2017 Open Championship: 8 sleepers to watch

This week’s Open Championship takes place at historic Royal Birkdale, which is hosting The Open for the 10th time. It’s illustrious list of winners include Peter Thomson, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller and Tom Watson.

Most recently, Padraig Harrington won his second Open at Birkdale in 2008. The course places a premium on ball-striking and when the wind kicks up is one of the strongest tests in golf.

Odds via sportsbook.ag

Kevin Kisner (110 to 1)

I love Kisner’s golf game. He has no glaring weaknesses. 2017 has been a breakout season and the South Carolina native is one of the best players in the world at tough tests. If he gets on the right side of the draw, I expect him to contend.

Thorbjørn Olesen (160 to 1)

A five-time winner, Olesen is one of the world’s most underrated young players. The Dane has all the skills and his recent form is promising with two top-four finishes in his last four starts.

Peter Uihlein 175 to 1

Uihlein should be a trendy sleeper pick and with good reason. His game is burgeoning and he seems poised to earn his first win in 2017. So far, Uihlein has four top five finishes in his 17 starts in 2017.

Bernd Wiesberger 140 to 1

Another European player who is having a breakout year is the big Austrian. Wiesberger has made the cut in all 16 of his starts this year, notching a win and 3 other top 10s. Wiesberger is coming off of a T16 at this year’s U.S. Open and if he earns a favorable draw should be in the thick of it.

Richie Ramsay 300 to 1

The former U.S. Amateur Champion earned a spot in the field via his T2 at the DDF Irish Open. The Scot possesses copious links golf experience and his all-around game should be a good fit at Birkdale.

Søren Kjeldsen 175 to 1

Kjeldsen is always a great pick for tough golf courses and conditions. His low ball-flight serves him well in the wind and should fit well at the tough Birkdale. Last year, Kjeldsen finished T9 at Royal Troon and he’s made the cut in four of his last five majors.

Brendan Steele 225 to 1

A great value at 225 to 1, Steele has only missed one cut in his 15 starts this year. Steele is playing the best golf of his career and is a great tee-to-green player. Steele has already put together strong weeks at the Masters (T27), Players Championship (T6) and U.S. Open (T13).

Kent Bulle – 1000 to 1

The Web Tour player earned his spot in the Open Championship through his win at the 2016 Argentine Open. If the wind picks up, Bulle could be an interesting pick for a top 10 or top 20. Bulle is one of the best drivers of the golf ball in the world, a skill that should serve him well at Birkdale.