Ended long wait for silverware in the ZOZO Championship last October and generally kept to high standard before putting improvement got him another win at the Travelers. Got better as the week progressed here in 2014 and halfway contender at Troon thereafter, but Open record generally modest and does hit the ball to the moon which can't be called ideal. Still has the look of someone who could've been crying O Captain! My Captain! at Robin Williams and has now firmly caught the eye of O Captain! Ryder Cup Captain! Zach Johnson.
Five-time winner since the spring of 2021 but in Florida, Mississippi and Texas, while Korn Ferry Tour success came in Georgia. Deadly when comfortable but not so at major level as yet, with best of 20th in the PGA when that was played in Oklahoma. Has made both Open cuts, can do all things to an extremely high standard and signs game is coming around, but seems sensible that he's priced very differently here to any PGA Tour event: he's a very modern PGA Tour golfer.
One-time nearly-man who made it a hat-trick of DP World Tour wins with an impressive display in Kenya. As had been the case for the other two was able to get by without being the longest but that's really his level and has missed all six major cuts so far.
Veteran Spaniard who qualified thanks to a good performance in the Australian Open about eight months ago. Not totally sold on the merits of such pathways and following some fitness problems he's not been seen since playing some good stuff in March. WD candidate or is the carrot too big?
LIV reservist who has played to a solid level when called into action on that circuit. Best under different conditions to these given superb driving ability but did dominate his qualifier at Royal Porthcawl.
Still considered a major underachiever but currently on a run of five top-15s in a row (a sixth would be very welcome). Admittedly hasn't had a look at winning any of these but is very close and the same is true of his golf in 2023, which has been entirely positive except for the absence of a win. Finished 12th on Open debut at Carnoustie and eighth last year so no surprise if this all-rounder with excellent touch puts everything together. Inconsistencies on the green the only real complaint and deserves to be considered among the best of the rest behind the big three. Yes, I said three.
Oh, the Tiger jokes. Well done. Plays out of Arizona State after transferring from Oklahoma and clearly has talent, but some way down the WAGR and exceeded expectations by qualifying.
Finished third on his Champions Tour debut recently and confirmed he's not far away with a second-round 64 at the Travelers to miss the cut by one. Big player for the old boys' equivalent.
The most improved golfer in the sport over the past 18 months and rewards have been enormous, first with high-profile PGA Tour win and then when holding off Rory McIlroy to win the US Open. Said when qualifying for this event last year that he's loved links golf ever since taking part in the Amateur Championship at Portrush and certainly displayed touch required for it at LACC. Can flight it low and was 16th in last summer's Scottish Open. He couldn't, could he?
Trend-setting Polish powerhouse who is probably the best DP World Tour regular and well on course for a PGA Tour card as a consequence. Three wins have come in three national opens under varying conditions including in Australia, but would have to wonder whether this is really his sterówka and while short-game is improved, it's not his main strength which is long driving and quality iron play. Would ideally want it Haydock soft.
Promising type who has flourished over the past year but is now struggling to cash in on his opportunities outside of Australia. Might happen one day but for now can only be watched with the future in mind.
Winner at Muirfield a decade ago and a clear second at Troon following that battle with Henrik Stenson. Generally quiet in majors since but with two notable exceptions: sensational 125/1 win at Kiawah Island, then second place in the Masters earlier this year. Perhaps he'll come alive again in this having played well in 2006 and 2014 at Hoylake but hard to weigh up having not yet threatened to win a LIV Golf event.
The golfer of choice for One Direction fans who have come to appreciate the high-tee, low-launch trademark of their blue-eyed boy. Presumably put that shot to use when winning an amateur event at Royal St George's but didn't help him in the Open there two years ago and remains hard to fancy despite two good US Open efforts and the odd spark this summer.
Started this important year with a fine display in the Hero Cup and then threatened to win the Abu Dhabi Championship, all of which had the look of a Ryder Cup springboard with Rome his singular focus. Hasn't worked out like that and this his last throw of the dice: nothing short of being in the mix will do it, you'd think, unless he can repeat what his brother Edoardo did in 2010 and win right before selections are made. Open triumph in 2018 one of six top-15s and another of them came here in 2014, but recent form is poor.
All-rounder who captured the Valspar for his PGA Tour breakthrough in March and went on to perform nicely in the Masters. Bit quiet until Detroit improvement but nothing in his profile to suggest links will properly reawaken him.
