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

By Cody Williams

SILVIS, IL - JULY 13: Brian Harman hits his tee shot on the second hole during the first round of the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run on July 13, 2017 in Silvis, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
SILVIS, IL - JULY 13: Brian Harman hits his tee shot on the second hole during the first round of the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run on July 13, 2017 in Silvis, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images /

8. Xander Schauffele (+17500)

There were undoubtedly some growing pains for San Diego native Xander Schauffele early on in his rookie PGA Tour season. He struggled to find any real semblance of consistency overall and especially in regards to his finishing position. As of late, though, things have started to turn around. And since a strong showing at the U.S. Open, that’s been even more the case. Now it seems like he’s going to be a dark horse in every tournament he plays until people take notice.

Frankly, there’s just no way that Schauffele’s odds should be this low given his recent form. He’s made his last six cuts, sure, but his more recent form has been even more impressive. In his last four tournaments, including the U.S. Open, the rookie hasn’t finished worse than tied for 35th. That also includes tying for fifth at Erin Hills and winning the last time he played, two weeks ago at The Greenbrier Classic.

If there’s one reason to justify why Schauffele’s odds are so lackluster for the British Open, it’s that his driving accuracy hasn’t been all that impressive this season. However, it was top-notch at the U.S. Open and then at a sneaky-tough Greenbrier Classic, which obviously played into where he finished in those tournaments. If he can endure the likely wind, this will be a nice spot for him to break out further.

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