The Open Championship: PlayOn fantasy picks

Matt Fitzpatrick is only three years into his pro career and with three European Tour victories on his résumé he’s already claimed his place in the game.

His most recent victory last November at the DP World Tour Championship put Fitzpatrick squarely in the center of the European Tour’s best players. In addition to a T5 finish at the Dubai Desert Classic and a runner-up at the Nordea Masters the young Englishman made the cut at both The Masters and the U.S. Open. He’s proved himself more than capable of managing the high stress of major championship competitions.

I excused Fitzpatrick’s missed cut at the Open de France because he had just returned from Erin Hills. I’m having a bit more trouble explaining his low finish at Portstewart and another missed cut last week at Dundonald Links. He has a better game than he’s been showing since Erin Hills.

Fitzpatrick isn’t particularly long off the tee, but he doesn’t need length. He needs tactical savvy, and he has that. He’ll also need to make good use of his flatstick this week. This is his royal Birkdale debut, but I have enough confidence in his ability to put Matt Fitzpatrick on my team.

If his youth makes you nervous, give Jimmy Walker or Brandon Grace a look. Their salaries are equivalent.