British Open: Dark horse candidates to raise the Claret Jug

2 of 6

Louis Oosthuizen headlines the dark horse candidates at the British Open

PALM HARBOR, FL – MARCH 13: Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa assesses a tee shot on the 6th hole with his caddy during the first round of the Valspar Championsihp at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club on March 13, 2014 in Palm Harbor, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Louis Oosthuizen – 50/1

When the odds originally came out, I was disappointed. Oosthuizen was inside my 45-1 cutoff, and wouldn’t qualify as a dark horse pick to win the British Open.

Low and behold, he has fallen to 50/1 after all the final spots were filled over the weekend. Which means one of my favorites to win this week, regardless of odds, comes in first on my list.

Louis’ lone major win came at a British Open back in 2010 at St. Andrews. Although this year’s event is in Northern Ireland, I still feel Oosthuizen has a fantastic chance to take home the Claret Jug.

He was playing quite well at the most recent major, the U.S. Open. Heading into Sunday, he was one of the guys chasing Gary Woodland. Oosthuizen faltered, shooting 72 (+1), and would finish T-7th.

Louis has been decent off the tee and on putting this year in SG, ranking 73rd and 61st, respectively. Where he really shines is around the green. There are few better there this year than him, as he is 5th on the PGA this season in SG around the green.

With slower greens (or at least not glass fast), Oosthuizen should be able to take advantage and stay aggressive with his short game. I think that leads to him being in contention Sunday to take home his second British Open.

Home/British Open News