Despises the colour green so will hope these fairways turn yellow and allow for a reprisal of 2021 when superb in winning this. Went on to capture the Race to Dubai from Billy Horschel (winks at camera) but has won nothing since and when not shooting himself in the foot is suffering ill fortune such as when back spasms forced withdrawal at Memorial and his putt to win the RMC stayed high (cries at camera). Putted the lights out for both major wins in one of golf's many gotchas but in the here and now hitting it well enough to be of interest. Feels strange that he skipped the Scottish Open this time given how much it helped him figure out two years ago.
Powerful southern boy who finally delivered on potential to capture Barbasol last July then came to the Open and stayed on well for 21st. Some good stuff thereafter and in here because of a high-class top-10 at Bay Hill, but game has gone missing since.
Took over from Kanaya as Japan's star amateur and beat his friend and rival to win his first title as a professional in June (had won as an amateur). MC in all three majors last year so a bit to prove for now but has shown himself to be effective under firm and fast conditions and has a bright future.
Blessed with great hands and can scalp a centipede with his low bullets off the tee, so should have a bright future in the Open if he can keep qualifying for it. Record so far nothing to shout about but is improving and has made 11 of his last 12 major cuts including two good efforts this season. First top 10 can't be far away but fair to suggest it's more likely to arrive back in the US.
Likely still harbouring Ryder Cup ambitions but timing is everything and his has been off, best golf coming in the black hole between renewals. Has finished inside the top 20 in half of his 10 Open starts and is a Scottish Open winner with the right tools if at his best, so has crept onto the radar with some improved displays lately and an eye-catching 36 holes at LACC. Sneaky one.
Put a couple of years of self-inflicted misery behind him with wins at the British Masters and in Thailand. Was the DP World Tour's hot player when capturing the second of them in February and signs are he's in similar enough form despite being lightly-raced since. Two good Opens from eight and made the cut here in 2014 but despite Dunhill Links win wouldn't call him a natural fit.
Dazzled from the front in 2010 and has twice held the 54-hole lead since then, losing a play-off in 2015 and then to Morikawa in 2021. Strong sense that in taking the LIV Golf money he accepted that he'll forever be remembered as the one-time major champ who subsequently completed a grand slam of runner-up finishes. Likes his mattresses how he likes his tractors: robust and personalised.
Got the DPWT in a real tizz when bossing their Valderrama farewell at the height of the LIV Golf crisis and always liable to pop up and do some damage when course allows it. Winner at Fairmont St Andrews but not sure that really counts and has started to miss short putts with alarming frequency.
Another golfing twin who is outpacing Jez at the moment. Feels like he's won twice on the DP World Tour for some reason but remains on one which came when toughing it out in Spain last year. Iron play his main asset but lacks links experience, albeit strong start when under the microscope in Scottish Open offers encouragement.
Challenge Tour youngster who was here as a kid watching the 2014 Open and returns now as one who has long been considered to have a bit of potential. His qualifier was the weakest of the four but emerged from it impressively and could yet develop into a really nice player.
Three-time DP World Tour winner and all of them under links or links-like conditions, including at St Andrews where he captured the Dunhill Links in 2019. Hard to say exactly what it is about this form of the game that so appeals and short-game can be an issue, but more of a worry right now is how he's played since a T12 finish at the US PGA. That looked to rubber-stamp Ryder Cup credentials but they're uncertain again.
Six-time DP World Tour winner who is yet to get off the mark on the LIV Golf circuit, which appealed to his family-first, golf-no-closer-than-third approach to the sport. Five cuts made in five Open starts is a bit of a surprise but did win by the sea at Yas Links.
The last remaining Postman with the other fella on strike. Old-fashioned golfer who hits it short and straight and relies on his wonderful putting, the sort who is always massively up against it in any major. Won the John Deere Classic around this time last summer.
Two PGA Tour wins have come at a relatively low level and in low-scoring events, albeit the latest of them was by the sea in Bermuda. Missed the cut at St Andrews last year after some good efforts in the US and form has to be a bit of a concern with the Ryder Cup looming, his prospects appearing slimmer by the week until a step forward in weak company in the JDC. The big positive is that he can find it and run with it so hope isn't yet lost, but another missed cut here would hurt and withdrew with hip injury during first round of Scottish Open.
Short, straight hitter who does the rest well and showed up early at the US Open before lack of pop told. Made the cut on Open debut at Portrush and wouldn't be one I'd look to oppose having also bagged a Scottish Open top-five, without expecting much.
