Anticipation 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. This year's tournament is expected to deliver high-stakes action and showcase some of the finest talents in the sport.
Top Contenders
Leading the charge are this year's two major winners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, who have already made significant strides in their careers. Both golfers will be looking to add another prestigious title to their resumes.
Another name that stands out is Collin Morikawa, synonymous with consistency and precision. He has carded top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship. Entering the 2024 U.S. Open, Morikawa comes with a hot streak, 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 accomplished by only a few golfers in history.
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.
Predictive Model's Track Record
One factor influencing bettors' decisions is McClure's predictive model, which has been on a tear since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020. The model 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.
Key Predictions and Players to Watch
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.
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.
The model is also eyeing two golfers with odds of 20-1 or longer, suggesting they could make a strong run at the title. Additionally, there are two triple-digit longshots in its best bets, which could yield substantial returns for those willing to take the gamble.
Exciting Prospects
The 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 promises to be an enthralling spectacle. With top contenders like Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Collin Morikawa in the mix, and the added insights from McClure's predictive model, this year's tournament is set to be a memorable event. As the first tee shot is about to be struck, golf fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the drama and excitement that only the U.S. Open can deliver.
Quotes
"In fact, the model is up almost $9,000 on its best bets since the restart, nailing tournament after tournament," one observer noted, highlighting the model's credibility.
"Rahm was two strokes off the lead heading into the third round, but the model still projected him as the winner," another source commented, demonstrating the model's accuracy.
"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," a golfing expert suggested, underlining the potential of Justin Thomas at this year's event.
As the competition unfolds, all eyes will be on Pinehurst No. 2, waiting to see who will rise to the occasion and etch their name in golfing history.