Major Power Rankings: The Open Championship Rankings

Major Power Rankings: The Open Championship Rankings

This article is part of our Major Power Rankings series.

FAVORITES

1. Jordan Spieth
Note: With Rory McIlroy out due to injury, Spieth's chance at notching the third leg of the Grand Slam are as good as ever.
2. Dustin Johnson
Note: Despite Johnson's 3-putt to lose the U.S. Open, he is too good not to rebound. Four top-15s in last five Open Championships.
3. Rickie Fowler
Note: Top-5s in two of his last four Opens; total game to contend as seen by his wins at The Players in May and last week's Scottish Open.
4. Justin Rose
Note: Has yet to post a top-10 at the Open since his 1998 low amateur effort to pounce on the scene. In good form this season.
5. Adam Scott
Note: Top-5s in his last three Opens, Scott has figured out the links courses and will be in the mix if his putting holds up.
6. Henrik Stenson
Note: Strong Swede who has three top-3 efforts at the Open since 2008; primed to finally win his first major.
7. Louis Oosthuizen
Note: Will defend his title at St. Andrews this week after demolishing field in 2010.
8. Tiger Woods
Note: Won at St. Andrews in 2000 and 2005; starting to turn game around after three rounds in 60s a couple weeks back.
9. Jason Day
Note: A high-ball hitter who has yet to post a top-30 at the Open, Day will look to overcome his recent bout with vertigo to break the skid.
10. Phil Mickelson
Note: Broke through for his first Open
FAVORITES

1. Jordan Spieth
Note: With Rory McIlroy out due to injury, Spieth's chance at notching the third leg of the Grand Slam are as good as ever.
2. Dustin Johnson
Note: Despite Johnson's 3-putt to lose the U.S. Open, he is too good not to rebound. Four top-15s in last five Open Championships.
3. Rickie Fowler
Note: Top-5s in two of his last four Opens; total game to contend as seen by his wins at The Players in May and last week's Scottish Open.
4. Justin Rose
Note: Has yet to post a top-10 at the Open since his 1998 low amateur effort to pounce on the scene. In good form this season.
5. Adam Scott
Note: Top-5s in his last three Opens, Scott has figured out the links courses and will be in the mix if his putting holds up.
6. Henrik Stenson
Note: Strong Swede who has three top-3 efforts at the Open since 2008; primed to finally win his first major.
7. Louis Oosthuizen
Note: Will defend his title at St. Andrews this week after demolishing field in 2010.
8. Tiger Woods
Note: Won at St. Andrews in 2000 and 2005; starting to turn game around after three rounds in 60s a couple weeks back.
9. Jason Day
Note: A high-ball hitter who has yet to post a top-30 at the Open, Day will look to overcome his recent bout with vertigo to break the skid.
10. Phil Mickelson
Note: Broke through for his first Open Championship in 2013 and has the necessary experience to contend at the home of golf.
11. Sergio Garcia
Note: A perennial powerhouse at the Open, Sergio has eight top-10s at this event and represents his best chance to capture a major.

CONTENDERS

12. Bubba Watson
Note: Not exactly the poster child for an Open Championship but is talented enough to surprise. Won two weeks ago at the Travelers.
13. Paul Casey
Note: In midst of career revival with a couple runner-ups this season; due for a breakthrough win.
14. Hideki Matsuyama
Note: Elite ballstriker who is plenty capable of showing up at St. Andrews. Tied for sixth in 2013 Open.
15. Martin Kaymer
Note: Solid links player with two majors and proven ability to stay patient.
16. Shane Lowry
Note: Known for his links play, Lowry posted a top-10 at the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay last month.
17. Brandt Snedeker
Note: Strong links player with aggressive putting that will fare well on slower Open Championship greens.
18. Branden Grace
Note: Heart-breaking drive OB down the stretch at the U.S. Open killed his chances; he'll be back for redemption at St. Andrews.
19. Matt Kuchar
Note: Runner-up at last week's Scottish Open; only tournament off his resume is a major.
20. Patrick Reed
Note: Top-15 at the U.S. Open last month and will look to contend in his first major.
21. Brooks Koepka
Note: Scary long and capable of overpowering St. Andrews this week but will need to putt well.
22. Jimmy Walker
Note: Walker posted a T26 in his first Open last season; has a great combination of ballstriking and short game to contend.
23. Victor Dubuisson
Note: "Golden Hands" may need his magical touch around the treacherous bunkers of St. Andrews; T9 at the Open last year.
24. Tommy Fleetwood
Note: Youthful 24-year-old has a solid record playing St. Andrews in the Dunhill Links and coming in with good form.
25. Jim Furyk
Note: Great ballstriker with immense short game but may struggle with the longer holes at St. Andrews.
26. Bernd Wiesberger
Note: Won the Astom French Open two weeks ago and in great form.
27. Lee Westwood
Note: Proven commodity with solid ballstriking and patience to contend even in his 40s.
28. Charl Schwartzel
Note: Solid record at St. Andrews with elite ballstriking ability to weather any wind conditions.

