Previewing the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2
Excitement builds as Pinehurst No. 2 prepares to host the 124th U.S. Open. Golf enthusiasts around the world eagerly await this highly anticipated event, which promises intense competition and thrilling moments. Leading the field are this year’s major winners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, both of whom have already made significant strides in their careers.
Top Contenders: Scheffler, Schauffele, and Morikawa
Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele enter this tournament as strong favorites, thanks to their recent victories in major championships. Scheffler has had an outstanding year, with notable wins at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship. Schauffele, a consistent performer, is also expected to be in contention despite showing some shakiness at The Memorial.
Another golfer to watch is Collin Morikawa, who has built a reputation for consistency and precision. He secured top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship this year, entering the U.S. Open with a hot streak after finishing in the top five in his last three tournaments. A victory at Pinehurst would not only solidify his status as a top player but also bring him closer to completing 75% of his career Grand Slam, a rare achievement in golf.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Morikawa is among seven golfers with odds under 15-1 in the current 2024 U.S. Open betting, sharing this competitive space with players like Scheffler (11-4), Schauffele (10-1), Bryson DeChambeau (10-1), and Ludvig Aberg (14-1). These favorable odds reflect the high stakes and intense competition these players will face.
Among the predictions, one standout analysis comes from McClure's predictive model. Since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020, McClure's model has generated nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings, becoming a reliable resource for bettors. The model has accurately predicted multiple tournament outcomes, including Scheffler's victories and Hideki Matsuyama’s remarkable win at the 2024 Genesis Invitational with a +9000 bet. It also successfully foresaw Jon Rahm's major wins at the 2023 Masters and the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions.
Schauffele and Thomas: Players to Watch
Despite Schauffele being among the favorites, the model suggests that he may only barely crack the top five at this year’s U.S. Open. With only three top-five finishes in majors since 2019 and some recent inconsistency, the model sees other golfers as better value bets.
One notable name highlighted by the model is Justin Thomas, with 35-1 odds. This veteran golfer, who debuted at Pinehurst in the 2014 majors, has accumulated more major victories than anyone except Brooks Koepka since 2017. Thomas's recent performance includes an eighth-place finish at the PGA Championship and impressive statistics, ranking 10th in strokes gained around the green, and top-20 in both total driving efficiency and strokes gained in approach to the green. These credentials bolster his potential for another significant run up the leaderboard at the U.S. Open.
Potential Surprises and Longshot Bets
Alongside top contenders, the model also identifies two golfers with odds of 20-1 or longer who could make a strong run at the title. Additionally, there are two triple-digit longshots included in its best bets, poised to offer substantial returns for those willing to take a gamble.
In essence, the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 is set to be an exhilarating event with a mix of seasoned champions and emerging talents vying for glory. As golf fans around the globe tune in, they can anticipate a tournament filled with high stakes, unforeseen twists, and the crowning of a deserved champion.
Expert Quotes
"In fact, the model is up almost $9,000 on its best bets since the restart, nailing tournament after tournament."
"Rahm was two strokes off the lead heading into the third round, but the model still projected him as the winner."
"With top-15s in half of his 12 starts this year on tour, Thomas could make another run up the 2024 U.S. Open leaderboard."