Anyone looking to handicap a possible winner at the Open Championship at the Carnoustie Golf Links in Angus, Scotland, need only look to two weeks ago at the US Open at Shinnecock Hills. The Southhampton, New York, site of the US Open is a links-style layout that golfers say has many similarities.
The Carnoustie course is the toughest of the Open Championship layouts and has been nicknamed “Carnasty” for its tight fairways, punishing gorse rough, and slick putting greens. Sounds a lot like this year’s venue for the US Open.
Dustin Johnson was able to tame Shinnecock Hills for three of his four rounds. He shot a third-round 77 that knocked him out of the lead, and he was unable to recover, ultimately finished third.
Despite not winning the second major championship of the year, Johnson is the favorite to win at Carnoustie. He opened as a the 12/1 favorite and has moved to 11/1 at Bovada. Paddy Power has him even lower at 10/1.
Solid Record in UK
Johnson did not play the last time the Open was at Carnoustie in 2007, but has had solid performances at other venues. He did not play in 2017 because of a freak back injury he suffered the day before the Masters, but in 2016 he finished tied for ninth.
His best finish was in 2011 when he tied for second with Phil Mickelson, behind Darren Clarke at Royal St. George.
While that track was a bit easier than Carnoustie, Johnson said at the US Open you have to have a patient demeanor to have success on major championship courses.
“I just keep going,” Johnson said. “I try not to ever worry about what I’ve just done. Still got to play, usually a lot more holes. So go find your ball and hit it again.”
Long Layoff Before Open
Many of the top players competed in the Travelers Championship last week, and will take the next few weeks off to prepare for the third major championship of the season. That is evident at this week’s Quicken Loans National, where only one player ranked in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Rankings is in the tournament.
One player that will be in action before July 19 is Rory McIlroy. He, along with Jordan Spieth, is listed behind Johnson at 14/1. McIlroy plans on playing in the Irish Open, which begins on Thursday. He told USA Today that winning the tournament the Irishman hosts, and the Open Championship, would be ideal.
I’m playing the Irish Open in between the two majors,” McIlroy said. “I’d love to give myself a chance to win both of those.”
Spieth, who like McIlroy, missed the cut at the US Open, was at Travelers trying to prepare for Carnoustie. He finished tied for 42nd.
“In order for (my game) to be ready for the Open Championship, I think being in contention would be a big key,” Spieth said. “It’s tough to go win a major championship if you’re not coming off top-10 finishes in tournaments where you had a chance to win.”