IN THE HUNT

29. Ian Poulter
Note: Gritty competitor will need to drive the ball as well as he scrambles to etch his name on the Claret Jug.
30. Luke Donald
Note: Elite short game and recent top-10 at the Travelers has this Englishman in sleeper range to play well this week.
31. Graeme McDowell
Note: Gritty player who can grind out a good round in any condition; solid Open Championship record.
32. J.B. Holmes
Note: Bomber with plenty of form and game to surprise.
33. Billy Horschel
Note: Has missed two cuts in two tries at the Open but plenty talented enough to change that trend.
34. Danny Willett
Note: Top-15 two years ago at the Open and currently second in the Race to Dubai rankings.
35. Zach Johnson
Note: After another great performance at the John Deere, Johnson will seek continued success in Open Championship week.
36. Kevin Kisner
Note: Among the hottest players in golf with three playoff losses this season.
37. Byeong-Hun An
Note: BMW PGA champ is set on taking the next step of contending in a major.
38. Francesco Molinari
Note: Great ballstriker with top-15s his last two Opens.
39. Jason Dufner
Note: Straight hitter who seems to fit the links mold but has yet to post a top-25 at the Open Championship.
40. Keegan Bradley
Note: Long and straight can't hurt especially on a fast links course.
41. Jamie Donaldson
Note: Wales native has yet to play well in the Open Championship but has the iron game to surprise.
42. Gary Woodland
Note: Long hitter has three top-40s in three tries at the Open and will be a good fit for St. Andrews.
43. Ernie Els
Note: Legendary links player won the 2012 Open and has plenty of success to draw on at the Old Course.
44. Ryan Moore
Note: Has struggled in majors in his career but has made his last three cuts at Open Championships.
45. Padraig Harrington
Note: Won 2007 and 2008 Open Championships but enters with weak form.
46. Bill Haas
Note: Solid driver of the ball has just one top-25 at the Open in five attempts.
47. Ryan Palmer
Note: Great tee-to-green player who has made 2-of-2 cuts at the Open.
48. Marc Warren
Note: Top-30 at the U.S. Open last month and top-5 at last week's Scottish Open have this Scotland native in good form.

NEED A FEW BREAKS

49. Graham DeLaet
Note: Long hitter with little links experience but coming off top-5 at the Travelers a few weeks back.
50. Charley Hoffman
Note: Contended at the Masters in April but has a very weak record at the Open.
51. Hunter Mahan
Note: Solid tee-to-green player who has a solid track record at the Open.
52. Stephen Gallacher
Note: Strong Open Championship record with three top-25s in last four starts.
53. Webb Simpson
Note: Short game wizard will need to hit it well to have a chance; weak Open record.
54. Joost Luiten
Note: Played well at U.S. Open and entering off top-5 last week at Scottish Open.
55. Geoff Ogilvy
Note: Spotty Open record but the Aussie is the 2006 U.S. Open champion.
56. Marc Leishman
Note: Top-5 effort at last year's Open.
57. Harris English
Note: Top-15 finish in 2013 Open and has plenty of length to play well at St. Andrews.
58. Miguel Angel Jimenez
Note: Great Open record and enjoying a great two year run of golf.
59. Brendon Todd
Note: T39 in first Open last year and posesses plenty of short game skill to navigate the tricky St. Andrews.
60. Kevin Na
Note: Has made two cuts in four Open starts, his best a T27 at St. Andrews in 2010.
61. Ross Fisher
Note: Held the lead briefly Sunday at the 2009 Open but a quadruple bogey pushed him back to T13.
62. George Coetzee
Note: Two top-20s in four Open starts.
63. Andy Sullivan
Note: First timer at the Open playing in just his second major championship.
64. David Howell
Note: Tied for 15th at Hoylake last year.
65. Thomas Bjorn
Note: Veteran links player will have the short game but likely not the length to compete at St. Andrews.
66. Alexander Noren
Note: Two-time Nordea Masters champ will look to post his second top-10 at the Open this week.
67. John Senden
Note: Solid ballstriker who has yet to figure out the links style courses.
68. Thongchai Jaidee
Note: Has made plenty of Open cuts but has just one career top-25.
69. Ben Martin
Note: Great putter finished T26 at his first Open Championship last year.
70. Alexander Levy
Note: First timer at the Open; Was T27 at the U.S. Open last month.
71. Eddie Pepperell
Note: Lost in playoff at the 2015 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open to Soren Kjeldsen.
72. Thomas Aiken
Note: T8 in 2012 Open Championship, celebrates 32nd birthday this week.
73. Russell Henley
Note: Free-wheeling player has made one of two cuts at the Open, his best a T73 in 2013.
74. Retief Goosen
Note: Has a stellar Open record and returns after missing the past two Opens.

