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Open Championship week? At Carnoustie? Really? Somebody should've mentioned that.
The "British" Open
Perhaps the most annoying phrase in British golf. Golf returns to its Scottish homeland with the eyes of the world watching, yet Americans still insist on calling golf's oldest major The "British" Open. It's The Open. End of story.
Despite being the home of golf, Scotland hasn't seen much success of late. Russell Knox's recent Irish Open win ended a three year barren spell for Scottish golfers on the European Tour. Stephen Gallacher placed T9 in the Scottish Open at Gullane Golf Club last week, but there's plenty of work to be done. However, in the bigger picture, Britain as a whole stands a very good chance this week.
What are the Chances?
With World No. 3 Justin Rose, 2014 champion Rory McIlroy and course-record holder Tommy Fleetwood leading the chase, we could see a serious run at the title. Rose comes in at second favourite; just ahead of third favourite McIlroy, whilst the bookmakers have Tommy Fleetwood level with Brooks Koepka; the man who narrowly pipped him to this year's U.S. Open title. Tyrrell Hatton and Paul Casey may be outsiders, but they're equal to current Masters Champion Patrick Reed according to some sources.
McIlroy's recent comments suggesting he sees winning another major as more of a bonus than a necessity have served their purpose (at least I assume it's what he was going for) in deflecting some attention away from himself. But as much sway as a Rory interview has, Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood have done their talking on the course and, as a result, have got chins wagging.
Britain's Best
As much as I would've loved to use the headline "Fleetwood MacIlroy", I can't in good conscience discuss him over Rose. After picking up three wins and 3 runners-up in 2017, Rose already has one title, 1 third place and a total of seven Top-10s in 12 events this calendar year. Add to that his 2013 U.S Open title (and Olympic gold and two Masters runners-up), and you have an in-form World No. 3 with major-winning experience and the home crowd's support.
If Tommy Fleetwood wasn't popular enough already, his U.S. Open record-equalling 63 on Sunday at Shinnecock Hills provided fans with a much-needed reason to cheer. But a missed clutch putt on the 18th cost him a tournament record and a playoff, and you can bet your bottom dollar he'll be out to put that right this week.
Written by Joe Carabini
