British Open predictions may or may not be sterling

This week the game of golf returns to “The Home of Golf” when the British Open is contested at The Old Course at St. Andrews. As I’ve done in the past, I’m going to completely embarrass myself by sharing my thoughts on who might finish where. I almost had my first correct pick with Dustin Johnson at the U.S. Open until, well, we all know what happened on the 72nd green.

Some time this afternoon we’ll hear someone declared the infamous “Champion golfer of the year” ... and get handed golf’s oldest trophy, The Claret Jug. Here’s who I think might be there:

Jordan Spieth

The whole world is waiting to see if the 21-year-old can complete the first three legs of the Grand Slam. He’s coming off two straight victories in the U.S. Open and last week’s John Deere Classic, so we know he’s playing well. But I think the moment may finally be “too big” for him. Momentum gets him off to a good start, but I just don’t see him winning. Final Pick: Top 10

Phil Mickelson

Always a tough one to pick because of the way he gears up for golf’s four majors. It’s like the regular events are practice sessions to get him to the big events. Phil had his Open breakthrough two years ago, so it’s not like he’s missing the Claret Jug from his trophy case. But winning at St. Andrews would have to be a dream come true for him. Similar to the U.S. Open, I think he plays well through Friday, then fades on the weekend. Final Pick: Top 50

Ollie Schniederjans

A name to get to know. Ollie, who will supposedly turn professional soon after The Open, comes from the new Jordan Spieth mold. A former world amateur number one, these young guys coming out of college fear no one. And having watched his younger former nemesis Spieth win the last two majors, Ollie must be chomping at the bit to follow suit. I think the Georgia Tech star plays well this week. Final Pick: Top 20

Contenders

For some reason, I think the following guys will be contenders this week:

Lee Westwood: He’s due.

Sergio Garcia: See Westwood comment.

Hideki Matsuyama: The players say he’s as good as anyone.

Rickie Fowler: Not playing with Tiger (like he did at the U.S. Open en route to 80+) will be the difference. He’s ready to contend again.

Adam Scott: He’s ready for another major.

But my winning pick is …

Dustin Johnson

Yes, I picked him in the U.S. Open and jinxed him to a runner-up finish. But all of the qualities that made me pick him at Chambers Bay still apply at The Old Course; especially his length. Look back at who has won at the Old Course. Three of the last four champions were the longest hitters in the game at that point. DJ is the game’s longest hitter. He’s been playing well all year. And similar to Rory’s back nine collapse at The Masters and then immediate bounce back at the U.S. Open, I think DJ comes right back and becomes this year’s Champion Golfer of the Year. I bet he even shows up for the awards ceremony.

Jonah Karzmer is a former golf professional who writes a Sunday golf column for The Vindicator. In his spare time he sells commercial insurance and loves getting feedback on his weekly columns via email at Jonah@thekarzmerinsurance.com.