Three-time Major winner Jordan Spieth has branded Tommy Fleetwood a favourite to win the Open Championship next month following his "absurd" round at the U.S. Open.
Spieth was among a group of high-profile names to not make the cut at last week's U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, with Brooks Koepka turning out as the eventual winner and retaining his status as the U.S. Open champion following his 2017 victory.
Despite an event marred with controversy, Fleetwood shone on the final Sunday which eventually saw him finish one shot behind Koepka following a record-equally final-round 63.
"I don't have much of a gauge on the difficulty last week," Spieth said. "I thought the course was very playable for the first two days. I just shot myself int the foot based on my play. I have no other blame.
"I did some see some clips of Saturday and Sunday -- so I have just that to comment -- but the 63 on Sunday... I know he [Fleetwood] had a few putts on 62 which I know he wishes he could get back.
"But the 63, that's absurd, a fantastic round, and I don't think anybody was surprised to see that is was Tommy Fleetwood who did it.
"He certainly has the ability and the game to do it. I could certainly see him as one of the favourites [at the Open].
"He's someone who will have a lot of momentum. With the home crowd, guys who will want to see a Brit win the Open Championship. It's been such a special moment in the past, he's one of the top guys to beat.
"He's absolutely one of the nicest people out here, everyone respects him just as everyone respects his game."
Spieth tees up at this week's Travelers Championship, an event he won in 2017, before looking to defend the Open Championship in July.
The world No. 5 won the Claret Jug in 2017 after beating closest challenger Matt Kuchar by three shots at the Royal Birkdale.