British Open 2019: 5 bold predictions for The Open Championship

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PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND – JULY 16: Rickie Fowler of the United States plays a shot during a practice round prior to the 148th Open Championship held on the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 16, 2019 in Portrush, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

5. Rickie Fowler holds 54-hole lead, falters on Sunday

Famously still not a major championship winner to this point in his career, it feels as if many golf fans and analysts are starting to sour a bit on Rickie Fowler to this point. And while it’s fair to ultimately say that he’s a very good and not great player and may never be nothing more than that, it’s still strange to see how his star has fallen given his lack of big-time success.

Given the way that Fowler plays, though, it may seem that he’s suited to win the British Open if he’s ever going to win a major. Furthermore, he’s noted that he loves links golf before, which only further plays into that narrative as well.

Because of that, there should be some confidence in Fowler coming into The Open at Royal Portrush, despite his recent performance. After tying for 43rd at the U.S. Open, he tied for just 46th at the Rocket Mortgage Classic and then outright missed the cut at the Scottish Open last week. However, it has seemed like his focus has been on making a run in the British Open.

That’s what Fowler will do and will have success with, too. The Oklahoma State product will lead after the third round, but not by a wide margin. And that thin margin will ultimately keep him from winning his first major championship as he’ll be caught from behind in the final round. Fowler will still finish in the top five but, at this point, that probably still feels disappointing.

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