Exciting Showdown Awaits at Pinehurst No. 2
The golf world is abuzz with anticipation as Pinehurst No. 2 prepares to host the 124th U.S. Open. This storied tournament, drawing considerable global attention, promises to be an exhilarating showdown featuring some of the sport's biggest names and most promising talents.
Major Winners Leading the Pack
Heading the list of contenders are this year's major champions, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. These athletes have already carved significant milestones in their careers, and their recent performances have set a high bar for the competition.
Collin Morikawa, known for his consistency and precision, has also emerged as a key player to watch. With top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship, Morikawa is entering the U.S. Open on a hot streak, having secured top-five finishes in his last three tournaments. A victory at Pinehurst would bring Morikawa within 75% of achieving his career Grand Slam, a rare feat in the history of golf.
Key Contenders and Betting Odds
Morikawa is one of seven golfers with odds under 15-1 in the current 2024 U.S. Open betting. Among these formidable contenders are Scottie Scheffler at 11-4, Xander Schauffele at 10-1, Bryson DeChambeau at 10-1, and Ludvig Aberg at 14-1. These standings highlight the intense competition and high stakes that await the participants.
McClure's Model: A Game-Changer for Bettors
McClure's predictive model has been on a winning spree since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020. Having amassed nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings, it stands as a trustworthy resource for bettors. The model has accurately predicted numerous tournament outcomes, notably forecasting Scheffler's victories at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship.
Additionally, McClure's model successfully tipped Hideki Matsuyama for the 2024 Genesis Invitational with a remarkable +9000 bet. Its knack for correctly calling major wins is further evidenced by its accurate predictions of 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.
Schauffele's Prospects and Other Value Bets
Despite being among the favorites, the model predicts that Xander Schauffele will barely crack the top five at the U.S. Open. Schauffele has recorded only three top-five finishes in majors since 2019 and showed vulnerability at The Memorial over the weekend. The model, therefore, suggests exploring better value bets for this year's U.S. Open.
One notable mention from the model is Justin Thomas, who is considered a strong contender at 35-1 odds. 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 U.S. Open leaderboard.
Longshots to Watch
Besides the top favorites, the model is also keeping an eye on two golfers with odds of 20-1 or longer, suggesting they could make a strong run at the title. Furthermore, two triple-digit longshots are featured in the model's best bets, potentially yielding substantial returns for those willing to take the gamble.
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."