The United States of America has a strong grip on golf’s Majors, with all four titles currently belonging to the country heading into The Open.
Patrick Reed’s Masters Tournament win in April made it a clean sweep for the Americans, following Justin Thomas’ victory at the US PGA Championship and Jordan Spieth’s Open Championship triumph at Royal Birkdale. It was former European Challenge Tour product Brooks Koepka who began the run of American winners with victory at last year’s U.S. Open.
World number two Justin Thomas, who won the PGA Championship last year, is ready to add to his Major collection but is wary of his form at the event; his best finish at the Open was a tie for 53rd in 2016.
‘Two years ago I was on the bad side of the draw but then last year I just had two terrible holes that caused me to miss the cut,’ the 25-year-old said.
‘I feel like I’m a good links player although I don’t have the results to show it.
‘The Open is a very special event I hope to get at least once or twice in my career. It would mean a lot. I can’t necessarily put it into words, it’s one of those things you can’t describe unless it happens.
‘I’ve always felt this would be one of my favourite wins as a player because it takes such a wide variety of shots and such a complete game to win here.’
Masters champion Patrick Reed comes to the event with heightened expectations following his win at Augusta National, but the 27-year-old is remaining calm ahead of the third Major of the year.
‘The biggest thing is I treat them like they’re normal events,’ he said. ‘I’ve always kind of gone in majors, put too much pressure on myself, having to go play well, having to do this, having to make birdie here. And now I go in there and try to play golf and keep in the mindset of, hey, it’s just another day on the golf course. Let’s just go play.
‘I’ve been able to stay in that mindset the past three, and I’ve played pretty well in all three of them.’
Brooks Koepka is hoping to become the first man win the US Open and the Open Championship in the same season since Tiger Woods in 2000.
He successfully defended his US Open title at Shinnecock Hills last month and has his sights firmly set on the Claret Jug this week.
‘I’m 28. I’ve got quite a few more Majors to play, quite a few more tournaments to play. I’ve got a number in mind that I want to get to and try to beat that. But right now I’m focused on just winning. That’s the only thing I’ve got in my mind. Second place just isn’t good enough,’ said Koepka.
