The Open 2012: Brandt Snedeker Who is this Brandt Snedeker, he's an unknown journeyman, right? In the narrow context of golf, its big names and its headlines, the 32-year-old from Tennessee is a journeyman. But in the game itself he is not unknown and the journey has been lucrative and successful. Rookie of the year in the PGA Tour in 2007, Snedeker has won three times in America, including at Torrey Pines in February and at Hilton Head last year when he beat Justin Rose in a play-off. So far he has won $13m in his career. Fair enough. But why have we never heard of him in the majors? You're probably only looking at his Open record (three appearances, three missed cuts) if you believe this. Snedeker went into the final round of the 2008 Masters, one behind Trevor Immelman and eventually finished two behind the South African in third. He was in the mix at the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach until coming eighth. Snedeker does have big-four form. If he's so good why haven't we seen him in the Ryder Cup? He's come close, particularly in 2008 when he was considered by Paul Azinger for a wildcard after finishing in the top 20 in the standings. A win here would see him leap into the automatic places for the match in Chicago in two months" time. He represented his country at the 2008 World Cup in Mission where he and Ben Curtis finished ninth. Go on then, explain his woeful Open record? It doesn't make much sense. He is a Tom Watson admirer and admitted yesterday that he wants to emulate the Claret Jug winner. Perhaps not with five wins, but certainly with one. What else do we know about Snedeker? He was taught golf by his grandmother, who ran a golf club, his parents ran a pawnshop and his brother, now a part-time judge in Alabama, was a successful college player who tried to gain entry for the PGA Tour via a TV reality show. Snedeker is from Nashville so inevitably is a country and western fan. And he is a very good putter. What should we watch out for if he does prevail? Tears. Lots of them. Snedeker cried after his podium place at The Masters - in happiness, not in sorrow. Imagine if he lifted the Claret Jug. They truly would have to drain Lytham's bunkers then.