Sobel: Ranking the Entire 2018 British Open Field, from 1-156

Carnoustie Golf Links doesn’t suffer fools.

Of the seven players who have tamed the fearsome track enough to be called Champion Golfer of the Year, five have been enshrined in the World Golf Hall of Fame, and another, Padraig Harrington, almost certainly will be someday.

That doesn’t mean a relative journeyman or unknown can’t walk in the footsteps of Tommy Armour and Ben Hogan, claiming his rightful place in history with a victory this week, but you’d have a better chance of finding a glass full of ice cubes in a Scottish pub.

My ranking of the entire field in this week’s 147th Open Championship, from No. 1 right through the poor lad at 156, reflects the past at Carnoustie, with plenty of talent at the top — just not necessarily the names you’d expect.

1. Sergio Garcia

The last time this tournament was held at Carnoustie, Garcia was the tough-luck runner-up in a playoff — but that’s not why he tops this list. No, it’s because he’s established himself as one of the world’s preeminent links players. A ball-striker of the highest magnitude, he’d finished top-six in each of the previous three editions of this event before last year’s T-37 result. Overall, he owns 10 top-10s in his past 17 Open Championship starts. Garcia struggled mightily between the Masters and U.S. Open — which, perhaps not coincidentally, coincided with fatherhood for the first time — but owns results of T-12 and T-8 in his past two starts, indicating he’s ready to make a serious run at a second major championship title.

2. Marc Leishman

Blow wind, blow. There might not be a player better suited for a fast, firm golf course in a stiff breeze than Leishman, whose Australian roots still show in his ability to strategically low-ball his way around a track such as this one. Three years ago, he reached a playoff at St. Andrews, an experience that should serve him well should he reach another Sunday leaderboard. And don’t mistake him for a trendy dark horse: At No. 18 in the world, he ranks one spot above the more heralded player who tops him on this list.

3. Tommy Fleetwood

It was all set up for him last year. Fleetwood was in terrific form and in familiar territory, returning home to play Royal Birkdale, a course that his father would sneak him onto as a youngster. Perhaps that proved to be too much pressure, as he finished in a respectable-yet-disappointing share of 27th place. With just a tad less focus on him this week, Fleetwood returns in great form again, on the strength of a final-round 63 to finish runner-up at the U.S. Open. He appears primed for yet another contention this time around.

4. Branden Grace

How good is this South African on links tracks? Let’s put it this way: They’ve been holding major championships since 1860, and nobody had posted an 18-hole score of 62 until Grace at Royal Birkdale last year, making the record look uncommonly easy in the process. He also tends to play his best golf in the biggest moments, compiling five major finishes of sixth or better since 2015. He’s another player who won’t receive much fanfare from the masses, but his body of work demands plenty of attention.

5. Rickie Fowler

In last week’s Scottish Open preview, I wrote about Fowler FOMO — basically, I’ve been picking him at majors for so long that I now fear a fade knowing his first title is inevitable. And the truth is, there’s no reason to fade him now. Fresh off a strong performance at Gullane, he’s finished in the top 20 in each of his past five starts and hasn’t finished worse than 22nd in his past six starts at majors. Just because he hasn’t won one (yet), Fowler is still viewed by some as more flash than substance, but the world’s seventh-ranked player is doing everything he can to destroy that label.

6. Brooks Koepka

There might be some definitive parallels between Koepka’s impending week and that of last year at Royal Birkdale. Weeks after winning his first U.S. Open, he raced to a share of the first-round lead, then was T-3 after the second and third rounds before finishing a more-than-respectable T-6. Fresh off a successful title defense, don’t be surprised if Koepka enjoys a similar performance. He’s been remarkably consistent in major championships, and those early pro years playing the European Tour certainly won’t hurt him.

7. Alex Noren

It’s official, folks: We’ve reached the point where Noren isn’t “underrated” and won’t “sneak up on anyone.” Really, we reached that point two years ago, but he’s still been largely neglected for some unknown reason. OK, maybe that reason is because his major championship results have still left something to be desired, but last year’s T-6 finish at this tournament should be the hint we needed to continue placing him among the game’s elite in these situations. Like so many others topping this list, Noren is an adept and experienced links player. He’s also found most of his success on European soil, claiming seven wins in just over three years.

8. Tiger Woods

Two areas where Woods has struggled this season: driving accuracy, as he ranks 176th, and putting, as he’s 57th and plummeting with every timid stroke. At Carnoustie, he’ll largely be able to keep Frank The Headcover on his driver for many tee shots, while the fast greens that have befuddled him in the U.S. give way to the relative shagginess of an Open venue. None of that should suggest that Tiger is ready to claim his 15th major this week, but course characteristics should help him avoid those issues that have plagued him throughout the year.

9. Jason Day

If it’s possible for a world-class player to win twice on the PGA Tour and own two other top-fives in the first six months of the year while doing so relatively quietly, then Day has completed that task. He entered the year as 13th in the world, has enjoyed that much success and has risen only four places, which might say more about his fellow stars than himself. If he can avoid a slow start — he ranks 92nd in opening-round scoring average — Day should be able to carry some momentum and confidence into weekend contention.

