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British Open 2019: 5 dark horse picks who could win The Open Championship

By Cody Williams

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 15: Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland walks of the first tee during a practice round prior to the 148th Open Championship held on the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 15, 2019 in Portrush, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 15: Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland walks of the first tee during a practice round prior to the 148th Open Championship held on the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 15, 2019 in Portrush, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/R&A/R&A via Getty Images) /
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The British Open heads to Royal Portrush for the first time in almost 70 years, but which dark horses could take the Claret Jug at The Open Championship?

The British Open is making a triumphant and much-anticipated to Northern Ireland in 2019 as the best golfers in the world head to Royal Portrush. It’s been since 1951 that the course and country have hosted The Open Championship but it’s high time that the Claret Jug is once again awarded to the player who can dominate the field at the beautiful seaside course to become Champion Golfer of the Year.

One year ago, it was Francesco Molinari that came up big in the British Open, becoming the first-ever Italian-born major championship winner in golf history with a beautiful performance. He’ll certainly be one of the favorites at Royal Portrush as well given his precision tee-to-green and with his putter.

Speaking of favorites, it’s hard not to look at Rory McIlroy and wonder what he might be capable of at this 148th playing of The Open Championship. Not only is he a native of Northern Ireland but this is a course he’s familiar with, holding the course record (61) at Royal Portrush. Given that and his level of play overall this season, he can’t be overlooked in the slightest.

While Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Tiger Woods and many others can’t be forgotten either, the British Open is a tournament that has contemporarily been prone to the dark horse winner. Back in 2003, it was Ben Curtis shocking us all, followed by Todd Hamilton doing the same the next year. Meanwhile, Darren Clarke shocked us in 2011 by hoisting the Claret Jug, as did Ernie Els the next year too.

Simply put, the weather, the links style golf course and the general unpredictability of golf make The Open Championship anyone’s game. Having that in mind, let’s take a look at five golfers who are prime dark horse picks (40-1 odds or worse) to win the 2019 British Open at Royal Portrush.

Note: All odds are from Bovada, courtesy of Odds Shark.

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