America is poised to take back the mantle of world’s golfing power.
That quest continues today as the best golfers in the world tackle Scotland’s Royal Troon golf course in the 145th British Open….or as Euros call it, The Open Championship. For purposes of this article it will be called The British Open because last I checked, we won that war. That’s why we don’t spell the word color “colour.”
Led by world number two Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson coming off his epic U.S. Open win, America boasts a fleet of talented young players ready to attain golfing hegemony. And it’s about time as the Americans have lost seven of the last eight Ryder Cups after dominating the event for so long. Let’s take a look at a few American golfers with the best chance to bring back the Claret Jug.
Jordan Spieth: He’s underperformed this year compared to expectations but has quietly rediscovered his game. Still the best putter in the world and is a bulldog when he gets into contention. There’s a small chance he could be haunted by the meltdown at the twelfth hole at Augusta but very unlikely with his Texas grit.
Dustin Johnson: Currently playing the best golf in the world. With the pressure off him after winning his first major, he may be able to play free and easy. If so, watch out because he could completely dominate Troon with length and accuracy off the tee.
Rickie Fowler: Rickie is in danger of gaining back the overrated moniker. His game has been a mess of late which is unfortunate because he’s such a likeable guy. Wearing orange on Sunday with a flat-brimmed hat doesn’t look so cool when you’re playing in the first group teeing off at 7 a.m. That said, he’s played well in the British Open particularly when the weather has been bad.
Bubba Watson: He has been notorious for his disdain of Europe once calling the famous French landmarks “the big tower” and “the arch.” I’m no Europhile but I think he was referring to the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Unfortunately, this disdain has also translated into poor play at the British with no top 20 finishes in eight appearances.
Patrick Reed: This guy is ready to break out and win a major. He came over early and played well in the Scottish Open last week. He’s another gritty Texan like Spieth who will not wilt if he gets into contention on Sunday.
Phil Mickelson: Don’t forget about this guy. He won the British in 2013 and is very comfortable playing links style courses with his phenomenal short game.
Zach Johnson: Last year’s winner really struggles this year. The Tiger Woods of Iowa is unlikely to contend at Troon.
The weather is supposed to be very British with rain forecasted for Friday and Sunday. If the winds kick up you could be looking at some high scores. The opening nine is much easier than the closing nne holes at Troon so you could see some meltdowns coming down the stretch which is always fun to watch.
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