10 Outsiders to Watch at The Open 2024

The Open Championship has now given us a decade of first-time winners and we have seen many outsiders claim the Claret Jug in recent memory, including the likes of Todd Hamilton, Ben Curtis and Paul Lawrie. Even Brian Harman wasn't among the favourites last year.

But who could have a surprise run at Royal Troon? Derek Clements has some ideas.

Thorbjorn Olesen

The Danish golfer has been through some torrid times during his career but has battled his way through it all. He has struggled with life on the PGA Tour but is a hugely gifted ball striker.

Ryan Fox

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

After a stellar season on the DP World Tour in 2023, the New Zealander was granted full playing privileges on the PGA Tour this season. Like many before him, it hasn’t worked out thus far but he will believe this could be his week.

Thriston Lawrence

The South African is a proven winner on the DP World Tour. He has not been at his best this year, but he possesses a wonderful short game and thrives in the wind, so will be hoping that it blows hard on the west coast.

Matthew Jordan

Enjoyed a fairytale at Hoylake 12 months ago. As somebody who had grown up playing the course, he was given the honour of hitting the opening tee shot and went on to finish in the top 10, securing his place in the field for 2024.

Corey Conners

Conners is one of these golfers who flies under the radar. But he is one of the most consistent golfers on the PGA Tour and if it all clicks for him you better believe he has the game to win The Open Championship.

Maverick McNealy

PGA Tour golfer who has been accused of not being hungry enough. Utter poppycock. He may still be looking for the big breakthrough but this is a man who possesses both the game and the desire.

Guido Migliozzi

Nobody ever really expected Francesco Molinari to win The Open - and his fellow Italian most definitely has the game to follow in Molinari’s footsteps. Needs to curb his all-out attack approach to the game.

Victor Perez

Yet another former DP World Tour star who has made the move to the PGA Tour and found that not everything has gone his way. However, there have been some recent positive signs, and Perez thrives on links courses.

Marcel Siem

Siem is a joy to watch. A golfer who wears his heart on his sleeve, he is a man who leaves absolutely nothing out there and will give it 100%. One thing he is not short of is confidence.

Matt Wallace

Wallace is a man who can be incredibly hard on himself. He has tried to balance life on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour with mixed success. But when the Englishman is good he can be well-nigh unbeatable.

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