The Open Championship is the tournament that all golfers want to win – especially when the Old Course at St Andrews plays host.
The ‘Home of Golf’, as it’s known by many, is the perfect place to hold the historic 150th edition and for the 156-man field, what an honour it will be to take on the historic Links as they hope to etch their name onto the famous Claret Jug. From Abraham Ancer to Will Zalatoris, this handy guide gives a rundown on the competitors and their chances of success this week.
With the top of the sport as competitive as it’s ever been – and with a good handful of players having serious claims of winning – it could be the most thrilling Open in living memory.
Good luck!
Abraham Ancer – 90/1
One of the LIV Golf rebels, the Mexican hasn’t sizzled at The Open, missing the cut twice and only finishing 59th last year. Played well at the PGA but 2022 form is patchy.
Marcus Armitage – 250/1
The European Open winner in 2021 but hasn’t shown much in two Open starts so far and that is unlikely to change against this year’s contenders.
Adri Arnaus – 125/1
Hits it miles and won his first professional title earlier this year, but this is a whole different kettle of fish. Making the cut would be an achievement.
Sam Bairstow – 1000/1
Cricketer and namesake Jonny has as good a chance of making the cut.
Christiaan Bezuidenhout – 100/1
Became a member of the field when tying for second place at the John Deere Classic recently, though this softly spoken South African has a poor Open record so far. Bezuidenhout is a superb putter who has played well in windy conditions before, but this looks a bridge too far.
Alexander Bjork– 200/1
Three missed cuts from three starts at The Open just about sums up his chances. In other news, we’re told he’s a very good tennis player…
Richard Bland – 250/1
Became the oldest first-time winner of the British Masters last year. A close friend of footballer Matt Le Tissier, so expect him to hole everything from 12 yards (ish).
Keegan Bradley – 100/1
Won the PGA on debut in 2011 and doesn’t have a bad record in this tournament either. Could be interesting, but for everyone’s sake, let’s hope he gets on with it!
Barclay Brown – 1000/1
One of the amateurs hoping to strut their stuff this week. He’s got a great name, but he hasn’t got a great chance
Dean Burmester – 150/1
Inspired by legendary 1994 Open-winning compatriot, Nick Price, Burmester needs a career-best to be in the mix at St Andrews having not made a cut all year!
Sam Burns – 45/1
Perhaps the most improved player in world golf, Burns has won four times since 2020 and now sits inside the top 10 in the world rankings. Solid showings in both the US Open and PGA show he’s got the game for the Major. Only real negative is a lack of Open experience.
Mark Calcavecchia – 1000/1
The Open champion in 1989 at Troon, ‘Calc’ as his colleagues call him, makes his 30th tournament appearance. Still goes well on the Senior Tour but is vulnerable to younger legs this week.
Ben Campbell – 500/1
Ben Curtis pulled off an almighty shock to win the 2003 Open Championship. If his namesake were to do it, it might even top that.
Laurie Canter – 250/1
Makes his third Open appearance and first since 2017. Hits it a country mile but has moved over to LIV and with little recent golf under his belt, he’s hard to fancy.
Patrick Cantlay – 22/1
A quality player who so far hasn’t found the Major formula. Could easily go well but given he’d probably deliver a winner’s interview less interesting than watching paint dry, we’d prefer it if he didn’t.
David Carey – 1000/1
We’re sure he’ll enjoy the experience…
Paul Casey – 100/1
Seems pretty chuffed to have joined LIV Golf, which shows just about all you need to know about him.
John Catlin – 250/1
The winner of three DP World Tour titles since 2020, the 31-year-old American has been a bit of a late bloomer. And while he might be competitive on that tour, two missed cuts in two Major starts shows he’s still some way below this standard.
Filippo Celli – 1000/1
Rome-based 21-year-old Celli is Europe’s Champion Amateur. His dazzling round of 64 at the windswept and challenging El Saler course in Valencia will have set him up nicely for St Andrews.
Ashley Chesters – 500/1
The Englishman hasn’t played in the tournament since 2015 where he played brilliantly to finish in a tie for 12th. That, of course, came around St Andrews which will give him hope, but no top 10s since November last year will not.
Mingyu Cho – 1000/1
His first appearance in the UK. The trip will be a short one.
