The Fore Report: 2011 Open Championship; who will finish strong Sunday?

The coveted Claret

Sandwhich, Kent, England is the home of this week's 2011 Open Championship and has hosted 13 Open Championships in it's history. The last being in 2003, when Ben Curtis took home the Claret after playing in his first Major as a rookie.

While saturday's weather was a bit harsh, it didn't keep Tom Watson or Trevor Immelman from being the biggest movers on Saturday. They are both tied in 25th place going into the final round tomorrow after moving up 20 positions. Some surprising players missing the cut were Lee Westwood, Luke Donald, Graeme McDowell and Matt Kuchar.

On the other hand, Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler were moving up today. Each capturing 2 birdies in difficult conditions; Dustin sits in 2nd place at -4 and Rickie in a tie with Thomas Bjorn for 3rd.

Northern Irelander Darren Clarke currently sits in 1st place at -5, one stroke ahead of DJ. Darren has fired all 3 rounds in the 60's, with a 68,68, & 69 respectively. He has stated to win this tourney, would be the ultimate dream. Today, he fired off 3 birdies but had 2 bogeys to hold him back from a projected round of 65. His 2nd round carded a double bogey but also had an eagle on the #7 par 5. From his first round to today's, he has been consistent with his birdies also trying to keep a lid on the bogeys, with only 2 today. Will he be able to control the nerves and keep his consistency Sunday? He will be paired with Dustin Johnson, who shot a 68 today.

Dustin Johnson has held on firing a 68 for his last 2 rounds. Today, he captured 6 birdies and had 4 bogeys. His 2nd round consisted of only 1 bogey and 3 birdies. Can he be consistent and have another round like his 2nd? I will say that if he can limit his round to only 1 bogey and have at least 4-5 birdies, he will take 1st or 2nd place.

Another young gun to watch on Sunday, is Rickie Fowler. While a natural on motocross (if you've seen his PUMA motocross golf commercial), Saturday's conditions proved to be just as challenging, with wind and rain that flipped umbrellas inside out. Rickie has carded rounds of 70, 70 and 68. To fire a 68 in today's condition boasts well for his play this week. This young American shows that he has the endurance and the talent to play with the best. While he may have struggled a bit this year being consistent with his low rounds from tourney to tourney, I expect to see Rickie card a top 5 finish on Sunday! Saturday scoring shows he held his bogeys to 2, while also having 4 birdies. Oh, and check out those gloves keeping his hands warm and dry!

Lucas Glover is going to have to have several birdies on Sunday, if he is to have a Top Ten finish. He was not able to grab any birdies today and carded 3 bogeys. Suffice it to say, that is not going to be enough on Sunday, when the weather is looking for more showers and wind. The only difference expected, is that it is suppose to be a couple of degrees warmer with a high of 70.

I will go on the record stating that if Dustin can have another day like today, he will have a shot at the Claret Jug. I predict Davis Love III will move up the ladder and have a top 5 finish, if not taking 2nd place. And for Darren Clarke, if he can hold on; I think a 3rd or 4th place finish is in store for him. I wish all the guys the best on Sunday as I predict a continuously changing scoreboard right down to the last hole.

I will leave you with a picture of Rickie's motocross inspired golf cart. Now that's combing his love of two sports!