Six underwhelming major performances in seven since the start of 2022, but the exception was a roaring success at the Masters and many believe he'll go on to complete the career grand slam. The Open could be his biggest stumbling block and one top-10 in six suggests this two-time Irish Open champion still has a little bit to learn about links golf when the going gets really tough, yet his short-game has improved massively since he finished T34 at St Andrews and of course he merits his place towards the top of the betting. Will stick around all week if starting better.
Links golf right up his street and showed as much at Hillside last year. No impact in majors really but 22nd down the coast at Birkdale on his last try in the Open and can be competitive if putter behaves after another heartbreaking near-miss under breezy conditions in Denmark recently.
Contrarian who is singlehandedly keeping makers of those surfer-dude necklaces in business despite having been no closer to a surfboard than I have a round of 79. Played heel role flawlessly when taking Rory the distance in Dubai, even nailing the frame-by-frame rules controversy, and went on to give fans and blue-tick buyers plenty to cheer at Augusta. Long-game no good lately though and record in the Open confirms him an unlikely champion, to the relief no doubt of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews who might go full MCC if he does win.
Enjoyed a brilliant 2022 summer and has therefore been a bit of a disappointment this year, producing loads of good stuff but too much bad. Still, did win the pairs event in New Orleans and rounds of 63 and 64 at the Travelers followed by a closing 65 at the Rocket Mortgage Classic and an opening 63 in Scotland mark him down as a player to keep an eye on in the coming weeks. Will make too many sevens in this, though.
The only one of 19 final qualifiers who had to go through a play-off, holing two monster putts to achieve a long-held dream. Next to no top-level experience and will almost certainly miss the cut, but frankly who cares.
Isle of White pro who has won a couple of Clutch events and will have plenty of opportunities during the remainder of the season, indeed has already taken one of them in Denmark. Very much the Katarina Johnson-Thompson of golf minus the hyphen and in many ways it's a great shame they're not currently due to wed.
Had his sister on the bag and his mum playing spotter as he came through a stacked qualifier at Royal Cinque Ports, where the other four were all current or former members of the world's top 100. Probably destined for a good Sunshine Tour career rather than majors and stuff.
Now a quarter of a century since top-five finish as an amateur and after years of underwhelming in this event subsequently, has been sixth and second among last six tries. Missed the 2022 edition having failed to qualify so will be eager to make the most of this return which was rubber-stamped with win at Pebble Beach, personal vindication for refusing the LIV Golf millions. Still be slightly worried that he's another high-ball hitter but has largely delivered this year and on course for a Ryder Cup return. Contending would just about seal that particular deal and did play well in 2014.
Still in the mix for a Ryder Cup call after impressing in the Hero Cup soon after winning his third DP World Tour title in Mauritius, the second time he's triumphed in the wind. That's not to say he looks a proper links specialist especially as his short-game and putting can be problematic. Do well to better T59 at Royal St George's.
Stormed through the field to win at the longest and toughest DP World Tour venue last summer and can cope with the wind at least. Carded an impressive 67 in round two of the US Open last year and the type who could exceed expectations and win a three-ball or two.
Very strong in the market for this last summer following Scottish Open win but spent the week on the fringes to make it five cuts made in five Opens. Best of the lot came when sent off a huge price in 2018 and finishing runner-up at a baked Carnoustie and since remained a model of consistency, which in turn makes him seem a bit frustrating. Undeniably disappointing that he was a fading 10th after a record-equalling 62 in LA and at 16/1 and under it's really quite simple: don't back him, don't take him on. At 20s and bigger things might become a little more complicated.
Probably the best majors golfer in the sport right now or else second to Koepka: 13 appearances since 2020, nine top-10s, one win, and a couple of near-misses put him quite a way clear of everyone else. The same has been true of his tee-to-green game this year, with Tiger-like numbers enough to have produced a batch of wins only for some deep-rooted putting woes to restrict him to two. Open record not quite as good as the other three but eighth and 21st from two goes is a very good start and those Texas winds have helped prepare many a golfer for this. Sets the benchmark and probably ought to be favourite.
Journeyman pro who has taken his game up a notch this year, suffering a heartbreaking defeat at the Valspar, then losing a play-off at Colonial. Can't argue with the strength of his form but it's all in much shallower waters and on very different courses.
First winner of a LIV Golf event but long-game looking a little shoddy this year and hasn't threatened to follow up. Positives come from the fact that his sole Open top-10 came at Hoylake in 2014, with 22nd in 2006 also among his better efforts. Possibly cost a few shrewd punters a quid or two when T3 in qualifying at Royal Cinque Ports, scene of his Brabazon Trophy win yonks ago.