Stewart Cink – 200/1
Won The Open in 2009 despite no-one really wanting him to. Still goes well in the States despite his advancing years, though he surely won’t be up to landing this.
Wyndham Clark – 200/1
Another up-and-coming American who hits the ball miles. Clark is still hunting for his first win and while this would be a mighty fine place to do it, it’s surely asking too much.
Darren Clarke – 1000/1
A very emotional winner of this great championship in 2011, the loveable Irishman is very much in the twilight of his career these days. Is still very competitive on the Senior Tour but he’s competing against much younger legs here.
Corey Conners – 80/1
A superb ball striker whose tee-to-green game is right up there with the best. However, his putting is well below that standard and that’s a facet of the game that’s always tested at an Open Championship.
John Daly – 1000/1
Daly was crowned Champion Golfer of the Year at St Andrews in 1995, but the old dog will need to learn a few new tricks to pull off a mighty shock some 27 years later.
Justin De Los Santos – 1000/1
It’s your first Major appearance, Justin, go enjoy yourself out there.
Bryson DeChambeau – 125/1
Injury issues have troubled the American this year and while he always has the ability to overpower a course, it’s rare that’s doable at an Open Championship. It’s perhaps unsurprising then, that his best Open finish is a tie for 33rd.
Thomas Detry – 250/1
Has plenty of talent but is perhaps now feeling the effects of not getting across the line despite several golden chances, including when losing in a play-off in last year’s Scottish Open. Has been in okay form this year but it would be almighty shock if he got his first victory at St Andrews.
Robert Dinwiddie – 1000/1
The former British number one is unlikely to reach those heights again.
Stephen Dodd – 1000/1
Won The Senior Open in 2021 at Sunningdale, but he’ll struggle to keep up with the big boys here.
Jamie Donaldson – 350/1
Perhaps most famous for clinching the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, the colourful Welshman isn’t the force of old. He does, however, seem to perform best in the UK and will be in a fine mood after grabbing one of the final qualifying spots at the Scottish Open.
David Duval – 1000/1
David’s Claret Jug from 2001 will have collected a bit of dust by now, and the 50-year-old American has only made the cut once since winning it over 20 years ago. Undoubtedly a big outsider, but with a big love affair for The Open.
Ernie Els – 500/1
2002, tick; 2012, tick, 2022, surely not!? The Big Easy will be plotting his way round The Open for a 31st time, and if winning patterns, rather than current form, is anything to go by, the sweet-swinging South African could go close.
Harris English – 160/1
English has only played six tournaments this year but is a Travelers Championship winner who has a knack of popping up now and again, so don’t be surprised if the English supporters pipe up at some point.
Oliver Farr – 500/1
Oliver’s not expected to make it very….
Jorge Fernandez-Valdes – 1000/1
The Argentine has waited 10 years for this opportunity, but even if he waited another 1,000 we’re not sure he’d feature.
Tony Finau – 50/1
Has all the talent in the world but just the two wins on the PGA Tour show that he often struggles to get over the line when it really matters. Has a good Open record, having made the cut in all five starts, with a worst finish being a tie for 27th in 2017. Might be a good bet for the top 10.
Matt Fitzpatrick – 16/1
Another of the game’s in-form players after his brilliant win at the US Open last month. Fitzy will be fancied by many to win back-to-back Majors, though he does have to improve on a modest Open record.
Tommy Fleetwood – 28/1
One of Britain’s best and certainly isn’t without a chance, despite not winning since 2019. Was second to Shane Lowry at Portrush in 2019 and his game suits Links golf, so will definitely have his supporters at a likely decent price.
Jack Floydd – 1000/1
Raymond Floyd won four Majors and was second in the 1978 Open at St Andrews. As Jack’s price suggests, he won’t be doing any of that.
Matthew Ford – 1000/1
Struggled to kick his European career into gear and will most likely crash out after the second round.
Ryan Fox – 80/1
Second and third in his last two outings, Fox has come into form at just the right time. Now inside the top 50 in the world rankings, this big hitter could be an interesting outsider, though he’ll need to be more accurate off the tee.
Dylan Frittelli – 160/1
Frittelli’s two Major top-five finishes, including at The Open, made a few stand up and take notice. He’s made the cut in 12 of his 16 tournaments in 2022 and shouldn’t be completely overlooked at what will be a big price. One to consider in the top South African market.
