124th U.S. Open Tees Off at Pinehurst No. 2
In what promises to be an exhilarating showdown at Pinehurst No. 2, the 124th U.S. Open is set to spark considerable attention from golf enthusiasts around the globe. The field is studded with heavyweights, setting the stage for an intense competition.
Top Contenders: Scheffler and Schauffele
Leading the charge are this year's two major winners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. Both golfers have already made significant strides in their careers, attracting considerable anticipation for their performances at Pinehurst.
Morikawa's Pursuit of Career Grand Slam
Collin Morikawa, renowned for his consistency and precision, has secured top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship. Entering the 2024 U.S. Open, Morikawa is on a hot streak, having achieved top-five finishes in his last three tournaments. With a victory at Pinehurst, he could complete 75% of his career Grand Slam, a feat only a select few golfers have accomplished. Morikawa stands among seven golfers with odds under 15-1 in the current 2024 U.S. Open betting, including formidable contenders such as Scheffler at 11-4, Schauffele at 10-1, Bryson DeChambeau at 10-1, and Ludvig Aberg at 14-1.
High Stakes and Intense Competition
These odds reflect the intense competition and the high stakes awaiting the players. With such a tight field, every stroke will count, making for an exciting weekend at Pinehurst.
McClure's Predictive Model: A Reliable Resource
McClure's predictive model has been on a tear since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020, accruing nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings. This model has become a reliable resource for bettors due to its consistent accuracy in forecasting tournament outcomes. Notably, it predicted 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.
Accurate Predictions and Major Wins
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's Challenge
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 displayed some shakiness at The Memorial over the 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 for 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.
Underdogs and Longshots
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 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 is shaping up to be a remarkable spectacle with a mix of seasoned champions and emerging talents. With the stakes higher than ever and the competition fierce, golf fans around the world are in for an unforgettable tournament.
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."