Pinehurst No. 2 Set to Host the U.S. Open 2024
Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina will once again be the focal point of the golfing world as it hosts the U.S. Open 2024, starting this Thursday. Known for its challenging layout and rich history, Pinehurst No. 2 promises to deliver thrilling moments and competitive action, bringing together the best golfers from around the globe.
Top Contenders and Surprises
This year's tournament lineup includes prominent names such as Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele. Leading the pack, Scottie Scheffler is the 11-4 favorite, a reflection of his recent dominance on the PGA Tour. However, the tournament may also see veteran golfers like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in the mix, both listed as 125-1 longshots. Despite their long odds, both players have a history of surprising performances at major stages.
The Accuracy of McClure's Model
For fans and bettors, the insights from DFS pro Mike McClure's model could be crucial. McClure’s model has been remarkably accurate since June 2020, earning nearly $9,000 on its best bets. Notably, the model accurately predicted Scheffler's victories in the 2024 Masters, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship. Another standout prediction was a winning bet on Hideki Matsuyama for the 2024 Genesis Invitational at +9000 odds.
The model has also had a keen eye for Jon Rahm's performances, accurately foreseeing his victories at the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions, The American Express, and his second major win at the 2023 Masters. Heading into the U.S. Open weekend, McClure's model has been accurate for 12 major tournaments, including the last three Masters and the 2024 PGA Championship.
Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas: Predictions and Odds
Looking at Xander Schauffele, the model forecasts that he will barely crack the top five. Despite being a consistent performer, Schauffele has only three top-five finishes in majors since 2019. His recent performance at The Memorial, where he shot two rounds of 73 or higher, further raises questions about his form heading into the U.S. Open.
On the other hand, Justin Thomas stands out as a compelling pick at 35-1 odds. McClure's model suggests that Thomas could make a strong run at the title. Thomas, who finished tied for eighth at the PGA Championship in May, boasts a decorated career with 15 PGA Tour event wins and nearly $58 million in career earnings. With a cut-making rate of 81% in his career tournaments and a current ranking of 14th in the FedEx Cup standings, Thomas is certainly a wild card to keep an eye on.
Consistency of Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1-ranked golfer, has proven his exceptional consistency by either winning or finishing second in seven of his last eight tournaments. Scheffler aims to continue this dominance as he enters the U.S. Open. His stability on the course makes him a favorite not just among fans, but also among bettors.
Bettors and Fans: Stay Informed
Before placing any bets or setting up your PGA DFS lineups on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel, it’s worth considering the insights from Mike McClure's proprietary model. Particularly intriguing is the prediction for Justin Thomas, whose combination of career success and current performance levels makes him a compelling pick at 35-1 odds.
As the U.S. Open 2024 unfolds, fans and bettors alike will be closely watching to see if Scheffler can maintain his dominance, if Schauffele can find consistency, or if Thomas will defy the odds for a standout performance.
One thing is certain: Pinehurst No. 2 will set the stage for an unforgettable tournament with high stakes and dramatic turns, living up to its reputation as one of the most challenging and prestigious courses in the world.