Sergio Garcia – 100/1
An Open veteran having played in it 24 times, including finishing second in 2007 at Carnoustie, and 2014 at Hoylake. He hasn’t played well this year, though, and his interests seems elsewhere.
Taylor Gooch – 100/1
Got his maiden PGA Tour win at the end of 2021 and has continued the good form this year with some solid displays. Made the move to the LIV Golf Tour recently and while he played nicely at Royal St George’s, a swift exit could be on the cards.
Matthew Griffin – 1000/1
Started well with an opening 70 at Birkdale in 2017 on debut but fell apart on Friday to miss the cut. Returns five years later for another go but looks out of his depth here.
Emiliano Grillo – 200/1
The 29-year-old South American sensation is making his Open and St Andrews debut. He hasn’t quite gone on from his maiden tour season win of 2016, but at just 29 years old, there’s still time for the talented Argentinian to show what he’s about.
Justin Harding – 160/1
Played quite well in this 12 months ago, but you can’t really expect us to give too much credit to a LIV Tour player, can you?
Brian Harman – 150/1
Usually quite a steady player who pops up now and then but has been in pretty poor form this year with just four top 10s in 22 starts on the PGA Tour. Played well to finish in a tie for 19th in the 2021 Open but had missed the cut in four of his previous five appearances.
Padraig Harrington – 200/1
Won a Senior Major last month, but he’ll need all the luck of the Irish to win a third Open Championship.
Tyrrell Hatton – 40/1
Perhaps the angriest golfer around (he’d echo those comments), but with four Rolex Series wins to his name, he certainly has the game to back that up. Started the season well enough but has gone off the boil recently, though his Links record does give some cause for optimism.
Russell Henley – 150/1
Has Major pedigree having finished inside the top 20 in all four tournaments – and was joint-leader after 54 holes at last year’s US Open. Ranks inside the top five with his irons this year, but will need to putt much better to have a chance on Sunday.
Lucas Herbert – 150/1
The winner of last year’s Irish Open, Herbert is improving all the time as a tie for 13th at the PGA testifies. Didn’t play badly for three rounds at Carnoustie in 2018 and could be one to consider in the top Australian market.
Kazuki Higa – 500/1
In the form of his life following two wins in Japan this year, but he’s taking on the big boys here.
Garrick Higgo – 350/1
2021 was a belter for Higgo, with three victories, including on only the second PGA Tour start of his life. Missed the cut in eight of his last 10 tournaments in 2022, though, and that tempers enthusiasm somewhat.
Tom Hoge – 250/1
Managed to capture his first PGA Tour title at the 203rd attempt at another iconic course in Pebble Beach earlier this year. Has missed the cut in six of his last eight appearances, though, and that’s hardly the form you want heading into your first Open Championship.
Nicolai Hojgaard – 350/1
He might be just 21 years of age, but he’s already won DP World Tour titles. He’s a spitting image of twin brother Rasmus so make sure you’re cheering on the right one.
Max Homa – 45/1
Twice a winner across the pond this year and has also put in some decent performances in the Majors too. One of the best swings around and this very likeable American could be a tasty outsider.
Billy Horschel – 80/1
A big West Ham fan, the likeable American was a very impressive winner of the Memorial Tournament last year meaning he’s now won seven times on the PGA Tour in his career. Won well at Wentworth last year but he doesn’t have a very good Open record.
Sam Horsfield – 125/1
Always highly touted and has gone some way to realising his clear potential with three DP World Tour wins. Made the decision to become a LIV Golf member and while he might be a few quid richer, we’re not sure how much it will help his golf.
Viktor Hovland – 40/1
From tee to green, the Norwegian is about as good as they come, but his short game, particularly his chipping and pitching, mirrors that of an 18 handicapper. If you decide to back him, be prepared to watch most of his shots from around the green from behind the sofa.
Mackenzie Hughes – 200/1
Was superb on debut last year finishing in a tie for sixth and after some solid showings already this year, could be a good bet in the top Canadian market.
Sungjae Im – 80/1
One of the game’s most consistent players as 16 of 19 made cuts this season demonstrate. Went very well for a long way at the 2020 Masters, though a lack of Open experience is a nagging concern
Shugo Imahira – 500/1
Was the leading money-winner on the Japan Tour in 2018 and 2019 and won back-to-back titles in his native Japan earlier this year. At least he made a few quid from those performances because it’s hard to see him claiming much prize money this week.
