US Open champion Dustin Johnson is an obvious choice to challenge for the Claret Jug, but he is not the only player in with a strong chance
Dustin Johnson
Golf’s man of the moment is perfectly placed to win his second major after taking home the US Open just under a month ago.
Johnson shook off his reputation as a choke-artist to triumph at Oakmont, even after the controversy over a moving ball that could have derailed his final round.
The American then followed that with victory at the Bridgestone Invitational.
Johnson has been a complete player this year, ranking first in total shots gained, second off the tee and first in approaches from 50-125 yards.
But driving remains his strength and he could simply overpower this 7,190-yard course.
Troon’s daunting back nine means making a fast start is imperative, though, and Johnson is the best round-one scorer in the world.
A contender for the Claret Jug, then, and also to be the day-one leader at {ODDS:96821729:16/1}.
Johnson to win the Open – {ODDS:61102467:9/1}
Adam Scott
Not only has Scott has been the best player in the world from tee to green in 2016, but he also tops the rankings in shots gained from approach play.
Only Johnson and Jason Day are ahead of him in total shots gained, and the world No. 8 is in good form, having placed in the top 20 in four of his last five tournaments.
That includes the US Open, in which he finished tied for 18th after fading with a final round of 74.
With four consecutive top-10s at this tournament, he will contend – providing he is hot with the putter on Troon’s relatively slow greens.
Interestingly, the last three players to win the Open at this course had previously won the Honda Classic.
The Australian won that event this year and is good value to extend that streak.
Adam Scott to win the Open – {ODDS:61102470:22/1}
Louis Oosthuizen
When Oosthuizen won the Open at St Andrews in 2010, he was ranked 54th in the world and had only made the cut in eight major appearances.
The South African was in in similarly poor form ahead of last year’s Open at the home of golf, but only lost out to Zach Johnson in a four-hole play-off.
Oosthuizen saves his best performances for the majors, and he loves playing in Scotland.
Troon should suit his accurate style – he is ranked in the top 50 players off the tee and approaching the green this year, and is in decent touch.
Top-25 finishes at the US Open and the Bridgestone Invitational bode well for his chances this weekend, but even in poor form he cannot be written off.
Oosthuzen to finish in the top five – {ODDS:96821760:9/1}
Sergio Garcia
Back to his best with three top-five finishes in a row, Garcia is a real contender at Troon.
After a four-year drought of PGA Tour wins, the Spaniard managed to grind out a victory at the Byron Nelson in May.
Having followed that triumph with a fine performance at Oakmont last month, he is playing perhaps his best golf since his second-placed finish at the 2014 Open.
Garcia is also one of the most accurate players on tour, placing in the top five for both greens in regulation percentage and approach play this year.
But it is difficult to have confidence in the 36-year-old considering the final-round collapses that have plagued his career.
Garcia has plenty of class, though, and on this form he should at least be within touching distance of the leaders on Sunday.
Garcia to be the top European – {ODDS:96843292:9/1}
Scott Piercy
Americans have won the last six Opens at Troon, and if an outsider is to lift the Claret Jug then Piercy is the most likely.
The world No. 25 finished second in his last two tournaments, including the US Open, and is playing by far the best golf of his life.
Piercy is an excellent putter from inside 10-feet, and he possesses the kind of steady game that should keep him among the chasing pack at Troon.
The 37-year-old has only played at the Open once in his career – missing the cut In 2013 – but should go further than that on this form.
Piercy may lack the experience to get over the line on the final day, but there are few hotter players out there at the moment.
A top-10 place is not out of the question by any means.
Piercy to finish in the top 10 – {ODDS:96821762:8/1}
