The Open Championship has thrown up a number of surprise winners down the years, with five of the last eight champions securing their only major titles with their victories in the British Isles.
Of course, there is always scope for the likes of a Ben Curtis or a Todd Hamilton to shock the world. So much in The Open Championship comes down to the side of the draw a player finds themselves on over the first two days, and how lucky they prove to be with the weather.
It is certainly difficult to look past Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy or Jon Rahm when it comes to the players most likely to lift the Claret Jug on Sunday evening. Meanwhile, names such as Bryson DeChambeau and Xander Schauffele will fancy their chances.
But Royal Portrush may well deliver another surprise winner this week. There are certainly a lot of talented players set to tee it up at the final major of the year.
LIV Golf player tipped as a dark horse for The Open Championship
Experience may be a huge factor. Since 2011, the likes of Darren Clarke, Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson all won The Open Championship after their 40th birthday.
But it is not only those in the twilight of their careers who will boast crucial experience this week, with one youngster knowing all too well how difficult Portrush can be.
And speaking on Golf Channel, Ryan Lavner tipped that youngster to be a dark horse to go on and win The Open on just his fourth major start.
“You talked Rory, Rory, Rory. How about another Northern Irishman, with Tom McKibbin. He has been a member at this golf course since he was a teenager. Just 22 years old,” he said.
“He does have a very limited major championship record, just three career starts in the grand slam events. He’s a big time talent. Rory knows it, everyone on LIV Golf definitely knows it as well, and playing some good golf of late. Back to back top five finishes on LIV, including last week at Valderrama.”
How Tom McKibbin has performed on LIV Golf since snubbing move to the PGA Tour
McKibbin surprised a lot of people by deciding to join LIV Golf ahead of this season, particularly after securing his PGA Tour card for this year.
But he has done a very good job of justifying his decision. He sits 14th in the season standings on LIV, with four top 10s. As Lavner noted, he has finished in the top five in the last two events.
He is actually ahead of Tyrrell Hatton in the standings. And he should have absolutely no problem staying out of the Open Zone ahead of 2026. Rahm has tipped McKibbin for an amazing future.
Perhaps there is a chance that McKibbin could become the first player to move to LIV Golf and subsequently win their first major title.
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