An Epic Showdown Looms at Pinehurst No. 2
The 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 is generating massive excitement among golf enthusiasts worldwide. This year's tournament promises fierce competition, with Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele—both major winners this year—leading a star-studded field.
Top Contenders
Among the front-runners, Collin Morikawa stands out as a name synonymous with consistency and precision. Morikawa has delivered top-five finishes at both the Masters and the PGA Championship and enters the U.S. Open on a hot streak, having secured top-five finishes in his last three tournaments. A victory at Pinehurst would bring him within one win of completing his career Grand Slam, a feat achieved by only a select few in the sport's history.
In current betting odds, Morikawa is among the seven golfers with odds under 15-1 for the 2024 U.S. Open. 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 figures reflect the intense competition and high stakes awaiting the players at Pinehurst.
Predictive Model Insights
McClure's predictive model has gained significant credibility since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020, generating nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings since the restart. The model has accurately predicted numerous tournament outcomes, including Scheffler's victories at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship.
Notably, the model successfully tipped Hideki Matsuyama for the 2024 Genesis Invitational with a remarkable +9000 bet. Its knack for predicting major wins is well documented, 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, this model has fortified its reputation for accuracy.
Model Predictions and Value Bets
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 some shakiness at The Memorial over the weekend. As such, the model suggests there are better value bets for this year's U.S. Open.
Justin Thomas is one such value bet, entering the tournament with 35-1 odds. 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 strong performance at the U.S. Open.
The model is also keeping an eye on two golfers with odds of 20-1 or longer, hinting that they could make a significant run at the title. Moreover, there are two triple-digit longshots in the model's best bets, which could yield substantial returns for those willing to take the gamble.
Expert 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."
In summary, the stage is set for an exhilarating 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. With golf's elite primed for battle and the predictive model offering insightful bets, fans and bettors alike can look forward to a weekend filled with suspense, skill, and potentially lucrative outcomes.