The Open Championship 2023: 5 golfers who could take home the Claret Jug

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Brooks Koepka lines up a putt on the seventh hole during the third round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club on Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Golf’s oldest major, The Open Championship, will return to Royal Liverpool for its 151st edition on July 20-23. A field of 156 of golf’s top players will compete on the seaside links for a chance to lift the Claret Jug on Sunday.

Here are five players to look out for as the potential Champion Golfer of the Year.

Rory McIlroy +750

McIlroy has undoubtedly the most expectations on his shoulders entering the final major of the year. The Northern Irishman won The Open at Royal Liverpool in 2014.

McIlroy’s form in the last twelve months has been trending upwards with eight Top 10 finishes, including T-7th in the PGA Championship and runner-up at the U.S. Open.

“I’m getting closer. The more I keep putting myself in these positions, sooner or later it’s going to happen for me. Just got to regroup and get focused for Hoylake in a few weeks’ time.” McIlroy said (h/t Skysports.com).”The last real two chances I’ve had at majors I feel like have been pretty similar performances, like St Andrews last year and then here.” 

His third-place finish last year at St. Andrews extended his pursuit for a fifth elusive major trophy, stretching back as far as the 2014 PGA Championship.

Tommy Fleetwood +2500

Fleetwood has had five Top 10 finishes this year and was runner-up at the RBC Canadian Open in June. He was in the mix at the U.S. Open last month, finishing in fifth after shooting a 63 in his final round.

Having grown up 19 miles north of Liverpool, the 32-year-old should be familiar with the conditions and nuances of the links. He tied for fourth in The Open last year with Viktor Hovland and is ranked No.22 in the world currently.

Brooks…