The Open Championship: An Epic Challenge at Royal Portrush
The last major championship of the year has arrived, and if the 2019 Open Championship is anything to go by, Royal Portrush is set to be the stage for four epic rounds of golf that will determine the champion of the year.
This year’s majors have already offered us exciting results. Rory McIlroy, number 2 in the world, completed the career Grand Slam at the Masters. Scottie Scheffler, the best player in the world, added to his majors count by winning the PGA Championship. In addition, J.J. Spaun surprised the golf world last month by outperforming all players at the US Open.
The three will be present at this week’s Open, along with the rest of the world’s best players, who will seek to make their mark on this major season.
The 25 Favorites for Raising the Claret Jug
- Scottie Scheffler: He’s always a contender. His ability to dominate the field makes him a rival to beat.
- Jon Rahm: Constantly rising, Rahm has proven his worth in the most important events.
- Rory McIlroy: He plays at home and will seek his sixth major championship.
- Bryson DeChambeau: His game is always fascinating to watch, although his adaptation to links golf is a challenge.
- Xander Schauffele: The defending champion, although he has had a quiet year, his consistency is key.
- Shane Lowry: Winner in 2019 in Portrush, the fans will push him.
- Viktor Hovland: His performance in the majors is unpredictable, but he has the potential to win.
- Collin Morikawa: His iron game is elite, but his putting will be crucial.
- Ludvig Åberg: Looking to regain his form, he could surprise in Portrush.
- Tommy Fleetwood: His game is made for the Open Championship.
- Tyrrell Hatton: His attitude will be tested in Portrush, but he is a player to consider.
- Robert MacIntyre: Comfortable on this type of course, he can surprise.
- Russell Henley: His game adapts to courses that prioritize precision.
- Brooks Koepka: His game is an unknown, but he could stand out if the conditions are difficult.
- Joaquín Niemann: His performance in LIV is good, but he needs to improve in the majors.
- Justin Thomas: The Open Championship has not favored him, but in 2019 he had his best performance here.
- Matt Fitzpatrick: He has shown good form recently.
- Jordan Spieth: He is unpredictable, but he is always a contender.
- Justin Rose: He had a great performance at last year’s Open.
- Corey Conners: His iron game could be key.
- J.J. Spaun: He will seek to maintain the momentum of his victory at the US Open.
- Ben Griffin: He has had a great season.
- Keegan Bradley: He seeks to seal his place in the Ryder Cup.
- Sepp Straka: He stands out on the PGA Tour, but struggles in the majors.
- Hideki Matsuyama: He needs a great performance.
The 2024 edition of the Open Championship promises to be an event full of excitement and surprises at Royal Portrush. The best golfers in the world will face a challenging course and seek to take home the prestigious Claret Jug.