Anticipation Builds for the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2
The 124th U.S. Open is set to tee off at Pinehurst No. 2, drawing considerable attention from a global community of golf enthusiasts. This year's competition promises to be a thrilling showdown, particularly with major winners Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele leading the charge. Both players have made significant strides in their careers, and they're poised to bring their best to this prestigious tournament.
Morikawa's Pursuit of History
Among the standout players, Collin Morikawa has established himself as a name synonymous with consistency and precision. Morikawa has already notched top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship this year. Entering the 2024 U.S. Open, he is riding a hot streak, having secured top-five finishes in his last three tournaments. A victory at Pinehurst would bring him closer to completing 75% of his career Grand Slam, a rare and prestigious achievement in the golfing world.
Morikawa is among seven golfers with odds under 15-1 in the current 2024 U.S. Open betting. Other formidable 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 intense competition and high stakes awaiting the players at Pinehurst.
The Betting Outlook: Predictions and Odds
McClure's predictive model has garnered a formidable reputation since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020. The model has accrued nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings, making it a reliable resource for bettors. Its accuracy in foreseeing tournament outcomes has been impressive, notably predicting Scheffler's victories at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship. Moreover, 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 with 12 major predictions nailed, including the last three Masters and the 2024 PGA Championship. One of the model's top predictions for the U.S. Open is that Xander Schauffele, despite being among the favorites, will barely crack the top five. 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 may be better value bets for this year’s U.S. Open.
Justin Thomas: An Underdog with Potential
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.
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. Alongside these, there are two triple-digit longshots in its best bets that could yield substantial returns for those willing to take the gamble. The high stakes and unpredictable nature of the U.S. Open always leave room for dark horses and unexpected triumphs, making this annual event one of the most exciting in all of sport.
Quotes from Experts
NBC Sports commentator Mike Tirico recently remarked, "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." Executives at McClure's have reiterated their confidence, adding, "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."
As the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 approaches, the world watches in anticipation. With a field of golf's most elite competitors, the stakes are as high as ever, promising a tournament filled with excitement, skill, and perhaps, a few surprises.