Rich Beem says two American players are ‘lurking’ and could well win The Open on day four

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Everything is set for a sensational final day at The Open on Sunday as a number of players remain in contention to win.

A congested leaderboard is headed by Billy Horschel but behind the American, a whole host of players will fancy their chances of emerging to win the whole thing.

It’s a healthy mix, too, after players like Rory McIlroy failed to make the cut.

Some well known names like Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele are not far back at all, while less household names like Daniel Brown and Thriston Lawrence are firmly among the players in contention.

In the end, it could well come down to who gets the best of the weather as after round three, we’ve all seen the havoc it can play.

However, while up to 10-15 players will feel they’re in with a chance, Sky Sports commentator and former major winner, Rich Beem, has said two particular players are catching his eye.

Rich Beem names the two players in the chasing pack who can win The Open

Speaking in the immediate aftermath of the third round today, Beem was addressing just who might come out on top.

And reverting to type given the form shown this season, Beem has said that he fully expects both Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler to be in the conversation.

“If you look at their body of work this year, how can you hold them at bay? They are lurking. They are kind of where they want to be without being in the lead,” Beem said.

“They have played from tee to green exceptionally. You just can’t deny the fact they are going to be a part of this story, regardless of the outcome, whether they win or lose, going down to the bitter end.

“Just because of the type of competitors they are and what they have achieved this year. I think an American is going to win again.

“I’m pulling for Daniel Brown, because I think it’s an amazing story, but you cannot deny Xander and Scottie a seat at the table when it comes to winning the championship.”

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As we know, Scheffler and Schauffele have already won a major in 2024 and it would be no surprise to see either come up trumps tomorrow.

If either player makes a fast start, then players above them will know they are coming and that’s when the pressure really builds.

Indeed, we saw Scheffler – for example – produce a stunner on the 17th today to show his class.

And at the end of the day, both Schauffele and Scheffler have shown they can handle pressure.