10. Russell Knox

If you’re looking for recent form on similar types of tracks, look no further than Knox, who won the Irish Open two weeks ago and contended at the Scottish Open before ostensibly running out of steam in the final round. As long as he gets a little fuel back in the tank during the lead-up to the first round, there’s no reason to believe the Scotsman won’t continue posting solid scores in his homeland. His past Open record — a T-30 and two missed cuts — doesn’t sound promising, but he’s a better player now than during any of those years.

11. Justin Rose

Somewhat peculiarly, Rose's T-4 as an amateur in 1998 remains his best Open finish and one of only two top-10s.

12. Dustin Johnson

Won’t need to hit many drivers, which negates his usual advantage. Like putting Kryptonite in Superman’s golf bag.

13. Henrik Stenson

Beware the injured golfer? The 2016 champion hopes so, as he’s fresh off a WD last week with an elbow injury.

14. Jordan Spieth

The defending champ will rely on being creative again over technical, but six straight starts outside the top 20 is ugly.

15. Matthew Fitzpatrick

Trending in the right direction and will win something soon, but this one might be asking a bit too much.

16. Tyrrell Hatton

Every other year? Was top-10 in two major starts in 2016, MC’d in all four last year and was T-6 at the recent U.S. Open.

17. Xander Schauffele

This guy is proving to be a big-game hunter. In five career major starts, he’s finished top-20 in three of 'em.

18. Justin Thomas

As much talent as anyone in the world, but he’s yet to prove he’s figured out the secret to succeeding on links tracks.

19. Lee Westwood

Now 45 and admittedly past his prime, a recent run of form could have us recalling his buddy Darren Clarke from 2011.

20. Rory McIlroy

You’d think a prolific Northern Irishman would prefer a fast, firm course over a long, soft one. You’d be wrong.

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21. Matthew Southgate

Pay close attention, kids. All he’s done in the past two Opens is finish T-6 and T-12. In good form right now, too.

22. Matt Kuchar

Perhaps slow-played out of a Claret Jug last year, he should return feeling he’s got a little unfinished business here.

23. Brandt Snedeker

Only in the field based on a strong final round at The Greenbrier, that domino effect could lead to some nice future results.

24. Phil Mickelson

What will Phil do next? The secret to his success might rest in keeping away from any rules violations this week.

25. Jon Rahm

Still just 23 and a pro for only two years, the major wins will come, but Bellerive seems more likely than Carnoustie.

26. Dylan Frittelli

Get on board now. This guy’s the next Fleetwood type — a player who consistently keeps improving his standing.

27. Zach Johnson

Fresh off a strong final round at his fifth major, the John Deere, he’ll enjoy the speedy course conditions this week.

28. Patrick Reed

Since 1950, men to win Masters and Open in same year: Hogan, Palmer, Nicklaus, Player, Watson, Faldo, O’Meara, Woods.

29. Andy Sullivan

Five top-10s in his past eight starts should qualify the Englishman as a worthy pick with tons of inherent value.

30. Haotong Li

A surprise third-place finisher last year, the world has yet to recognize just how good this youngster is going to be.

31. Eddie Pepperell

Zooming into Carnoustie with plenty of momentum based on his second-place Scottish Open finish, which just got him into this field.

32. Ryan Fox

Fresh off a pair of strong performances at the Irish and Scottish, should be a popular value pick for top 10 or top 20.

33. Andrew Landry

Three things going for him this week: already has a win this year, has contended in a major, plays well in the wind.

34. Francesco Molinari

Based on two wins and two runners-up in his past five starts, should be a super-trendy pick in the betting and DFS markets this week.

35. Ian Poulter

Been a year of rejuvenation for Poulter, whose four top-10s equal his total from the previous three years combined.

36. Charl Schwartzel

In 13 previous Open starts, owns just one top-10, but six top-25s. Often plays solid, usually not solid enough.

37. Shane Lowry

The type of player made for the links? It would appear so, but MCs in his past three Open starts would say otherwise.

38. Tony Finau

Players who have finished top-10 in the first two majors this year: Reed, DJ, Stenson and, yes, Finau, with a T-5 and T-10.

39. Cameron Smith

Not playing his best golf entering this week, which is a shame, because he’s masterful with a wedge around the greens.

40. Thomas Pieters

So much talent, but posted just his second top-10 of the year on Sunday, which should at least offer up some confidence.

41. Peter Uihlein

Like his buddy Koepka, early years spent competing on the European circuit should help with familiarity this week.

42. Adam Scott

It’s been six years since The One That Got Away, and it no longer feels like a given that Scott will claim a Claret Jug.

43. Patrick Cantlay

Obviously owns gobs of talent, but consider him a great unknown this week, as he makes his debut in this event.

44. Byeong Hun An

He’s now played 13 major championships as a professional and never finished better than 23rd place in any of 'em.

45. Thorbjorn Olesen

A disappointing season improved with an Italian Open win last month, and he’s posted two top-six results since then.

