For the first time in nine years, all eyes are on Royal Liverpool for the 2023 Open Championship.
The last time we were in Hoylake, Rory McIlroy became the 2014 Champion Golfer of the Year after outlasting Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia. McIlroy, who finished third at St. Andrews last year, is coming off a stellar win at the Genesis Scottish Open, battling tough conditions down the stretch and birdieing the final two holes.
Cam Smith enters the week as the reigning champion thanks to his come-from-behind victory over McIlroy at the Old Course.
Before the action gets underway Thursday morning, here are Golfweek‘s picks to win and a few sleepers to keep an eye on.
Open Championship 2023: Leaderboard, scores, news, tee times, more
Collin Morikawa smiles on the 15th hole during a practice round of The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Liverpool. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Favorite: Collin Morikawa
He was poised to make a Sunday run at the Memorial when he had to WD. He proved he’s healthy and in good form at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. He has rediscovered his trusty fade, and his short game has never looked better. Major No. 3, here we come.
Sleeper: Talor Gooch
After feeling he was cheated out of a spot in the U.S. Open, Gooch has got a lot to prove. While he concedes he’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer, the former Okie State pro who has cleaned up on LIV can flat out golf his ball.
Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot on the fourth hole during a practice round of The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Liverpool. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Favorite: Rory McIlroy
It almost seems too easy to pick McIlroy. His worst finish in his past six starts is T-9, and he’s coming off a thrilling victory last week in Scotland. Can he become the first since Phil to pull off the European double? It seems as if everything for McIlroy has been building to this moment, the place he won his third major title nine years ago.
Sleeper: Talor Gooch
If you follow LIV Golf, then you’ll know Gooch won three times in five starts this season. He’s the only three-time winner on the circuit, and he’s also playing some of the best golf of any American right now. He could possibly earn a spot on the Ryder Cup team, but first, he’s looking to earn his biggest victory to date.
Cameron Smith on the seventeenth green on preview day of The Open at the…
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