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The 2024 Open Championship is less than 24 hours away, and the eyes of the golf world are on the Royal Troon Golf Club. The field for the fourth major of the season includes the best players in the world, several of whom are making their maiden appearances at the event.
But some of the newcomers also have the opportunity to surprise by winning The Open Championship at their first attempt. It wouldn't be the first time, as Ben Curtis did it in 2003 and Collin Morikawa followed suit in 2021.
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Let's take a look at the players who will be making their Open Championship debut at Royal Troon and could well be in contention for the title.
#1 Ludvig Åberg
Ludvig Åberg has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last 12 months. The Swede turned professional just 13 months ago, but already has one win on the DP World Tour (2023 Omega European Masters), and one on the PGA Tour (2023 RSM Classic).
Åberg arrives at the Open Championship after a season in which he has played 15 tournaments, with 14 cuts made and two runner-up finishes as his best results. One of those runner-up finishes came at the Masters Tournament.
His performances have allowed him to climb to number four in the world rankings, and he is one of the top favorites to win the Claret Jug, despite never having played at the event.
#2 Tom McKibbin
Only 21-years-old, Tom McKibbin is in his second season on the DP World Tour. However, he has already put in some impressive performances, including his win at the 2023 Porsche European Open.
McKibbin enters The Open Championship on the heels of a 16-event, 14-cuts made season on the European circuit. He has six top-10 finishes, including a runner-up finish at the Italian Open.
McKibbin made his major championship debut just a month ago when he qualified for the 2024 US Open, where he tied for 41st.
As a curious detail, McKibbin got his start in golf at the same Northern Irish course that produced superstar Rory McIlroy.
#3 Ryo Hisatsune
Ryo Hisatsune has surprised the golf world since making his professional debut in 2020 at the age of 17. The Japanese played his rookie season on the DP World Tour in 2023, which was enough to earn him a PGA Tour card.
Hisatsune enters the Open Championship having played in 19 PGA Tour events, making 12 cuts and posting four top-25 finishes. His best finish to date is a tie for 11th at the American Express.
He made his major debut at the 2024 Masters, where he missed the cut. He then qualified for the PGA Championship and finished T18.
