Excitement Builds for the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2
Golf enthusiasts from around the globe are eagerly anticipating the start of the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. It's shaping up to be an exciting showdown with significant attention focused on some of the sport's biggest names. This year's competition promises to be one of the most intensely contested in recent memory.
Top Contenders to Watch
Leading the field are the year's two major winners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. Both golfers have already established themselves as forces to be reckoned with. Scheffler has particularly been in scintillating form, having bagged victories at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship.
Another player drawing considerable attention is Collin Morikawa. Known for his consistency and precision, Morikawa has finished in the top five in both the Masters and the PGA Championship this year. Entering the U.S. Open, he carries a hot streak of top-five finishes in his last three tournaments. A victory at Pinehurst would bring Morikawa closer to completing 75% of his career Grand Slam, a feat achieved by only a select few in the history of golf.
U.S. Open Betting Odds and Predictions
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 also at 10-1, and Ludvig Aberg with odds at 14-1. These betting odds highlight the intense competition and the high stakes awaiting the players at Pinehurst.
The Reliability of McClure’s Predictive Model
Since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020, McClure's predictive model has proven to be an invaluable resource for bettors. The model has accumulated nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings, consistently predicting tournament outcomes with remarkable accuracy. Notably, it successfully called Scheffler's three major wins this year and Hideki Matsuyama's triumph at the 2024 Genesis Invitational with a tremendous +9000 bet.
The model's accuracy in predicting major wins is solidified by its recent track record, which includes 12 nailed predictions, such as the last three Masters and the 2024 PGA Championship. The model’s reputation for precise forecasting makes it a go-to resource for anyone looking to place informed bets.
Shauffele’s Struggles and Thomas's Potential
Despite being among the favorites, the model predicts that Xander Schauffele will barely crack the top five at the U.S. Open. Schauffele has secured just three top-five finishes in majors since 2019 and showed some shakiness during The Memorial over the weekend. According to the model, there may be better value bets this year.
One golfer the model is particularly high on is Justin Thomas, who holds 35-1 odds 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 since 2017, except for Brooks Koepka. His recent eighth-place finish at the PGA Championship, coupled with impressive statistics—10th in strokes gained around the green and top-20 in both total driving efficiency and strokes gained approaching the green—position him as a strong contender for this year's U.S. Open.
Intriguing Longshots and Value Bets
Beyond the high-profile names, the model is also eyeing two golfers with odds of 20-1 or longer, suggesting they could stage a strong run at the title. Additionally, there are two triple-digit longshots in its best bets, offering substantial returns for those willing to take a calculated gamble.
"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."
As the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 approaches, golf fans and bettors alike will be keenly watching these predictions, the players' form, and the unfolding drama that makes the U.S. Open one of the crown jewels in the golf calendar.