Excitement Builds for the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2
The 124th U.S. Open promises to be an electrifying showdown at the iconic Pinehurst No. 2, capturing the keen interest of golf devotees around the globe. This year’s tournament features some of golf’s elite who are expected to light up the fairways with their skill and tenacity.
Major Contenders Set to Shine
In the lead-up to the event, all eyes are on this year’s major winners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. Both golfers have shown remarkable prowess and consistency, solidifying their positions as top contenders. Scheffler’s stellar performances, most notably his victories at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship, underscore his dominant form heading into the U.S. Open. Meanwhile, Schauffele, with odds at 10-1, is seen as a formidable force to reckon with, despite a slight wobble at The Memorial over the weekend.
Collin Morikawa, renowned for his consistency and precision, also enters the U.S. Open with a strong track record. Fresh off top-five finishes in the Masters and the PGA Championship, Morikawa has maintained an impressive streak with top-five finishes in his last three tournaments. A victory at Pinehurst could see him complete 75% of his career Grand Slam—an achievement that only a select few in golf history have managed.
Betting Odds Reflect Intense Competition
This year’s U.S. Open betting odds reveal the high level of competition and stakes. Morikawa is one of seven golfers with odds under 15-1, accompanied by Scheffler at 11-4, Schauffele at 10-1, Bryson DeChambeau at 10-1, and Ludvig Aberg at 14-1. These figures signify the intense battle that awaits at Pinehurst, as the world’s best vie for glory.
McClure's Model: A Reliable Predictor
Adding another layer of intrigue to the U.S. Open is McClure’s predictive model, which has achieved remarkable success since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020. By accurately forecasting tournament outcomes, this model has accrued nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings. Among its impressive predictions were Scheffler’s victories earlier this year and Jon Rahm’s triumphs at the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions, The American Express, and the 2023 Masters.
One of the key predictions this year from McClure’s model is that Xander Schauffele, despite being among the favorites, will barely crack the top five. The model points to his sporadic top-five finishes in majors since 2019, coupled with his recent shaky performance at The Memorial, as indicators that there might be better value bets for this year’s U.S. Open.
Potential Dark Horses
Justin Thomas at 35-1 odds emerges as a standout contender in McClure’s predictions. Having made his major debut at Pinehurst in 2014, Thomas has since accumulated more major victories than anyone except Brooks Koepka since 2017. 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 approach the green—position him favorably for another climb up the leaderboard.
The model also highlights two golfers with odds of 20-1 or longer as potential strong contenders, suggesting they could make significant runs at the title. Additionally, there are two triple-digit longshots in its best bets, offering substantial returns for those willing to take the gamble.
Quotes from the Model's Predictions
As the U.S. Open approaches, the model stands firmly by its projections: "The model is up almost $9,000 on its best bets since the restart, nailing tournament after tournament." Reflecting on one of its noted predictions, it stated, "Rahm was two strokes off the lead heading into the third round, but the model still projected him as the winner." Commenting on Thomas’s potential, it observed, "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 we edge closer to the first tee-off at Pinehurst, anticipation is building. With top-tier talents and the finest predictive models setting the scene, the 124th U.S. Open is shaping up to be one for the ages, promising drama, excitement, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.