The Excitement Builds Ahead of the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2
The 124th U.S. Open is set to commence at the iconic Pinehurst No. 2, drawing avid golfers and fans worldwide. This event promises high drama and intense competition as the world's top golfers vie for one of the sport's most coveted titles.
Leading the Pack
This year’s key contenders include two major winners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, both of whom have made significant strides in their careers. Scottie Scheffler, armed with his stellar performances at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship, enters the U.S. Open with substantial momentum. On the other hand, Xander Schauffele secures his spot among the favorites, despite limited top-five finishes in majors since 2019.
Collin Morikawa is another name to watch. Known for his consistency and precision, Morikawa has already logged top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship this season. As he enters the U.S. Open on a hot streak, with top-five finishes in his last three tournaments, a victory at Pinehurst could place him three-quarters of the way to a career Grand Slam—a rare achievement in golf history.
Odds Reflect Fierce Competition
Morikawa stands among the seven golfers with odds under 15-1 in the current 2024 U.S. Open betting landscape. Fellow contenders include Scheffler at 11-4, Schauffele at 10-1, Bryson DeChambeau at 10-1, and Ludvig Aberg at 14-1. These odds reflect the stiff competition and high stakes that await the players on the challenging Pinehurst No. 2 course.
McClure's Predictive Model: A Reliable Resource
Since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020, McClure's predictive model has been on an impressive run, accruing nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings. This model has accurately forecasted numerous tournament outcomes, bolstering its reputation as a reliable resource for bettors. Notable predictions include Scheffler's wins at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship, as well as Hideki Matsuyama’s victory at the 2024 Genesis Invitational with a remarkable +9000 bet.
Additionally, the model has accurately predicted Jon Rahm’s wins 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, the model’s accuracy is well-established.
Predictions for the U.S. Open
One of the model's top predictions for the U.S. Open is that Xander Schauffele, despite being one of the favorites, will barely crack the top five. Schauffele has only managed three top-five finishes in majors since 2019 and has shown signs of shakiness, particularly at The Memorial over the weekend. Based on this, the model suggests there might be better value bets for this year’s U.S. Open.
A notable mention from the model is Justin Thomas, who, despite 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 Value Bets
The model is also eyeing two golfers with odds of 20-1 or longer, suggesting they could make a strong run at the title. Alongside these, there are two triple-digit longshots in its best bets, offering substantial returns for those willing to take a gamble.
A Finale Not to Be Missed
As the 124th U.S. Open prepares to tee off at Pinehurst No. 2, the stage is set for a gripping contest filled with intriguing storylines and high stakes. Golf enthusiasts around the world will be closely watching to see who can navigate the challenging course and emerge victorious in this storied tournament.
With a mix of established champions and rising stars all vying for the title, this year's U.S. Open promises to be an event to remember.