Open Championship: 5 international sleepers could steal the Claret Jug

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) /

1 of 6

SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – JULY 18: A pin flag flutters in the breeze during a practice round prior to the 146th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale on July 18, 2017 in Southport, England. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) /

Which international players could come from under the radar to win the Open Championship?

This year’s Open Championship is about as open as they come. Jordan Spieth believes the era of one golfer dominating the landscape may be over. I’m in line with what a lot of Spieth’s points, too.

With that said, there are still a batch of players at the top who are the favorites to get it done. Many think this is the week for Hideki Matsuyama (my pick), Jon Rahm or Rickie Fowler to lock down their first major championship. Others think Spieth is perfect for Royal Birkdale, or that Dustin Johnson will vindicate his No. 1 world ranking with a win.

But we aren’t here to talk chalk.

Ben Curtis was an afterthought when he won in 2003. Few saw Louis Oosthuizen hoisting the Claret Jug in 2010. They call it the Open for a reason.

A top-10 player in the world and/or a repeat major winner has won the last five Opens, but this seems as good a year as any for someone to come out of nowhere to win. The first-time major winner streak is up to seven, after all.

Let’s dive in and take a look at five international players who are sleeper picks to play well, and potentially win, this week.

Home/British Open News