Three Reasons Why Zach Johnson Will Win the 2016 British Open
Still the King of The Open
There’s not a lot of buzz surrounding Zach Johnson’s trip to Royal Troon this week, but let’s not forget that he’s still the defending British Open champion by winning a four-hole playoff at St. Andrews last year against Marc Leishman and Louis Oosthuizen. He also managed to stave off Tour heavyweights Jason Day and Jordan Spieth, who both finished tied for third.
The 40-year-old veteran has a terrific track record at The Open in general. Johnson hasn’t been cut from the tournament for nine-consecutive seasons now, and all three of his career top-10 finishes at The Open were attained over the last four years (the win in 2015, T6 in 2013 and T9 in 2012).
Picking Up Steam at the Right Time
Johnson’s having quite a rocky 2016, and perhaps that’s the reason why oddsmakers have priced him at +3,500to repeat as British Open champ. Still, the reigning Champion Golfer of the Year has seen his share of highs this season, particularly by securing five top-5 finishes.
More importantly, two of those top 5s came within just the last month at the U.S. Open (T8) and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational (T10), giving Johnson some much-needed momentum heading into Scotland.
American Invasion
Although the British Open is obviously held outside of the United States, American golfers have actually excelled in this tournament by having 28 different winners – the most by any country in the tournament’s history.
The Iowa native can also take comfort in the fact that Americans have won six-straight tournaments played in Royal Troon. Johnson’s no stranger when it comes to succeeding at PGA tournaments from across the Atlantic, so this year’s trip to Ayreshire should feel no different than his recent stellar outings at The Open.
Writer’s Prediction
Johnson (+3,500) fails to defend his British Open title and ends up with a meager top-25 finish instead.
