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Rickie Fowler is going to win The Open Championship (I think), but first he might win the Scottish Open for the second time in three years. Fowler shot a 5-under 67 at Dundonald Links on Thursday to get into a tie for second, two strokes back of leader Mikko Ilonen.

Fowler was flawless for most of the day as he carded five birdies and no bogeys, affirming both the way he's been playing of late (top five in three of his last four events) and the way he plays links golf (three top 10s in his last six links tournaments). Fowler also hit 83.3 percent of greens in regulation. All of that adds up to a great day in Scotland and a real chance at his second title here in three tries.

"It felt good, but it's fun to go out on links and for me to hit shots and don't necessarily have to be spot on," said Fowler, a 14-1 favorite to win The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale next week. 

"It's kind of about managing the game and hitting shots and working your way around the golf course and putting yourself in the light position and avoiding bunkers. I felt like I did a good job of hitting fairways today, staying on the right side of the hole and made a couple of birdies, and it's always nice to have a clean card."

Fowler won this event in 2015 at Gullane Golf Club, and he's had tremendous success in past Opens. His low ball flight and ability to work it both ways, even in bad weather, are an advantage. Plus, he rarely leaves the middle of the road emotionally.

"I love playing links golf, but it doesn't mean it makes it easier for myself," said Fowler. "Just have to go out and play well and score. Excited to be back, like you said, having won here in 2015 at Gullane. I think it's a great way for me to come over and get ready for The Open, but also to play somewhere where I know I can play well."

The American dusted his playing partners Rory McIlroy (2 over) and Henrik Stenson (even) on Thursday as he raced out to the hot start. There is obviously a long way to go, but Fowler has more staying power than most of the top of the leaderboard. Of the golfers currently in the top 10, only Matt Kuchar, Padraig Harrington and Ian Poulter are in his class. 

"Love the two-week trip over here," added Fowler. "We're off to a good start and we'll keep it rolling."

Fowler be the favorite going into the Open next week, but maybe he should be. Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and a few others will likely find their odds slightly better than his. But with the way he's played of late and the way he looked on Thursday, I wouldn't be surprised to see him pull off what Phil Mickelson did in 2013 and take the Scottish and the Open Championship consecutively. What a feat that would be.