An Exciting Showdown at Pinehurst: The 124th U.S. Open Preview
The iconic Pinehurst No. 2 is set to host what promises to be an electrifying 124th U.S. Open, drawing considerable attention from golf enthusiasts worldwide. This year's tournament boasts a roster of formidable contenders, including major winners and rising stars, each aiming to etch their name in golfing history.
Top Contenders: Scheffler and Schauffele
Leading the charge are this year’s two major winners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. Both golfers have already made significant strides in their careers and are poised for another stellar performance. Scheffler, notably, is favored at 11-4 odds, reflecting his recent dominance in the sport.
Morikawa on a Hot Streak
Collin Morikawa is a name synonymous with consistency and precision. He has carded top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship. Entering the 2024 U.S. Open, Morikawa is on an impressive hot streak, having secured top-five finishes in his last three tournaments. A victory at Pinehurst would complete 75% of his career Grand Slam, a feat achieved by only a select few golfers.
Morikawa is among seven golfers who have odds under 15-1 in the current 2024 U.S. Open betting. Other notable contenders include Bryson DeChambeau at 10-1 and Ludvig Aberg at 14-1, underscoring the high stakes and the fierce competition that awaits the players.
The Predictive Model: A Reliable Resource for Bettors
Since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020, McClure's predictive model has been on a tear, accruing nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings. This model has become a reliable resource for bettors, accurately foreseeing numerous tournament outcomes. Notably, it predicted 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 identified 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, the model has fortified its reputation for accuracy.
The Predictions
One of 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 he exhibited shakiness at The Memorial over the weekend. Therefore, the model suggests there are better value bets for this year's U.S. Open.
Notably, Justin Thomas, 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 approaching the green—position him well for another climb up the leaderboard at the U.S. Open.
Value Bets and Longshots
The model is also eyeing two golfers with odds of 20-1 or longer, suggesting they could make a strong run at the title. These dark horses might offer bettors substantial returns if they live up to their potential during the tournament. Additionally, the model has identified two triple-digit longshots in its best bets, which could yield substantial returns for those willing to take the gamble.
"In fact, the model is up almost $9,000 on its best bets since the restart, nailing tournament after tournament," remarked McClure. "Rahm was two strokes off the lead heading into the third round, but the model still projected him as the winner." These accurate predictions have made the model a trusted source among golfing enthusiasts and bettors alike.
With top-15 finishes in half of his 12 starts this year on tour, Justin Thomas could indeed make another significant run up the 2024 U.S. Open leaderboard. The battle at Pinehurst is set to be fiercely competitive, with each player vying for glory. As the tournament tees off, all eyes will be on these top contenders and the electrifying drama that is sure to unfold on one of the world's most revered golf courses.