Excitement Builds for the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2
Golf enthusiasts around the world are eagerly anticipating the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. This iconic tournament promises an exciting showdown with some of the biggest names in golf set to compete.
Top Contenders: Scheffler, Schauffele, and Morikawa
Leading the charge are this year's major winners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. Both golfers have made significant strides in their careers, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Collin Morikawa, known for his consistency and precision, is also expected to make a substantial impact. Having secured top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship, Morikawa enters the 2024 U.S. Open on a hot streak. He has achieved top-five finishes in his last three tournaments. A victory at Pinehurst could complete 75% of his career Grand Slam—a remarkable feat attained by only a select few golfers.
Betting Odds: High Stakes and Fierce Competition
Morikawa is among seven golfers with odds under 15-1 in the current 2024 U.S. Open betting. He is joined by formidable contenders, including 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.
McClure's Predictive Model: A Reliable Resource for Bettors
McClure's predictive model has become a reliable resource for bettors since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020. The model has accrued nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings, making it a trusted tool for those looking to make informed wagers.
The model has accurately predicted numerous tournament outcomes. Notably, it foresaw 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.
The model's knack for predicting major wins is evident. It 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.
Predicted Performances 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, exhibiting shakiness at The Memorial over the weekend. The model suggests there are better value bets for this year's U.S. Open.
A notable mention from the model is Justin Thomas. At 35-1 odds, Thomas 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. Alongside these, there are two triple-digit longshots in its best bets, which could yield substantial returns for those willing to take the gamble.
Concluding Thoughts
As the 124th U.S. Open approaches, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. With a lineup of talented golfers and a predictive model that has proven its reliability, this year's U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 promises to deliver thrilling moments and unforgettable performances. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, the tournament offers plenty of opportunities to witness history in the making.
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."