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The Open 2018 tips: Rickie Fowler, Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed and the two outsiders who could upset the odds at Carnoustie

SunSport's golf expert takes you through the men he fancies to do well over the next four days

JORDAN SPIETH triumphed by three shots at The Open last year – with Matt Kuchar leading the chasing pack at Royal Birkdale.

SunSport golf expert DAVID FACEY takes you through his five to keep an eye on at Carnoustie over the next four days...

 Jordan Spieth ended up with the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale in 2017
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Jordan Spieth ended up with the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale in 2017Credit: Reuters

RICKIE FOWLER

The American has looked a certain Claret Jug winner since he shot 68 in awful conditions at Royal St George’s, Sandwich, back in 2011.

Runner-up four years ago and could easily go one better this week.

SERGIO GARCIA

Deserves compensation for his play-off defeat to Padraig Harington the last time Carnoustie hosted The Open.

 Sergio Garcia will go in search of securing his second Major
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Sergio Garcia will go in search of securing his second MajorCredit: Getty Images
 Rickie Fowler has the game to be a contender on a links course
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Rickie Fowler has the game to be a contender on a links courseCredit: Getty Images

The Spaniard loves this tournament and has nine other top ten finishes, three of them in the last four years.

Has the ‘Major’ monkey off his back after success in the Masters in 2017.

THORBJORN OLESEN

Enjoyed the best win of his career with a Sicilian Open victory and was second at the BMW International.

Eye-catching display when finishing sixth at the Irish Open after a poor start.

Good outside bet with bookies should you fancy a flutter.

 Danish player Thorbjorn Olesen could be a good outside bet
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Danish player Thorbjorn Olesen could be a good outside betCredit: PA:Press Association

PATRICK REED

Needs to step up on previous form at The Open but the Masters champion is a real force in the Majors these days.

Shot a first round 66 when he finished 12th at Troon two years ago.

The pantomime villain of the US golf circuit deserves respect - he usually has the last laugh.

 Patrick Reed is full of confidence after his Masters triumph
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Patrick Reed is full of confidence after his Masters triumphCredit: Reuters

MATTHEW SOUTHGATE

Could be a good bet to finish top Englishman and played better golf than anyone over the weekend at Birkdale last year – rounds of 67-65 saw him storm into a share of sixth.

What price he goes one better than his namesake Gareth and makes it into the top three?

 Can Englishman Matthew Southgate sneak into the reckoning?
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Can Englishman Matthew Southgate sneak into the reckoning?Credit: Getty Images
New Masters Champion Patrick Reed shows off with amazing trick shot
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