Now firmly in the veteran category and such players might consider that the Open is their best chance to add one more major, which has been Scott's singular focus for a decade now. Could yet happen based on some strong 2023 form and the return of his best driving, albeit his approach work has been far less reliable. This style of golf may help and after securing his first Open top-10 here in 2006, he was fifth in 2014, leading the field in GIR and ball-striking. Between the two should've won it at Lytham and looks a solid each-way candidate as well as being odds-on to have on-the-ground punters asking 'how can a man this beautiful dress so poorly?' as he strides round in beige, wide-leg slacks.
Completed a hat-trick of wins in Japan last summer, the last of which earned him this opportunity. Has shown promise on the PGA Tour as well as in Asia on the DP World Tour so not a massive surprise if this strong driver made the weekend.
Largely poor in recent years but chooses his moments well: three top-10s since the beginning of 2022 have come in three of the most valuable DP World Tour events. The first two, bookending his season, earned him third go in the Open where Wikipedia informs me he is absolutely guaranteed to finish precisely 51st.
Should've won the 2017 Scottish Open and had to wait more than three years to remedy that in Cyprus. Since bagged follow-up win in Wales and always had the long-game to do damage, but not so good since taking second in the Dunhill Links.
Inventor of the man bun whose comeback story over the past couple of seasons following problems on and off the course has been great stuff. At his best when conditions are difficult and while he's only the second best German broom putter in the world, he might therefore be the second best broom putter in the world. First appearance at Hoylake but 15th on latest Open start in 2021 and keeps on defying expectations. Should be nowhere near the Ryder Cup side mind you and I think he probably knows that.
Broke many a heart with his antics last year, first when conjuring a final-round 64 to beat Rory and co and then by defecting to LIV Golf soon after. That said one of the rebels who hasn't poked the fire particularly and returns as a popular defending champion aiming to emulate Padraig Harrington, Tiger Woods, countryman Peter Thompson and various others who wouldn't let go of the Claret Jug. Red-hot putter has helped him finish inside the top 10 in each of the last two majors and he'll be less disadvantaged by his driving in this one. Huge chance after second LIV win at a club that has a membership category called 'Senate', complete with tax relief as one of the many benefits. Grow that game!
Absolutely flushes the living daylights out of his golf ball but may benefit from almost any other person in the UK hitting the putts right now.
In good nick on the Asian Tour over the past six months and runner-up on his last visit to England, too. Major debut probably too big but always had talent.
Carnoustie member and St Andrews Links Trophy winner who has a couple of strong Open results to his name. Qualified in Wales thanks to birdie-birdie finish having spoken of how eager he was to avoid being confined to the commentary box as he was in 2022, when losing his absolute shit like the rest of us. Some story when he does win but while that'll come elsewhere, hitting it well enough right now to be considered at enormous odds.
Missed cut on the number at the US Open aside it's been a solid year with six top-six finishes demonstrating how close he's been to winning again. Still hasn't lit up the greens in the way he used to for quite a while (almost two years since his last top-five putting week) and wrist injury must still have been bothering to not play the Travelers you would think. As far as Open credentials go there aren't many better: nine appearances, one win, four more top-20s, and a run of top-30s dating back to a near-miss in 2015. Made a big third-round move here a year earlier, did nothing wrong when runner-up in 2021, and must be a big chance if healthy.
Hard to remember now but came alive last summer to sneak into the TOUR Championship and earn this invite among others. MC-MC in the Open so far and only made four of 13 major cuts. Not playing well, either, and one for the autograph hunters to look out for at the local PureGym as the Claret Jug battle heats up over the weekend.
Troon winner thanks to inspired Sunday performance and wouldn't be a massive shock if he rolled back the years to figure in some capacity at a course where he's played pretty well in the past. Two top-10s in last three LIV Golf starts suggest game is in good shape and has outperformed plenty on that circuit since sacrificing Ryder Cup captaincy.
One of the last to earn a status upgrade via the EuroPro Tour Order of Merit and that rather emphasises the long road he's taken to finally begin to fulfil amateur promise. First Open start is a handsome reward and it came after battling nasty conditions at Dundonald.
Back on the Ryder Cup radar after storming through the field to win the John Deere Classic. OWGR suggests he's bound to play but I hope Europe ask for more from a player prone to wild swings in form, who didn't do much in the Hero Cup, hasn't made the effort to go to Rome for any of the three Italian Opens held at the course, and shot 81-72 in the Open last year. Honda Classic win suggests he might crack this style of golf but wouldn't bet on it.
