Who are the favorites?
Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm at the abrdn Scottish Open - Day Four © Getty Images
Jon Rahm finally won that first major at the U.S Open and now it will be interesting to see how he will perform at The Open. Will he be stress free, will we see that hot Spanish temper again or the world number two will go out there and enjoy the classic golf experience at Royal St. George’s GC. The Open is the only major where the Spaniard hasn't posted a top 10. He has four appearances at the oldest major.
Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele at the abrdn Scottish Open - Day Four © Getty Images
Just like Koepka, Xander Schauffele is another constant threat in the majors. The big difference between the two Americans is that Schauffele is yet to win one of the Big Four. Schauffele already posted two top 10's in majors this year. He tied for third at the Masters and tied for seventh at Torrey Pines. Played well last week at the abrdn Scottish Open and shared 10th place. This week Schauffele will make his fourth Open appearance. Finished tied for second in 2018.
Brooks Koepka
Brooks Koepka at the Travelers Championship © Getty Images
It is a major so it won't be a surprise if we see Brooks Koepka in the mix on Sunday. The former world number one finished tied for second at the PGA Championship in May and shared fourth place at the U.S Open less than a month ago. Koepka has three top 10's from six appearances at The Open. Didn't play in 2011 when the tournament was played at Royal St. George’s GC for the last time.
Form-horse
Lucas Herbert
Lucas Herbert at the abrdn Scottish Open © Getty Images
Lucas Herbert is playing his best golf and as a result climbed to career best 49th in the world. The young Australian won the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open two weeks ago and then finished tied for fourth last week at the abrdn Scottish Open. Herbert has only one appearance at The Open so far in his career. It was in 2018 when he finished tied for 51st.
Wildcard
Rickie Fowler
Rickie Fowler at the 2011 Open Championship © Getty Images
Rickie Fowler has only one top 10 finish in 2021 and it came at the PGA Championship where he played with a special exemption. The American has three top 10's from 10 appearances at The Open, the most recent one was in 2019. In 2011 Fowler finished tied for fifth at Royal St. George’s GC. Fowler has a creative mind and he loves link golf. Won the Scottish Open in 2015.
Full field and tee times here
