Excitement Builds for the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2
In what promises to be an exciting showdown at Pinehurst No. 2, the 124th U.S. Open is set to tee off, drawing considerable attention from golf enthusiasts around the world. Leading the charge are this year's two major winners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, who have already made significant strides in their careers.
Spotlight on the Contenders
Collin Morikawa, a name synonymous with consistency and precision, has carded top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship. Entering the 2024 U.S. Open, Morikawa comes in hot, having secured top-five finishes in his last three tournaments. With a victory at Pinehurst, he can complete 75% of his career Grand Slam, a feat only a few golfers have achieved. Morikawa is among seven golfers who have odds under 15-1 in the current 2024 U.S. Open betting. Alongside him are formidable contenders such as 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 the high stakes awaiting the players.
The Predictive Model’s Impact
McClure's predictive model has been on a tear since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020. It has accrued nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings since the restart, making it a reliable resource for bettors. The model has accurately foreseen numerous tournament outcomes, notably predicting Scheffler's victories at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship. Additionally, it successfully tipped Hideki Matsuyama for the 2024 Genesis Invitational with a remarkable +9000 bet.
Its 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.
Xander Schauffele’s Prospects
One of the model's top predictions 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 exhibited shakiness at The Memorial over the weekend. The model, therefore, suggests there are better value bets for this year's U.S. Open.
Justin Thomas: A Dark Horse
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 to Watch
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.
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."
The anticipation is palpable as golf fans worldwide turn their eyes to Pinehurst No. 2, where the finest talent in the sport will compete for one of its most coveted titles. With a field as competitive as this, predictions and expectations set the stage for what could be an unforgettable tournament.