The final major championship of the 2024 men’s golf calendar gets underway early Thursday morning on the east coast as the 152nd Open Championship is contested at Royal Troon Scotland.
The last time the championship was held at Royal Troon, Henrik Stenson shot a final round 63 to outduel Phil Mickelson, who fired a bogey-free 65.
It will also be the final opportunity for LIV golfers and PGA Tour members to compete at the same time.
As with most British Opens, weather will be as much of a player as the contestants. Rain is in the forecast for Thursday and Saturday. The American contingent will be looking to extend its majors win streak to seven.
Heading the list of major contenders will be the world's No. 1 golfer, Scottie Scheffler. Assuming he avoids running afoul of the law, Scheffler looks to end the major season with a victory, but he has to reverse his recent poor for at the Open. However, if his putter gets hot, he will be hard to deny. The course looks to fit his game.
Of the international players, the one that everybody will keep an eye on is Rory McIllroy. The Irishman is looking to rebound from a demoralizing collapse in the U.S. Open. McIllroy has done and said all the right things going forward and remains one of the favorites. He is looking for his third consecutive top-10 finish at the Open.
One of the “it” golfers this week is Ludvig Aberg of Sweden. He has seven Top 10s in 15 starts, four of which were Top 5, including at last week’s Scottish Open and at The Memorial and The Masters. Aberg is keen to equal his countryman’s Stenson’s success at Royal Troon 10 years ago.
If you’re looking for one of the most consistent players to handle Royal Troon, Xander Schauffele fits that bill. He is one of the top scramblers on Tour and is also one of the better wind players around, something that is always advantageous on a links course.
Bryson DeChambeau is always a candidate to overpower any golf course he plays on, but can he overcome the expected inclement weather and a course that features the short (123 yards) but treacherous par-3 8th, known as the Postage Stamp.
One player who hopes to rescue a difficult season is Jon Rahm. His difficulties coincided with Rahm moving to the LIV circuit. He has battled injuries but has expressed confidence in press conferences during the week that he is confident that his game is on the upswing.
While Tiger Woods may not be one of the major contenders to win, he has looked better in practice rounds. His chances of playing all four rounds are looking better.
Other longshots worthy of attention include Tony Finau, Collin Morikawa, Tyrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, last week’s Scottish Open winner, Robert McIntyre and 2022 Open champion, Cam Smith.