Arguably one of the most anticipated events in golf is just around the corner and I for one am intrigued as to how this will unfold.
Without a doubt, all eyes will be on Rory McIlroy, who finally completed the ‘grand slam’ of majors earlier this year, winning the only one that had eluded him so far in his career, following his Masters victory at Augusta.
I wouldn’t have ruled out him doing the clean sweep for the season, though he struggled at The US Open and will be keen to come back stronger. Indeed, even his closest challenger and World number one, Scottie Scheffler also had difficulty, though I feel that The Open could see the heavyweights battling it out.
Also, this would mean that little bit more to the Northern Irishman. Hosted at the ruggedly beautiful Royal Portrush – his local course, having grown up just an hour away in Holyhead, a combination of home advantage and what I’m sure will be considerable support is sure to give him extra motivation.
It is a course he knows very well. Links golf is a somewhat different animal in golf, though McIlroy has shown the type of versatility that every top golfer needs over the years and if he remains focused, he has a big chance.
Local Knowledge To Provide A Big Advantage?
He already has a significant advantage. Conditions play a huge part in Links golf and McIlroy will know all of the different nuances of the course, including wind direction and landing zones better than anyone in the field, while he will also know how to ‘play the percentages’. Something that in Links golf is vital.
I think he will be quite excited going into the tournament – he doesn’t really have anything left to prove and I’d like to see him playing with a smile on his face. In front of his home supporters as well and on a course that he really knows, he should be more relaxed.
He just can’t let any pressure get to him, because this is when his game starts to falter and starts to make silly mistakes. Although, at Augusta, he did show his mettle and recovered – side of his game we hadn’t really seen until that point.
Who Else Could Challenge?
Certainly, it won’t just be all about McIlroy and no doubt, Scheffler, who I mentioned will be keen to make his mark on the year. Defending champion, Xander Schauffele can also mount a challenge and is well-known for his course management, while English hope, Tommy Fleetwood is somewhat of a Links specialist.
While I’ve talked up McIlroy, there is also another local talent who will be keen to make his mark, in Robert MacIntyre who again, knows the course well. Don’t rule him out as an each-way shot.
I’d also look at John Rahm as one of the pack, who does appear to have a complete game, is calm under pressure and is a two-time major winner. Meanwhile, Justin Rose also provides great value for an each-way place – he was runner-up last year and again this time around at Augusta. Definitely one to keep an eye on.
For me though, this is all about McIlroy and I don’t think I can bet against him. Whatever happens, it is sure to be a great tournament, filled with emotion and if he is there or thereabouts on the final day, it is sure to be a highly entertaining Sunday afternoon.