The 2019 British Open is the last major of the PGA season, and even so, there is still much more to go after this weekend. This brass ring will be hotly contested for as one of the shining stars of any golf year. Let’s take a look at some of the points and factors for this weekend.
2019 British Open Preview
The Course and the Conditions
The Dunluce Links in beautiful, picturesque Northern Ireland, will be hosting the 2019 British Open. The course hasn’t hosted the British Open for 68 years, effectively making sure that few of this week’s competitors have ever even seen the course before this weekend let alone play on it. The course has a great difficulty level, constantly twisting direction and having several changes in elevation as well.
Combine the design of the course with the weather expected this weekend and the challenge level increases. All four days will have intermittent rain as well as windy conditions. Though the forecast doesn’t look as bad as one of the harshest British Open’s, back in 2002 when even at his height of skill, Tiger Woods shot an 81 in the third round due to the conditions. The rain and wind is already a challenge to the golfers in the practice rounds. Hopefully, they can get enough in to be competitive but watch for some wild changes in the leader-board as the weather fluctuates.
Odds to Win
While there are never guarantees in any tournament, there are still oddsmakers who will rank likely strong players. Of course, the British Open will be a great feat for the leader in the odds category Rory McIlroy. But the top five predicted to do well include some of the best golfers active today. These are Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, and Tiger Woods. All of them have at least one win under their belts already. Tiger Woods capping a huge comeback by winning The Masters. He would only be too happy to add another British Open Claret Jug to his long list of achievements.
Of course, with the difficult conditions, the best on the leader-board can fall back, leaving room for someone to sneak in and win their first major of their career. There are many who would like to fill this role including British Amateur champion James Sugrue, who has his mind set on making history. Perhaps the adverse conditions can work in his favor.
A Last Look
Most of the golfers in this year’s British Open have been in Ireland for the past week or more. Not only enjoying the wonderful countryside but practicing on the challenging course and also getting used to the drastic time change for those from America. All things considered, they will have several challenges to overcome but with the talent in this field, we should be in for some great entertainment. Do remember the time zone difference. Thursday and Friday coverage beginning at 1 am EST on the Golf Channel and Saturday and Sunday beginning at 5 am EST and 4 am EST, respectively.
Main Photo:
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