Aaron Jarvis – 1000/1
The winner of the Latin America Amateur Championship, Jarvis might be a big fish in the Cayman Islands but he’s way out of his depth here.
Dustin Johnson – 33/1
Saudi tour convert DJ would LIV, sorry love, to be in the mix at his favourite Open track, St Andrews. The two-time Major winner and 2011 Open runner-up has to be respected.
Zach Johnson – 350/1
The winner of the Claret Jug the last time The Open was played at St Andrews in 2015, this two-time Major winner is not the force of old. Will make a great US Ryder Cup captain but a second Open victory looks a pipe dream.
Matthew Jordan – 500/1
Returns to the Old Course five years after winning the St Andrews Links Trophy, one of the most prestigious titles in the amateur game. Surely excited to play the famous old Links again, though he’s not up to winning here.
Sadom Kaewkanjana – 500/1
Went on a ridiculous run of form at the back end of last year winning four times in nine appearances which saw him climb nearly 400 spots in the world rankings. Now plying his trade on the LIV Golf tour and while clearly improving, he’s not good enough to win this.
Takumi Kanaya – 500/1
Played nicely when most of us got a first glimpse of him at the WGC Match Play to finish in a tie for ninth but has missed five of his last seven cuts. That’s hardly the form you want to be bringing into a Major championship and he’s easily dismissed.
Yuto Katsuragawa – 500/1
An Open debutant who’s another exciting talent from Japan. Has a win, three seconds and a third to his name this year, so brings some form into this but can he seriously be considered for an Open? Surely not.
Brad Kennedy – 500/1
Less said about his chances the better…
Chan Kim – 1000/1
Finished an impressive T11 on his Open debut at Royal Birkdale in 2017 but has battled injury issues for a while now and surely won’t be a factor this time.
Jooyung Kim – 150/1
Played well in the US Open and won in Singapore earlier this year too, but as his odds suggest, he won’t be winning this.
Minkyu Kim – 1000/1
Became the youngest-ever winner on the DP World Tour and Challenge Tour when taking the 2018 Czech Challenge aged just 17 years and 64 days. Hasn’t really built on that and playing the weekend would be a great achievement.
Sihwan Kim – 500/1
Broke into the top 200 in the world rankings recently. That’s something, sort of.
Si Woo – 160/1
Recent form is very patchy and there have to be serious doubts about his game and temperament around St Andrews this week. Not for us.
Chris Kirk – 160/1
Plays in his third Open having finished inside the top 20 on debut at Hoylake in 2014 before missing the cut two years later at Troon. A four-time PGA Tour winner, but has rarely been a factor in Majors and that’s likely to continue.
Kevin Kisner – 250/1
Has the game to go well at an Open and that was shown by a second at Carnoustie in 2018. Started the season nicely but has missed five of his last seven cuts, so needs to bounce back.
Kurt Kitayama – 150/1
Hadn’t done much this year but put in a really solid showing to finish runner-up at last week’s Scottish Open, which booked his ticket to St Andrews. Quite erratic at times as he showed last week, he’s got the game to contend albeit with a poor Open record.
Brooks Koepka – 50/1
The man for the Majors, Koepka seems a different a player during the four most important weeks of the golfing year. Four top 10s in his last five Open appearances show he’s got the game for Links golf, but his recent form is patchy to say the least.
Jason Kokrak – 160/1
A winner of three PGA Tour titles in fairly quick succession over the last year or so, Kokrak perhaps still doesn’t get the plaudits he deserves. Doesn’t have a bad Open record either and might surprise a few if he can get the irons working a bit better,
Pablo Larrazabal – 200/1
A big Barcelona football fan, if he makes the cut he’ll probably have more money than them
David Law – 500/1
A fairly fresh face on the pro circuit who carded a career-best tie for fourth at the Irish Open. That was enough to qualify the former Scottish boys’ and amateur champion for his first taste of a Major, which will prove to be his toughest test yet.
Thriston Lawrence – 250/1
Won the Joburg Open in November last year and played well in several other tournaments in his native South Africa to begin 2022. Went off the boil subsequently but bounced back to form with a top 10 in the Irish Open. As his odds suggest, though, this is a bridge too far.
