Six players to watch at the 150th Open
A star-studded line-up will head to the Old Course for the 150th edition of The Open and one of the most eagerly-anticipated major championships in history.
The 156-man field features a variety of players, including 17-year old amateurs, local qualifiers, and multiple-major winning legends. But for all the talk of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and every other big gun vying for the Claret Jug, what about the other players you should be looking out for at the Home of Golf?
After meticulously scanning through the 156-man field, here’s a selection of players who may not be getting the limelight heading into the tournament, but are certainly ones to watch at St Andrews…
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Max Homa
Besides being the PGA Tour’s undisputed King of Twitter, Max Homa has a game to match and you wouldn’t bet against him being in contention come Sunday. Homa loves links golf and even snuck off after his second round at the Scottish Open to play North Berwick, a course he reiterated was on his “bucket list”.
Having claimed the Wells Fargo on top of a string of top 10 finishes this year, Homa is now ranked 19th in the world – his highest position ever – and arrives at St Andrews in favourable form.
Adrian Meronk
Few players have had a more memorable six months than Adrian Meronk. The big-hitting Pole was ranked outside the world’s top 200 in 2021, but a sensational year on the DP World Tour has seen him rise to 64th in the OWGR.
The form meant Meronk made history by becoming Poland’s first ever qualifier for The Open, a feat capped off at the Irish Open when he became his nation’s first winner on the DP World Tour. Heading into St Andrews, Meronk has five top six finishes in his last eight starts including that historic victory.
Seamus Power
Another player who has rocketed up the world rankings in 2022, Seamus Power was sitting at 463rd and was fighting for his PGA Tour card a little more than a year ago.
But his maiden victory at the Barbasol Championship kickstarted a formidable 12-month spell for the Irishman, soaring to World No 36 as he made the cut in each of his first three major starts – including a T9 finish at the PGA Championship.
Cameron Young
There are multiple Camerons to keep an eye out for at St Andrews, but while he may be lesser known than his Aussie namesake Mr Smith, Cameron Young is equally as exciting and could well be a surprise contender at the Old Course.
Young ranks 8th for driving distance on the PGA Tour, and has been knocking on the door of success all season having had a string of top 10 finishes – including a T3 at the PGA Championship.
Sahith Theegala
If you haven’t watched Sahith Theegala play, you’re in for a treat. The rookie was a late entry into The Open following Daniel Berger’s withdrawal, but will be hoping to make the most of his opportunity as he tees up at his maiden championship.
Nicknamed ‘The Rocket’, Theegala is a star in the making and recently finished runner up at the Travelers Championship. On top of that, one of Theegala’s main weapons is a low cut with his driving iron which will be well suited to the St Andrews links.
Jordan Smith
The Bath native may not be a name too many are familiar with, but Jordan Smith is one to keep an eye on at St Andrews after excellent showings at the Irish and Scottish Opens.
On top of making a sensational hole-in-one at Renaissance, Smith will be boosted by the British crowds at The Open, and the fact he ranks first for greens in regulation on the DP World Tour this season…
The R&A has announced details of how you can get tickets for the historic 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool in 2023. Click here to find out more.
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George Cooper
A golf fanatic his entire life, George Cooper is NCG's man for all goings-on at the top level of the game, whether it's the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA or LIV Golf. He also looks after NCG's Twitter and Facebook accounts. George is a member of Woburn, but is not friends with Ian Poulter.