LONG SHOTS

75. Tyrrell Hatton
Note: 23-year-old has missed all three cuts at the Open.
76. Robert Streb
Note: First time Open Championship start, entering with nice form.
77. Jonas Blixt
Note: Tied for 26th at his first Open in 2013, but missed the cut last season.
78. Pablo Larrazabal
Note: Spaniard just won the BMW International Open over Henrik Stenson in late June.
79. Daniel Berger
Note: Berger has played his way into the Open and enjoying a great rookie season on the PGA Tour.
80. Brian Harman
Note: Tied for 26th coming off his maiden victory at last year's John Deere Classic.
81. Steven Bowditch
Note: Aussie won AT&T Byron Nelson in May.
82. David Lingmerth
Note: Lingmerth won the Memorial Tournament for his first PGA Tour victory in May.
83. Soren Kjeldsen
Note: Won 2015 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in playoff.
84. Mikko Ilonen
Note: Weak Open Championship record but won Volvo World Match Play in 2014.
85. Marcel Siem
Note: Finished 12th at the 2014 U.S. Open, Siem's best Open Championship finish is T27 in 2010 at St. Andrews.
86. Matteo Manassero
Note: T19 at last year's Open, Manassero is just 22 years old but has 14 majors of experience under his belt.
87. Kiradech Aphibarnrat
Note: Making his third Open appearance and will look to make the cut for the first time.
88. Morgan Hoffmann
Note: First appearance at the Open after two straight top-30s in majors this season.
89. Matt Jones
Note: Made cut in first Open last season, finishing T54. Two third place finishes this season.
90. Paul Lawrie
Note: 1999 Open champion has done little at this event since his triumph.
91. Carl Pettersson
Note: In solid form and holds one career top-10 at the Open Championship.
92. Anirban Lahiri
Note: Finished 31st in maiden Open Championship in 2012 but missed cut in 2014.
93. Cameron Tringale
Note: Contended at Zurich Classic this season; missed cut in first Open last year.
94. Stewart Cink
Note: 2009 Open champion has made five of his last six Open cuts.
95. Darren Clarke
Note: 2011 Open champion has great links record including two made cuts at the Old Course.
96. Marcus Fraser
Note: Making fifth Open Championship start; best finish a T35 in 2006.
97. Bernhard Langer
Note: Timeless veteran was top-5 at St. Andrews in 2005 but has two missed cuts since.
98. Romain Wattel
Note: Young 24 year old is making his first Open start.
99. Matt Every
Note: Won back-to-back Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2014 and 2015.
100. Edoardo Molinari
Note: Brother of Francesco, Edoardo tied for 7th last year at the Open.
101. Scott Hend
Note: Making his second Open appearance, his first since 2005.
102. Ollie Schniederjans
Note: Top-ranked amateur earned trips to U.S. Open and Open Championship by earning McCormack Medal.
103. Greg Chalmers
Note: Playing Open for first time since 2012.
104. Anthony Wall
Note: Making sixth Open start, first since 2009.
105. Wen-Chong Liang
Note: First Open start since 2009, where he missed the cut.
106. Koumei Oda
Note: Tied for 39th last year to go with three other missed cuts at the Open
107. Rod Pampling
Note: Finished runner-up to Jordan Spieth at Emirates Australian Open to earn his first Open start since 2009.
108. Ryan Fox
Note: Fought through a playoff at Final Qualifying at Gailes Links on June 30 for his first major.
109. Gary Boyd
Note: Fourth at the 2010 Alfred Dunhill Links, where two of the four rounds are played at St Andrews.
110. James Hahn
Note: Sixth place finish the Greenbrier Classic booked his trip to St. Andrews.
111. David Hearn
Note: Lost in playoff at The Greenbrier Classic to narrowly make the field.
112. Hiroshi Iwata
Note: Returned to The Open last July six years after playing at Royal Birkdale, winning the Open Qualifying Series event in Thailand.
113. Raphael Jacquelin
Note: Joint second place in the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open on Sunday to qualify.
114. Rikard Karlberg
Note: A closing 64 at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open on Sunday brought Karlberg an Open debut.
115. James Morrison
Note: Finished runner-up to Bernd Wiesberger at the Alstom French Open to get in the field.
116. Greg Owen
Note: A climb back into the world's top 200 paid off for Mansfield-born Owen at the PGA Tour's Greenbrier Classic.
117. Richie Ramsay
Note: Won the 2006 U.S. Amateur.
118. Kevin Streelman
Note: Replaced Chris Kirk as an alternate to slip in the Open field.
119. Jaco Van Zyl
Note: South African amateur champion in 2000.
