British Open 2017: 10 dark horse golfers to win The Open Championship

1. Justin Thomas (+5000)

Unlike many players that I’m calling dark horses for the 2017 British Open, Justin Thomas hasn’t been wholly consistent throughout 2017. Five missed cuts in 18 starts this season on the PGA Tour isn’t exactly a flattering number for Thomas. What is flattering, though, is that he’s also won three times already this year — tied for the most on tour — and has a total of eight top-10 finishes to his credit this season.

Yes, Thomas has missed his last two cuts since playing in the U.S. Open. However, he also finished tied for fourth in the Memorial Tournament before taking to Erin Hills and finishing tied for ninth. What’s more, let’s not forget that Thomas put forth the remarkable 63 in the third round of the U.S. Open, a record-breaking performance that had him in contention prior to a sloppy final round.

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The issue with Thomas this year has simply been consistency in terms of driving accuracy, which is obviously a big deal at The Open Championship. In truth, I’m not sure even he knows why he’s so hit-or-miss in that regard, but that’s how it’s been almost regardless of conditions. With that said, if he’s on, he’s nearly untouchable.

Coming into the British Open, the 24-year old is obviously lost in the shuffle of big names given his odds. And if you’re betting, there’s obviously risk given his inconsistency and even recent form. But in terms of what players can deliver at their best, Thomas is top-tier. Because of that, I’m hitching my horse to his wagon at Royal Birkdale.