These 3 overlooked players could thrive at Royal Troon

This week, the golf world sets its sights on one of the most majestic links golf courses in the world: Royal Troon. The 7,385-yard Par-71 layout is not for the faint of heart.

From man-eating potbelly bunkers to thick, wispy tall grass and gorse bush, it will challenge every player in the field to be sound from tee to green. As usual for an Open setup, ball-striking will be of the utmost importance.

Here are three players who are flying under the radar this week at the 152nd Open Championship.

1. Joaquín Niemann

Uber-talented and fiery, the Chilean took the golf world by storm in 2022 when he posted consecutive rounds of 63 to lead the Genesis Invitational by two strokes after Friday. The then 23-year-old would go on to win that tournament, drawing many eyes in the process.

Niemann then moved to the LIV Golf circuit later that summer and has arguably been the tour's best player since joining. He has finished in the top seven in eight out of his ten starts this year, including two wins. Also a winner of the 2023 Australian Open, you are probably wondering how this guy could possibly be overlooked.

The answer? His performance at major championships, which has been shocking, to say the least. His best finish at a major to date is a T16 at The Masters in 2023. It would be plausible to assume that his bullet-like shot trajectory would be better suited for a links golf setup, in which high-ball hitters often struggle with the ever-changing and swirling wind. That has not been the case, however, as his best finish is T53 in four attempts.

A victim of media hype leading up to The Masters, many have forgotten about Niemann heading into this year's Open. It seems as though he has faded into the shadows of LIV Golf, with many placing him into the ‘I got paid so I do not care anymore’ category. His relevance on the global scale is suddenly plummeting. Luckily for him, the modern golf landscape is defined by major championships, and a high finish would go a long way to restoring his aura. I like his chances.