The Open: Johnson and Spieth lead the way to be top American
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Whenever the Open Championship comes to Royal Troon, Americans usually go home happy with the last six events at the Ayrshire venue being won from a man from the States. There’s a strong chance that could become seven in a week’s time, but who will be top Yank in 2016?
Troon has been a happy home from home for Americans, but since Tiger Woods’ final Open title in 2006, America has produced just three winners from the subsequent nine events.
But this year they boast arguably the tournament’s most in-form player, plus 2015’s star man, and the 2013 Open champion.
So who will be Top American this time around?
Dustin Johnson @ 3/1
The form man heading up to Scotland, Johnson is riding the crest of a wave, having landed the US Open title last month.
With the Major monkey off his back, DJ claimed victory at the WGC Bridgestone last time out too, and hasn’t finished lower than fifth in any of his last four events.
Jordan Spieth @ 4/1
2016 hasn’t hit the heights of last year for Spieth – how could it? – but nevertheless the 22-year-old is in reasonable shape.
The two-time Major winner has claimed a pair of wins this year – plus second at the Masters – and has only missed two cuts, while a share of third at the Bridgestone showed he’s ready to contend at Troon.
Rickie Fowler @ 9/1
The Californian was in fine form across Christmas and the New Year with a run of five top-10s from six events.
Lately however, Fowler has missed the cut through three straight events – the Players, the Memorial and the US Open. Has rediscovered some of his better play with a tie for 10th at the Bridgestone, but needs to step it up in Scotland.
Phil Mickelson @ 14/1
It’s been a year of highs and lows for 2013 Open champion Mickelson, who was runner-up at Pebble Beach and at the St Jude Classic, but missed the cut at the Masters and US Open.
Lefty is continuing his tradition of using the Scotland Open as a warm-up, and was third when Troon last held the Open in 2004.
Zach Johnson @ 18/1
Last year’s popular Open champion is winless so far this season, but top-10s at the US Open and WGC Bridgestone ensure Zach Johnson has a solid chance at success in Scotland.
The 40-year-old has only missed three cuts in 2016, and with three top-10 finishes in his last four Opens, Johnson should be in the mix come Saturday and Sunday.
Bubba Watson @ 22/1
Bubba’s never had a top-10 at the Open, and on his current form he’s going to have to go some to end that record.
A hot streak across February and March saw Watson win the Northern Trust and finish second at the WGC Cadillac, but since then, the two-time Masters champion has failed to break the top-13.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