120. John Daly
Note: Former 1995 Open champion at St. Andrews, Daly will relish in his return to St. Andrews.
121. Brett Rumford
Note: The 37-year-old was third in the Emirates Australian Open to notch his fifth start in The Open, but his first at St Andrews.
122. Justin Leonard
Note: 1997 Open champion at Royal Troon.
123. Tom Watson
Note: Five-time Open champ will go down as arguably the greatest links player of all time; making final start in 40th Open appearance.
124. Tadahiro Takayama
Note: Finished joint 23rd on his Open Championship debut at St Andrews in 2005.
125. Yuta Ikeda
Note: Earned his first start in The Open for four years with a one-stroke victory at the Japan Open last October.
126. Taichi Teshima
Note: Back in The Open after 13-year gap following win at the Gateway to The Open Mizuno Open.
127. Hiroyuki Fujita
Note: Finished second on Japan Tour money list to make Open appearance.
128. Jonathan Moore
Note: Earned his spot by holing a 20-foot putt for joint sixth place in the Thailand Golf Championship.
129. Jordan Niebrugge
Note: Will be making his Open Championship debut, but played in last year's US Masters after winning the US Public Links title in 2013.
130. Ben Curtis
Note: Won 2003 Open at Royal St Georges in first Open appearance.
131. Scott Strange
Note: Playing first Open Championship in seven years after second place finish at the Japan Tour's Gateway to The Open Mizuno Open.
132. David Lipsky
Note: Won the Omega European Masters in Switzerland in a playoff.
133. Daniel Brooks
Note: Finished top-10 at last week's Scottish Open to earn one of the final spots.
134. Rafael Cabrera-Bello
Note: Shot a back-nine 29 at the Alstom French Open for the last of the three qualifying places.
135. Russell Knox
Note: Beneficiary of Rory McIlroy's withdrawal, Knox will look to take advantage at St. Andrews.
136. Danny Lee
Note: Won the Greenbier Classic in a playoff and then nearly won the John Deere Classic the following week.
137. Tom Lehman
Note: Missed The Open last year for the first time since his 1996 Open Championship victory.
138. Todd Hamilton
Note: Surprise 2004 Open champion.
139. Robert Dinwiddie
Note: Holds course record 63 during the 2008 PGA Championship at Wentworth.
140. Ashley Chesters
Note: In the past 20 years, Tiger Woods and Edoardo Molinari are the only other amateurs to have qualified for back-to-back Opens.
141. Romain Langasque
Note: Nineteen year old Frenchman won the 2014 British Amateur.
142. Tom Gillis
Note: Made the last spot with a playoff loss at last week's John Deere Classic.
143. David Duval
Note: Became World No. 1 in 1999 and went on to win 2001 Open by three shots.
144. Pelle Edberg
Note: Returns for first time since 2008 thanks to a joint first place finish in the 36-hole Final Qualifying at Hillside on June 30.
145. Mark Young
Note: Three-time Lancashire amateur champion and five-time Northern Order of Merit winner
146. Paul Dunne
Note: Irishman was the only amateur to come through Final Qualifying.
147. Mark O'Meara
Note: At 41 became the oldest player to win two Majors in one season which included the 1998 Open Championship.
148. Scott Arnold
Note: Tied for first in 36-hole Final Qualifying at Hillside and will make his major debut at the Home of Golf.
149. Paul Kinnear
Note: Shed tears of joy in the Final Qualifying at Gailes Links after making a birdie in a playoff to secure a spot in the Open.
150. Shinji Tomimura
Note: Tied for third at the Gateway to The Open Mizuno Open to make his Open debut.
151. Ben Taylor
Note: Finished tied for first in the Final Qualifying event at Royal Cinque Ports.
152. Adam Bland
Note: Back in the Open Championship after a nine-year gap thanks to his second place on this season's Japan Tour money list.
153. Mark Calcavecchia
Note: 1989 Open champion after losing the 1988 Masters in disappointing fashion.
154. Gunn Yang
Note: Won US Amateur Championship last August.
155. Alister Balcombe
Note: Shot 67-70 at Final Qualifying at Royal Cinque Ports to earn a spot.
156. Sandy Lyle
Note: Became first British winner at the Open since Tony Jacklin in 1969 when he won in 1985.
157. Nick Faldo
Note: Former great will play with recent Scottish Open winner Rickie Fowler and Justin Rose.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Riek
Michael is the 2016 FSWA Golf Writer of the Year winner. He is a former collegiate golfer with a passion for analytics and strategy.
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