Paul Lawrie – 1000/1
23 years on from his win at Carnoustie, he’s even more of an outsider this time round.
K.H. Lee – 200/1
Successful defence of the Bryson Nelson title earlier this year, and now ranked a career high of 41st, but this Open debutant looks up against it.
Min Woo Lee – 200/1
Brother of classy women’s player Minjee, he’s one to watch for the future and his win in the Scottish Open last year shows he loves this sort of golf.
Marc Leishman – 125/1
Only one top 10 since January on the PGA Tour is a concern for the big Aussie, but he’s a top six finisher in three of the seven last Opens, including at St Andrews in 2015. Might surprise a few if everything clicks.
Haotong Li – 150/1
Li almost called time on his golfing career last year after a string of missed cuts, but he plugged on and clinched the BMW International to qualify for St Andrews. Talented but a risky proposition.
Luke List – 150/1
Finally shed his maiden tag at Torrey Pines earlier this year and given he’s been third in the Scottish Open and was 39th a week later at Carnoustie, you’d think he’ll do pretty well here if the putter behaves. Worth backing to make the cut.
Zander Lombard – 500/1
Started his first two Opens in encouraging fashion but didn’t kick on for the remainder of the week as he would have hoped. Missed the cut in 2019 on his last start in this tournament and has been very out of form this year, so he’d be more than a surprise winner.
Shane Lowry – 22/1
Champion Golfer of the Year in 2019 and has played well this year too with five top 10s, including recently at the Irish Open. Will be well-fancied to go well once more, especially if the wind blows and the heavens open.
Robert MacIntyre – 125/1
Not amongst the favourites this year but being tied eighth last year will give him plenty of confidence as will the Scottish crowds cheering on one of their own. Certainly won’t be overawed by the situation.
Richard Mansell – 500/1
He would hope to race round the course but is much more likely to crash out early.
Hideki Matsuyama – 55/1
One of Japan’s greatest exports having won the 2021 Masters in impressive fashion. Can blow a bit hot and cold at times but we all know the qualities he has. After a very encouraging debut in 2013, Open record is pretty poor, and he’ll be keen to improve on that.
Rory McIlroy – 10/1
Favourite to win The Open this year and it’s not hard to see why. Few flaws in his game and has every chance of grabbing his first Major title since 2014. Has a fine record at St Andrews and McIlroy is ready to roar!
Adrian Meronk – 150/1
Made history to become first Polish winner on DP World Tour after landing the Irish Open recently. An up-and-coming talent but won’t be a factor around St Andrews.
Phil Mickelson – 350/1
Won The Open in 2013 in one of the great Sunday duals with Henrik Stenson. Best days are behind him seemingly, though, and it would take a brave man to have a punt on him.
Guido Migliozzi – 350/1
Fourth in the first Major appearance of his life (2021 US Open) and signed by Niall Horan’s golf management company, this Italian’s career is only heading in One Direction.
Keith Mitchell – 125/1
Just one win in 180 starts. Keith doesn’t hit the bullseye very often and that looks set to continue this week.
Francesco Molinari – 250/1
The 2018 Open champion Molinari would love to lift another Claret Jug, but he’s been a little bit off the boil recently and it would be a big surprise if a revival occurred this week.
Jediah Morgan – 1000/1
Google tells us he won the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit for the 2021–22 season, but there wasn’t much else to add…
Collin Morikawa – 30/1
Last year’s Champion Golfer of the Year, who is arguably the best iron player we’ve seen since Tiger Woods. Hasn’t had a brilliant season by his own very high standards, but two of his best performances came at the Masters and US Open, so don’t be surprised to see him involved come Sunday.
Ronan Mullarney – 1000/1
There are plenty of Irish contenders for this year’s Open Championship, but at 1000/1, Ronan certainly isn’t one of them.
Trey Mullinax – 500/1
Booked his Open spot with a birdie on the 72nd hole en route to his first PGA Tour victory at the Barbasol Championship. Makes his championship debut and while he’s surely riding the crest of a wave, making the cut would be an achievement.
Sebastian Munoz – 150/1
Made history by becoming the first player in PGA Tour history to shoot 60 twice in the same season, but since the second on at the Byron Nelson is form has petered out somewhat. Has missed the cut in both Open starts too.
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