​Check in every week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport, and join the conversation by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we tackle the missed cuts of two World No. 1s and the other brewing storylines ahead of The Open Championship. Scottie Scheffler missed the cut at the Genesis Scottish Open, snapping what had been the longest made-cut streak on the PGA Tour. Up next is The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Should you sell Scheffler’s Open chances after his rough showing, or buy in because it’s an outlier and because he might arrive at Royal Birkdale early enough to make a run?
Josh Schrock, associate news editor (@schrock_and_awe): I’m buying as much as I would’ve before the Scottish. As I noted after he lost the Travelers to Viktor Hovland, Scheffler has been more than a half-shot worse on approach this season. He remains the best player in the world, but the transformation from an otherworldly iron player to merely very good has allowed a few others to creep past him at their best. He didn’t ride a great round in Scotland, but I still think he’ll be in the mix at Birkdale. He’s not my pick, necessarily, but I’d be stunned to see Scheffler go two tournaments in a row without being a factor. So I’m keeping Scheffler “Open stock” in my portfolio.
Josh Sens, senior writer, (@joshsens): Schrock’s sentiment mirrors mine. Even on his A-minus game, Scheffler can contend. If anything, this week’s missed cut could serve as extra motivation—the equivalent of a bounce-back after a bogey.
Sean Zak, senior writer (@sean_zak): I remember the golf world freaking out about Scheffler’s putting exactly a year ago, when the Scottish Open didn’t go his way. How did he respond? He won at Portrush the following week. A few extra warm-up days should have him ready for Thursday’s opening round.
What’s the best Open Championship storyline?
Schrock: There are two obvious angles, but I’ll go off the board: it’s not Tommy Fleetwood, nor Jordan Spieth. It’s Rory McIlroy. Now 37, McIlroy has embraced a plan of playing fewer events, focusing on the tournaments he truly wants, and stacking up majors. He has just one Claret Jug (he could have two if not for Cam Smith). He’s been among the Open’s best players over the last two decades, and it would feel odd if he doesn’t add another at some point. He’s played only four times since his Masters win, but says that has him feeling fresh. He turned in a solid Scottish performance outside the third round. With Scheffler reportedly “struggling,” this feels like a prime opportunity for Rory to add another major. His chances are finite, and the horizon isn’t endless.
Sens: I’d add Scheffler to the list. The defending champion, chasing to retain the title even as he searches for what’s missing in his game.
Zak: It’s the Southport kid competing in Southport. How could it be anything else for better SEO? The Open is at Birkdale, and the sense that this could be Scheffler’s stage again is irresistible, even if the field is deep.