British Open Profile: Rickie Fowler

Best Odds: 40/1 (PaddyPower)
Age: 23
World Ranking: 19
Best Result in Open: T5 - 2011

Open Record:

The prodigious 23-year-old has quickly managed what many of his older compatriots have failed to ever do - adapt to British links golf. A T14 on his Open debut at St Andrews in 2010 was impressive enough, but he followed that with a T5 when returning to Sandwich a year ago. Fowler hit a superb third-round 68 in some pretty awful conditions to move right into contention.

Form:

Getting better all the time. The colourful American has claimed five top-10s on the PGA Tour already in 2012, but he really came of age at the Wells Fargo Championship in May. Fowler won a three-way play-off against Rory McIlroy and D.A. Points to show that he can now close out a big opportunity. With new-found confidence, a T2 at the Players was secured just a week later.

Verdict:

Now regarded by the bookies as the USA’s best Claret Jug prospect after Woods and Mickelson. He certainly ticks a few boxes having acquitted himself well on his two previous trips across the pond for this tournament. It’s only a question as to whether it’s too soon.