(Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy

OWGR: 8

Best British Open finish: 1 (2014)

Last three British Opens: DNP, T-5, T-4

This season: Posted a T-5 at the Masters after entering the final round three back of Patrick Reed, then missed cuts at the Players and U.S. Open. Won the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March. Why he could win: Won the silver medal for low amateur at Carnoustie in his first Open in 2007. Has rebuilt his body and remains one of the best when he puts everything together. Is trying to be less mechanical on the greens. Holding him back: Statistically he’s solid but there is still the oddity that a player reared on Northern Ireland has mixed feelings about links golf. The opening 80 at Shinnecock came on a windy morning, doing little to dispel notions he struggles in wind.