Sahith Theegala vs. J.T. Poston

Poston has taken a real step forward this year, capped by a win at the Memorial and a top-five finish at the U.S. Open that proved it wasn't a one-off. That kind of finish under major pressure carries weight heading into another big week. Theegala's game has shown signs of life, too, but signs of life and a proven recent breakthrough are different things, and Poston is the one who's actually closed out a big trophy this season. Birkdale's premium on approach precision plays to the strengths of a player who's been sharp with his irons all year. I'll side with the player who has already shown he can finish. Poston is the play.