Veteran South African who captured the Alfred Dunhill Championship, toughing things out impressively at Leopard Creek. Went on to add the Singapore Classic with a pocket-picking 63 but golden run now over.
Once a very good amateur who gave Scheffler a game in the Walker Cup and now a very good pro who does everything quite well but nothing spectacularly. Best form so far around tricky, parkland courses and can win an event around one of them.
Ended lengthy wait for a home winner of the Canadian Open and it's been the best year of his career with several other strong displays previously. Always had pedigree and suspect he's the type to really enjoy this first go at an Open, whatever the outcome. Making the cut would be a result and if doing so could scare top Cannuck favourite Conners.
Popular youngster whose rookie season saw him spurn great chances to win in Phoenix and at the Travellers. Second try has gone well and he makes cuts for fun, but still work to do if he's to squeeze into the Ryder Cup reckoning. Major performances will help and is on a fun of four top-40s, the pick of them a debut top 10 at Augusta. Magic hands and loves to shape it so could take to this, especially if avoiding the sort of student accommodation laid on for the lower-ranked players last year, which flared up his scoliosis. Surely too important for that sort of caper now.
So dedicated to following in the footsteps of his Close Personal Friend, Jordan Spieth, that he's decided to completely lose the plot since winning the PGA Championship, which is what Spieth did following his win in this event in 2017. Subsequent major results read 37-53-MC-65-MC and has often been poor in less intense surroundings, too. Unlikely much will change behind the scenes given he has a highly regarded caddie and that his coach is his dad, and nor should he after recent top-10 in Travelers. Flying in practise.
Fought back from the driving yips to win twice in 2019 and now returns to the scene of his Open debut, a respectable tie for 39th in 2014. Conditions were pretty soft then and as a short hitter he may prefer something firmer. Just three top-10s this year but one came very recently.
Robust Finn who has been threatening a second DP World Tour victory. First came amid the sea breeze of Oman and can be deadly with the putter but yet to suggest he's up to this level. Can only imagine the opposition quickly surrendered when they bumped into him on military service back in 2018.
Caddie bone collector who won in the Dominican Republic for a PGA Tour breakthrough earlier this year. Because golf, that's triggered a run of form so poor that it was a bit of a surprise to see him top his qualifier. So far more effective in the other three majors and just bits and pieces of low-level links form which means he can be left alone given serious driving issues.
Unpredictable but highly capable as he showed when hanging around for fourth place in Denmark. Had been one or two good signs prior to that and was ninth at halfway here in 2014, then fourth at the same stage a year later. From just four Open starts that's a nice enough return but four rounds at this level surely out of the question. Probably worse round-one leader darts at enormous odds but hopefully I talk myself out of that idea.
Son of two-time PGA Tour winner Mark Wiebe, who won the Senior Open Championship nearby at Birkdale. Qualified with an out-of-the-blue and off the pace runner-up finish at the Belfry.
Question: is there another city which is represented here by two major winners (no, Jupiter, FL doesn't count)? Not sure, but Sheffield's ex-finest isn't totally without hope of adding to the Steel City's tally as he's a former Dunhill Links champion with two top-sixes in this. Hasn't missed the cut in an Open since Hoylake in 2014 but then again hasn't done anything since throwing away the Fortinet Championship in September.
Loves these conditions as a former Dunhill Links and Made in HimmerLand champion. Bagged a top-25 in the Open at Turnberry and capable of something approaching that level if his long-game holds up which it did at the Belfry, but largely hasn't of late.
Won his US Open by the coast and at the time owned a sneaky-good Open record, with seven cuts made in seven. Since gone MC-MC-MC and while long-game has at times looked back to its absolute peak, short-game remains too big a handicap to expect much here. Worth seeking out if you're on course thanks to his two-iron stinger.
Still early days for a youngster who for now looks well short of the required standard. Qualified when third in the Mizuno Open, the event in which he'd made his first Japan Tour appearance, but unspectacular form otherwise.
Last year's runner-up when still a PGA Tour rookie and has really taken to life at this level, not just in a golfing sense but in the way that he always looks a bit annoyed at something. New caddie Paul Tesori hasn't yet proved the missing piece of the jigsaw despite pep talks which you just sense his man thinks are coming along too often. Drives it with the best of them but only real positive comes from three top-10s in majors already and a return to form under very different conditions in the John Deere Classic, where he still went missing for an entire round.