British Open 2019: Power ranking the top ten golfers at Royal Portrush

Brooks Koepka’s missed the top 50 in six of his last seven non-majors. The four-time major champion has ’em right where he wants ’em.

He hasn’t even been to Ireland or Northern Ireland.

But he does have an advantage with Northern Irishman caddie Ricky Elliott who grew up playing Royal Portrush.

"“I hope he knows that golf course like the back of his hand,” Koepka said. “That was his home course growing up. It’s links golf. It’s always a bit different. I enjoy it, because I see about 10, 15 different shots every time I’m over the ball. … But [Elliott] knows that golf course probably better than anybody other than [Graeme McDowell].”"

Koepka has made four of five cuts at the British Open including the last four. He finished T-10 in 2015 and T-6 in 2017.

Koepka’s gone T2-1-2 at the majors and already looks to be a lock for Player of the Year.

While he’s never been to Northern Ireland, he’s familiar with Europe having cut his teeth for a year on the Challenge Tour and a year on the European Tour.

Koepka finished T-2 at the 2015 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in an event held at Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, and St. Andrews.

He typically plays the week before a major but eschewed last week’s Scottish Open. Koepka’s last start was solo 65th two weeks ago at the 3M Open. He also had a week off prior to that, so he should be ready to roll.

Koepka’s length is negated somewhat at this venue (rain pending), but if he can survive the rough at Bethpage Black and Pebble Beach, I think he can get around the British Open and Royal Portrush just fine.