Johnston can thrive in more comfortable surroundings

The Open: round one
Sky Sports Golf/The Open, 6.30am Thursday

Rory McIlroy has been struggling for fitness and form this season, missing three of his last four cuts, but the Northern Irishman seems likely to command the biggest gallery at Royal Birkdale this afternoon as he joins world number one Dustin Johnson and former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel on the tee.

The 2.48pm marquee match is difficult to assess – Schwartzel is arguably the value option at 16-5 – and first-round threeball punters are advised to focus on some far less glamorous groups instead. Andrew Johnston can boss the 11.36am starters, then Kevin Chappell should have the edge in the 2.37pm gathering.

A share of 19^th place in the Scottish Open last week was encouraging for Johnston, known as Beef to his band of followers, who has been in the doldrums for much of the season. He has looked much more comfortable since returning to the European Tour after an unsuccessful spell in America and will be relishing another Open gig.

Johnston finished eighth at Troon last year, the cult figure dazzling the Open crowds, and Birkdale is a course which should suit him even more. Ball-striking is typically Beef's strength and finding greens in regulation is by far the biggest challenge presented by this week's layout.

Johnston should be too strong from tee to green for Adam Hadwin in what is a virtual twoball. Former Open champion Todd Hamilton, the third member of the party, has precious little to offer at the age of 51. Hadwin is making his Open debut, has no links experience, and relies heavily on his short-game skills to make a score.

Chappell also hits his ball with great authority and can account for Paul Lawrie and Yusaku Miyazato. Chappell won the Texas Open at the end of April, an event where wind is nearly always a serious factor, and the forecast rough weather in Southport will hold no fears for him.

Chappell is the world number 28 and different gravy these days to 48-year-old Lawrie, who is ranked 350th. Japanese raider Yusaku Miyazato (126th) has won five times in his homeland, but has never been able to mix it in elite company. Miyazato has missed the cut in both his previous Open starts.

The chances of Mark Foster winning the 10.42am contest against Yikeun Chang and Chan Kim have already been flagged up, while early-bird punters should consider Alex Noren at a big price to be the first-round leader. The Swede tees off at 8.03am.

Recommendations
A Johnston
2pts 23-20 Betfred
K Chappell
2pts 13-10 BoyleSports

Already advised Wednesday
M Foster
2pts 9-5 Betfair, Paddy Power
A Noren first-round leader
1pt each-way 50-1 BoyleSports