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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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images /

3. Brandt Snedeker (+6600)

Update: Brandt Snedeker announced on Twitter Wednesday morning that he has withdrawn from the tournament due to a rib injury. James Hahn will replace him in the field.

If you were to ask Brandt Snedeker about his level of play in the 2017 season to this point, he’d probably say that he’s been performing below his own expectations. That’s probably actually truth, not only because athletes tend to evaluate themselves in that matter, but also because the statistics show that this has been an atypical year for Snedeker to this point. However, that makes his performance in terms of finishing all the more impressive.

On the PGA Tour this season, Snedeker has missed just three cuts in 15 tournaments. Where he’s really shined, though, is finishing in the top 10 four times already this season and in the top 25 another eight times. This all comes while he’s been a bit erratic and inconsistent off of the tee. What’s more, he ranks just 30th on tour in Strokes Gained: Putting this season, which is low for a guy widely considered one of the best on the greens in the world.

With that being said, the fact that he’s been able to play well enough despite his shortcomings overall to finish as well as he have is something that can’t be ignored. If nothing else, the chances that he can save a decent score even if he struggles in some areas is there at the 2017 British Open. But more than that, there’s also the chance that he could get locked in and play to his top level. If that happens, he’s in contention without question.

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