Open Championship power rankings: Top ten at Royal Birkdale

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) /

8 of 11

HARTFORD, WI – JUNE 15: Dustin Johnson of the United States reacts after a putt on the 18th green during the first round of the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills on June 15, 2017 in Hartford, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

I’m as surprised as you are that DJ doesn’t find the top spot on this week’s Power Rankings. The world’s No. 1 player has reigned over the PGA TOUR most of this year, and he was the odds-on favorite for both the Masters and the U.S. Open. However, while I won’t say that missed cuts at the Muirfield Village and Erin Hills are signs of lost form, they’re not particularly encouraging, either.

Johnson has not played since missing the cut at Erin Hills, so it’s tough to say what his game looks like right now. Following him on social media, he certainly seems to be ready, as he spent this past week at Royal Birkdale, getting in some extra practice reps.

History is so important at the Open, and DJ’s Open history is certainly encouraging. He’s got three top-tens in last six Opens, including finishing as runner-up in 2011. He didn’t play the Open in 2008, the last time it was held at Royal Birkdale, so this will be a clean slate for Johnson to work with.

Home/British Open News