Slate Breakdown | The Open Championship
It’s almost here! Just about 7 hours from the first tee, and the players are itching to get started. This tournament, much more than others, has a very weather-dependent focus; thus, waiting as long as we can to make predictions and picks is necessary. As of now, there is no weather edge for either wave So; we’ll get right to it and take you thru the huge Open Championship slate.
With the Open Championship just hours away from the first tee, anticipation is building among players and fans alike. This tournament, more than others, is heavily influenced by weather conditions, making it crucial to wait as long as possible before making predictions and picks. As of now, there is no clear weather advantage for either wave of players, adding an element of uncertainty to the event.
Nevertheless, we will dive right into the massive Open Championship slate, analyzing the slate!
The Tournament
The 151st edition of The Open Championship returns to Royal Liverpool Golf Club, marking the 13th time this prestigious event will be hosted at this historic course. With 156 golfers teeing off, the competition will begin at 1:35 AM ET, as players from around the world compete for the coveted claret jug.
In terms of Reignmakers, this is one of four deluxe events left on the calendar, and also boasts $150,000 in prize money to be given out for Francshie Score! First-place prizes for this week at each of the tiers starting with CORE all the way thru REIGNMAkER, coming in at $1,000/$2000/$10,000/$5,000/$10,000.
Now that we’ve prepped the tournament, let’s learn about Royal Liverpool Golf Club this week’s host venue.
The Course
The course in focus for this year's Open Championship, Royal Liverpool Golf Club, is renowned for presenting a distinct set of challenges, characteristic of the links-style golf often found in this part of the world. For this edition, the course has been configured as a par 71, with a notable alteration from the previous two showings, which featured it as a par 72. This change involved replacing one par 5 with a lengthy par 4, much like how Pebble Beach modified its second hole during Major Championships.
Nestled just a stone's throw away from the Irish Sea, the course offers breathtaking views of the Welsh coastline in the distance, providing a picturesque setting for this prestigious championship. As the players take on this unique layout, they'll be tested by the coastal winds and undulating terrain, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of The Open Championship.
With its rich history and challenging design, this course will undoubtedly be a memorable battleground for the world's best golfers as they strive to etch their names into the annals of golfing greatness.
The Golfers
It’s major Championship time, and that means all of the best players in the world are here to compete. But because many of them don’t of Reignmakers Cards, there are only 60 golfers available for the slate. This week’s top projected lineup features in-from golfers like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, as well as a struggling Jon Rahm. Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton come very close to perennial stars Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay this week, with Cameron Young, Viktor Hovland, and a few others in play for those top lineups.
Check out these golfers and more on the new Player Profile page by clicking here.
Three-Ball: 3 DraftKings Reignmakers PGA TOUR Targets
Find below a trio of options for this week's U.S. Open:
Collin Morikawa
In anticipation of clear weather and a significant improvement in his iron game, this tournament sets the stage for a performance reminiscent of Collin's victory at the 2021 Open Championship. Currently ranked at an impressive level and displaying immense potential, he stands out as the golfer with the highest upside among his peers in a similar price range. Considering the positive trajectory of his game, it would come as no surprise if he secures a victory in one of the upcoming four events he participates in.
Shane Lowry
Since January, Shane has yet to secure a top 10 placement on his scorecard. However, in the recent Scottish Open, his putter showed significant improvement, a departure from his performance throughout the year. If he manages to maintain this momentum with the putter and combine it with his strong ball-striking skills, he stands a chance to finally achieve that elusive top 10 finish. It's worth noting that he will probably participate in the Wyndham Championship in a few weeks, indicating the importance of his performance in the upcoming month. His utility in these upcoming events is likely to be crucial for his overall standing.
Hideki Matsuyama
Like Lowry, Hideki Matsuyama hasn't secured a top 10 finish since March, but it's essential to recognize that his overall performance hasn't been subpar. Apart from missing the cut in his recent start, his track record remains relatively strong. This recent setback might have provided him with ample time to rest and recuperate ahead of the current week's tournament.
