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The final men’s major of the year finishes on Sunday at Royal Troon, but the 152nd Open Championship is wide open. Billy Horschel leads at four under, six players are three under (including Xander Schauffele) and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is two back at two under. Also in the mix are Shane Lowry (one under) and Justin Thomas (even). In total, 11 players are within four of the lead. Who pulls it off on Sunday?
Sean Zak, senior writer (@Sean_Zak): Xander Schauffele. A double-major men’s season for the first time since 2018. He’s long enough to battle the wind, and playing with freedom. A lot of guys on that leaderboard will feel the squeeze.
Zephyr Melton, assistant editor (@zephyrmelton): Scottie Scheffler. He’s had an abysmal week with the putter, and despite that he enters Sunday just two shots back of the lead. He put on a ball-striking masterclass on Saturday’s back nine (his tee ball into 17 may be the shot of the week) and he kept himself in the fight despite some nasty conditions. It’s wild to think the best player in the world is entering the final round of a major under the radar when he’s only two back, but that’s the situation Scheffler finds himself in. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking on my part, but I think Scheffler gets it done on Sunday at Troon.
Jessica Marksbury, senior editor (@Jess_Marksbury): I really love this feeling of the unknown heading into the final round — you really could make the case for a number of guys at the top of the leaderboard. But I’m particularly intrigued by Sam Burns. After an incredibly inauspicious start (76!), he battled back with rounds of 69-65 to climb within one shot of the lead. While others are wilting, he seemingly has the hot hand. And I think he’s just under the radar enough to deliver a relaxed performance and claim his first claret jug.
Josh Berhow, managing editor (@Josh_Berhow): I’ll take Xander Schauffele, now with a major under his belt, to play the most consistent, mistake-free golf on Sunday and win his second major. I think Scottie Scheffler (naturally) will be up there too, but I’m banking on Xander’s experience (and one-stroke edge on Scottie) to be the difference. But, P.S. — I’d love to see Daniel Brown win.
Jack Hirsh, assistant editor (@JR_HIRSHey): My heart really wants to say this is the year Adam Scott, with no one talking about him, wins an Open Championship. But if we’re being serious, it’s another guy at even par. Except for two and a half hours Friday, no one is playing better this week than Justin Thomas. He’d be nine under if he played his front nine in even par Friday. Thomas goes crazy again and puts up a 65 to win this one, his third major.
