Major incentive: Six players with a point to prove
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Paul Casey
The young Englishman will turn 26 a week tomorrow, the day after The Open finishes. The claret jug would be a nice little present, and Casey has shown great form in his third season on the European Tour with two victories, including the Benson and Hedges International. He raised eyebrows when stating that his goal is to win the grand slam, but knows that it is still a distant dream - he has missed the cut in each of his three Majors so far.
David Duval
The Open champion at Royal Lytham only two years ago, but has slumped in form dramatically since. Injuries and illness have not helped, and he was diagnosed with positional vertigo earlier in the season. Has crashed to 86th in the world rankings, and will plummet even further when he loses points for winning the 2001 Open after this week. Can British sea air, a panacea for all sorts of ills since time began, produce a miracle turnaround?
Sergio Garcia
It is now four years since his remarkable rookie season, and although he seems to have been around forever he is still only 23. He has endured a miserable season after attempting to alter the huge loop in his swing. But he has also suffered on the greens, trying all sorts of different styles. Stopped a run of missed cuts at the US Open and was fourth at the Buick. Who needs an orthodox swing? Not the US Open champion Jim Furyk.
Fredrik Jacobson
Talented 28-year-old Swede who is capable of scoring low. Won the Hong Kong Open last year, and a second European Tour title followed at the Portuguese Open in April in his first tournament after 10 weeks off due to a wrist injury. A Swedish Major champion remains an unfulfilled dream, but Jacobson tied for fifth at the US Open, alongside Justin Rose and luminaries such as Ernie Els and Nick Price. One to watch.
Phil Mickelson
Has come close to winning all three of the Majors in the United States, but has never finished in the top 10 at The Open. Always thought to have the imagination and flair to excel at links golf, but his natural, highly spun, high-flighted trajectory is not suited to playing in the wind. Not enjoying the most consistent of seasons and in danger of falling out of the world's top 10 after being second only to Tiger Woods throughout last year.
Colin Montgomerie
Oh, Monty. Ryder Cup hero one minute, and the next in danger of becoming a caricature after a wretched season of missed cuts, caddie and equipment changes, and more swings of mood than golf clubs. Now 40 but still hoping for a Mark O'Meara-like late surprise. At least the pressure is off. Woeful Open record, with one top-10 finish, but led for two days at Lytham and had a 64 at Muirfield. Just don't mention the 84 that followed.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments