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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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LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND – JULY 09: Jon Rahm of Spain celebrates an eagle on the 14th hole during the final round of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Portstewart Golf Club on July 9, 2017 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /

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Jon Rahm’s path to the Open has never looked better. After a tough run at the Memorial Tournament and the U.S. Open – the only two missed cuts on his PGA TOUR schedule – Rahm headed to the Emerald Isle and ran away with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. Even as winds blew and rain fell at Portstewart, the fiery Spaniard shot a Sunday 65 to finish at -24, a tournament record.

Physically, there don’t appear to be any holes in his game at all. He’s got the power off the tee, the vision with his irons, and the touch around the greens to win literally anywhere. Moving to No. 8 in the world after just a year as a pro, the only player who’s had a better year thus far is Dustin Johnson. That’s some lofty company to be considered in.

The only thing that may hold Rahm back, as we’ve seen a few times in 2017, is his mental game. Part of what makes him so good is his ridiculously intense competitive nature. But, when that boils over, you wonder if it takes him out of his game just a little bit. At a major championship, especially the Open, that mental edge can be the fine line between a great player and one who hoists the Claret Jug.

Next: ProGolfNow writers personal picks to win The Open

Who is your personal pick to win The Open Championship? Share your thoughts on this legendary annual contest in the comments section.

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