short putt to Tony Jacklin in the Ryder Cup, halving the match and ending the contest in a 16-16 draw.

Tom Watson won his fifth and final Open here in 1983, cementing his legacy as the greatest champion since Harry Vardon. More recently, in 2008, Padraig Harrington hit the 5-wood of his life into the 17th green, and completed his comeback victory over Greg Norman.

All that brings us to 2017. What stories will be told years from now about what happens this week? And, more importantly, who will hold the Claret Jug as the Champion Golfer of the Year?

This week’s power rankings should shed some light on that last question. We’re breaking down the top ten contenders at this year’s Open from all around the world. Let’s get one of the greatest weeks in golf started.

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