An Exciting Showdown Awaits at Pinehurst No. 2 for the 124th U.S. Open
Golf enthusiasts around the world are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating showdown at Pinehurst No. 2, as the 124th U.S. Open tees off. This year's tournament is set to draw considerable attention, featuring some of the biggest names in golf competing for the prestigious title.
Top Contenders: Major Winners and Rising Stars
Leading the charge are this year's two major winners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, both of whom have already made significant strides in their careers. Scheffler, currently a favorite at 11-4 odds, has garnered attention with his remarkable victories this season, while Schauffele stands as a solid contender with 10-1 odds.
Collin Morikawa: Consistency and Precision
Collin Morikawa, a name synonymous with consistency and precision, enters the 2024 U.S. Open on a hot streak. Having carded top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship, Morikawa's recent form is impressive. With top-five finishes in his last three tournaments, Morikawa is vying for a victory at Pinehurst that would complete 75% of his career Grand Slam—a feat only a few golfers have achieved. Morikawa is among seven golfers with odds under 15-1 in the current betting lineup, reflecting his strong chances.
Intense Competition and High Stakes
Around Morikawa stand formidable competitors, including Bryson DeChambeau and Ludvig Aberg, both at 10-1 and 14-1 odds respectively. These odds highlight the intense competition and high stakes that await the players as they strive for success at Pinehurst No. 2.
McClure's Predictive Model: A Reliable Resource
Since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020, McClure's predictive model has become a reliable resource for bettors, accruing nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings. The model has accurately foreseen numerous tournament outcomes, notably predicting Scheffler's victories at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship. Additionally, it successfully tipped Hideki Matsuyama for the 2024 Genesis Invitational with a remarkable +9000 bet.
The model's knack for predicting major wins is evident, having correctly called Jon Rahm's triumphs at the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions, The American Express, and his second career major at the 2023 Masters. With 12 major predictions nailed, including the last three Masters and the 2024 PGA Championship, McClure's model has fortified its reputation for accuracy.
Predictions and Value Bets
Among the model's top predictions is that Xander Schauffele, despite being among the favorites, will barely crack the top five at the U.S. Open. Schauffele has managed just three top-five finishes in majors since 2019 and exhibited shakiness at The Memorial over the weekend. Therefore, the model suggests there are better value bets for this year's U.S. Open.
A notable mention from the model is Justin Thomas, who, at 35-1 odds, is considered a strong contender to make a significant run at the title. Thomas made his major debut at Pinehurst in 2014 and has since accumulated more major victories than anyone except Brooks Koepka since 2017. His recent eighth-place finish at the PGA Championship and impressive statistics—10th in strokes gained around the green, and top-20 in both total driving efficiency and strokes gained approach the green—position him well for another climb up the leaderboard at the U.S. Open.
Longshots and Potential Surprises
The model also identifies two golfers with odds of 20-1 or longer, suggesting they could make a strong run at the title. Additionally, two triple-digit longshots are highlighted in the model's best bets, which could yield substantial returns for those willing to take the gamble. These potential surprises add an extra layer of intrigue to an already exciting tournament.
As the 124th U.S. Open unfolds, golf fans will be watching closely to see which predictions come true and which players rise to the occasion at Pinehurst No. 2. With a lineup of seasoned champions and emerging talents, the competition is set to be fierce, and the quest for the U.S. Open title promises to deliver thrilling moments and memorable performances.