16 July 2019, by:  BET Contributor

THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

He may not be as local as Graeme McDowell but the home crowd is definitely pulling for Rory McIlroy.

It’s absurd to think that Rory McIlroy hasn’t won a Major championship since his dominance back in 2014. The wait is nearly over as he continues to churn out top finishes in both Majors and regular tour events.

But this is the one he wants and has even said winning The Open at Royal Portrush would be the pinnacle of his career. No pressure then, Rors. But does he even feel pressure? His name is famous around the club, not only for what he’s done to increase the profile of golf in the country but also for setting the course record as a 16-year-old with a staggering 61.

Combine the venue, his renewed drive to win Majors and his stunning Open record of late (5-4-2 in his last three starts to go with his win five years ago) has pushed anyone and everyone to install him as a favourite.

His golf this year has been some of his finest, it includes two wins and he has also banked top 10s in two Majors in 2019. Is there any way he isn’t around late on Sunday in the mix?

But who among the star-studded field can play villain to this fairytale story?

Is Rahm Spanish or Irish? In three starts at the Irish Open, he has won it twice with a fourth-placed finish sandwiched in between. His first win was at Portstewart, just 10 minutes from this week’s venue and his last at Lahinch two weeks ago to prove how comfortable he is in these surroundings and on links courses.

Add that to his third-place finish at Pebble Beach, and he arrives in form (he was narrowly beaten on home soil by Christiaan Bezuidenhout at Valderrama) and ready to win his first Major championship.

Outside of the top favourites but a tempting option at the odds. One of the few Americans that plays around the world and was in the field at the Scottish Open where he handled himself well. That buildup and his desire to return to his former ranking – injuries have seen him drop to ninth – makes him one to watch this week.

The pair who went head to head at Royal Birkdale in 2017 are well outside the top favourites. Kuchar has done well in Scotland and at The Open, he has two wins this season and that makes him a horses for courses bet.

Spieth continues to search for his best stuff after defeating Kuchar in dramatic fashion. The young American has appeared to stop fighting his putter and has produced a few steady results without the “I’m back” statement. That could come this week …