The Open Championship

Bonus edition

I’ve decided to do something different. I’m going to make some picks for the final major of the year. The Open Championship will take place at Royal Troon this week. As usual, the big names are all gathered. So, who’s going to win? Here is my list of contenders.

1. Scottie Scheffler - the world #1 has had an amazing year. He has a major victory under his belt with his Masters win in April. Add victories at The Player’s Championship, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, The RBC Heritage, The Memorial and The Travelers Championship, and he has to be considered. His ability to shape and flight shots will be crucial if he is to walk away with the Claret Jug.

2. Rory McIlroy - The Irishman is fresh off a devastating finish at the US Open is always a favorite for the Open. The question is, can he overcome his recent major failures and win another Open Championship?

3. Bryson DeChambeau - Speaking of the US Open, the current US Open champion is riding a wave of newfound popularity. His YouTube channel is incredibly entertaining. More importantly, from his prodigious length to his battle tested short game, he has the tools to make it two majors in a row.

4. Xander Schauffele - If not for Scottie Scheffler, we would be talking about the great year Schauffele is having. A win at the PGA and a 2nd at The Players, Schauffele has a total of 11 top 10’s in 2024. Could this be major #2 for Xander?

5. Ludvig Aberg - The young Swede is a rising star. His swing is flawless. He plays fast. Nothing seems to upset him. He battled Scheffler most of the final 18 at The Masters. He led going into the final round last week at the Scottish Open before faltering down the stretch.

6. Colin Morikawa - Morikawa seems to have found his game this year. While he hasn’t won this year, he has been in contention. He looks to be in form coming in. The Open could be his first win of the year and 2nd time claiming the Claret Jug.

7. Robert MacIntyre - Fresh off his victory at the Scottish Open, MacIntyre is a tru contender for the Open Championship. He also claimed the Canadien Open earlier this year. Two national championship victories down, this could be the third of the year.

8. Jon Rahm - A forgotten name this year at the majors, the former world #1 has made more news for his infected foot and outbursts at drones. But don’t count out the fiery Spaniard. He is a tough as nails competitor capable of winning anytime, anywhere.

9. Viktor Hovland - Hovland has the talent to play and win anywhere in the world. While he hasn’t had the same form as 2023, he is still very much a contender.

10. Sahith Theegala - This is my dark horse. Theegala plays a swashbuckling kind of game which makes you want to root for him. It feels like if he can win a major, he will rattle off several more.

11. Akshay Bhatia - Here’s my second dark horse. I just like Akshay. Just like Theegala, he feels like he could go on a roll if he could secure his first major.

There’s my list of favorites including my two dark horses. Anyone on my list can win. There are many other players who could win, but I like my list. So, who am I picking? As tempting as it is to pick Scottie Scheffler, I’m looking elsewhere. I won’t be surprised if Scheffler is the victor, but I’m going with….

Colin Morikawa.

Hope you enjoy the Open Championship. I’m looking forward to it just as I do every year.