Excitement Builds for the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2
The 124th U.S. Open is set to tee off at the historic Pinehurst No. 2, promising an exhilarating showdown that has captivated golf enthusiasts around the globe. Leading the pack this year are two major winners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, both of whom have already made significant strides in their careers.
Morikawa Eyes Career Grand Slam
Collin Morikawa, a name synonymous with consistency and precision, has been in stellar form, carding top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship. Entering the 2024 U.S. Open, Morikawa is on a hot streak, securing top-five finishes in his last three tournaments. With a victory at Pinehurst, he would complete 75% of his career Grand Slam, a feat achieved by only a select few golfers. It's no surprise that Morikawa is among the seven golfers with odds under 15-1 in the current 2024 U.S. Open betting.
Alongside Morikawa, formidable contenders such as Scheffler at 11-4, Schauffele at 10-1, Bryson DeChambeau at 10-1, and Ludvig Aberg at 14-1 reflect the intense competition and high stakes awaiting the players.
McClure's Predictive Model: A Reliable Resource
Begging for attention is McClure's predictive model, which has been on a tear since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020. Accruing nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings since the restart, the model has become a reliable resource for bettors, accurately predicting numerous tournament outcomes. Notably, it foresaw Scheffler’s victories at the 2024 Masters, the 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 called 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: A Top Prediction
One of the model's top predictions this year 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 some shakiness at The Memorial over the past weekend. Consequently, the model suggests there are better value bets for this year's U.S. Open.
Justin Thomas: A Strong Contender
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.
Longshots and Best 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, which could yield substantial returns for those willing to take the gamble.
Conclusion
The anticipation for the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 is palpable, with top contenders and underdogs alike bringing their best game to the course. Whether it’s the leading names like Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa or value bets like Justin Thomas, the stage is set for an unforgettable tournament.
As fans gear up for what promises to be an intense competition, one thing is certain: Pinehurst No. 2 will once again serve as the magnificent backdrop for golf's finest to etch their names into history.