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

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - APRIL 2: The Claret Jug is pictured at Royal Portrush Golf Club during a media event on April 2, 2019 in Portrush, Northern Ireland. The Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush for the first time since 1951 this summer between 18-21 of July. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) /

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PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 16: Xander Schauffele of the United States lines up a putt on the sixth green during the final round of the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links on June 16, 2019 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) /

Schauffele is another on this list who eschewed the European Tour’s links tournaments in favor of rest leading up to the British Open.

He’s been playing some great golf this year and is trending toward his third PGA Tour win in the 2018-19 season (WGC-HSBC Champions, Tournament of Champions).

Schauffele tends to bring some of his best to the big events. Not only does he also have a Tour Championship victory, but he has five top-10s in 10 major championship starts.

This year, Schauffele posted T-2 at the Masters, T-16 at the PGA Championship and T-3 at the U.S. Open. He’s made seven cuts in a row and his last two British Open starts read T-20 and T-2.

Why is Schauffele so successful at these events? He’s solid throughout the bag.

The San Diego State University product is 55th or higher in all main strokes gained categories, including 14th tee to green. He packs a lot of power in his small frame and can also roll it (28th SG putting).

Schauffele won’t draw a lot of pre-tournament headlines. That’s just fine for the unassuming golfer who seems to pile up high finishes wherever he goes.

Four top-20s in his last six starts is a good trend.

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