46. Hideki Matsuyama

This dude shows up for majors: He’s finished top-20 in each of the past seven and 11 of the past 14.

47. Jazz Janewattananond

At 22 and with five pro wins, he could be this year’s Haotong Li, who surprised with a third-place finish last year.

48. Paul Casey

An Englishman whose game is antithetical to the home soil, as his high-ball game plays better on PGA Tour venues.

49. Stewart Cink

The man who “stole” Tom Watson’s sixth Open title has a pair of top-five finishes in his past three starts.

50. Chris Wood

Been nearly a decade since he started his Open career with results of T-5 and T-3, but still worth keeping an eye on.

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51. Louis Oosthuizen

52. Nicolas Colsaerts

53. Ross Fisher

54. Daniel Berger

55. Jason Dufner

56. Jimmy Walker

57. Alexander Bjork

If you’ve been scouring the European Tour leaderboards, you’ve seen this name popping up more and more lately.

58. Danny Willett

59. Brian Harman

60. Webb Simpson

61. Bubba Watson

Sure, he owns three wins this year, but no results better than T-23 in nine Open starts should be reason for pessimism.

62. Brendan Steele

63. Russell Henley

64. Julian Suri

65. Matt Wallace

66. Bryson DeChambeau

67. Anirban Lahiri

68. Brandon Stone

Sunday’s final round coulda, woulda, shoulda been the first Euro Tour 59, but he’ll “settle” for a W and a spot in this field.

69. Luke List

70. Paul Dunne

71. Jorge Campillo

72. Kyle Stanley

73. Emiliano Grillo

74. Rafa Cabrera Bello

75. Padraig Harrington

Followed his 2007 win at Carnoustie with another British Open title the next year, but hasn’t finished better than 20th in nine starts since.

76. Pat Perez

77. Charley Hoffman

78. Kiradech Aphibarnrat

79. Alexander Levy

80. Charles Howell III

81. Martin Kaymer

82. Beau Hossler

On a smaller scale, put him in the same boat as Cantlay: Lots of talent, but an unknown commodity in these conditions.

83. George Coetzee

84. Keegan Bradley

85. Chez Reavie

86. Kevin Kisner

87. Jens Dantorp

88. Shubhankar Sharma

89. Kevin Na

90. Cameron Davis

91. Ryan Moore

92. Ernie Els

Now 48 and still playing a full schedule, it would be great to see the Big Easy turn back the clock and contend this week.

93. Jonas Blixt

94. Jhonattan Vegas

95. Hideto Tanihara

96. Austin Cook

97. Kevin Chappell

98. Shaun Norris

99. Chesson Hadley

100. Patton Kizzire

101. Michael Kim

It feels reckless to have a guy this low who just won by eight shots, but there’s only so much mental and physical energy available.

102. Si-Woo Kim

103. Oliver Wilson

104. Gary Woodland

105. Lucas Herbert

106. Bernhard Langer

Never underestimate this ageless wonder, who made another journey from a senior major to a regular major this week.

107. Jordan Smith

108. Adam Hadwin

109. Grant Forrest

110. Tom Lehman

111. a-Jovan Rebula

Ernie Els’ nephew won the British Amateur this year, which could be just the start of a long, fruitful career.

112. Ryan Armour

113. Yusaku Miyazato

114. Tom Lewis

115. David Duval

116. Marcus Kinhult

117. Matt Jones

118. Fabrizio Zanotti

119. Bronson Burgoon

120. Sung Kang

121. Erik van Rooyen

His T-4 at the Irish Open was sandwiched by a pair of MCs, but it could be enough to draw some interest this week.

122. Abraham Ancer

123. Michael Hendry

124. Kelly Kraft

125. Scott Jamieson

126. Ryuko Tokimatsu

127. Sang Hyun Park

128. Retief Goosen

It’s been a few years, but he owned a remarkable Open record from 1997-2010: eight top-10s, 11 top-25s, one missed cut.

129. Yuta Ikeda

130. Zander Lombard

131. Brett Rumford

132. Gavin Green

133. Jason Kokrak

134. Jack Senior

135. Satoshi Kodaira

136. Marcus Armitage

137. Rhys Enoch

138. a-Nicolai Hojgaard

139. Brady Schnell

140. Min Chel Choi

141. Shota Akiyoshi

142. Darren Clarke

Since 2002, he’s made 47 major championship starts and owns just a single top-10 — that victory in the Open in 2011.

143. Masahiro Kawamura

144. Sean Crocker

145. a-Yuxin Lin

146. Ash Turner

147. Masanori Kobayashi

148. Thomas Curtis

149. Todd Hamilton

150. Mark Calcavecchia

151. Danthai Boonma

152. James Robinson

153. Kodai Ichihara

154. Sandy Lyle

155. a-Sam Locke

156. Haraldur Magnus

I’m not telling you anything you don’t know here, but one of the best names in the field is fresh off a T-21 at the Camfil Nordic Championship, preceded by a missed cut at the Gamle Fredrikstad Open. Haraldur might be No. 1 in your heart this week, but the world ranking says he’s clearly No. 1,089.

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