Building Anticipation for the 124th U.S. Open
Golf enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, where excitement is already building for what promises to be a thrilling showdown. The tournament features an impressive line-up, including this year's two major winners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, who have made significant strides in their careers.
Key Contenders
Leading the field is Collin Morikawa, a name synonymous with consistency and precision. Morikawa has showcased exceptional form, carding top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship. Entering the 2024 U.S. Open, he continues his hot streak with top-five finishes in his last three tournaments. A victory at Pinehurst would mark a milestone, completing 75% of his career Grand Slam, a feat achieved by only a select few in golf history.
Morikawa is among seven golfers with odds under 15-1 in the current 2024 U.S. Open betting, highlighting the intense competition. 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 high stakes and fierce competition awaiting the players.
Predictive Model Success
Adding another layer of excitement is McClure's predictive model, which has been on a tear since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020. The model has been a reliable resource for bettors, accruing nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings since the restart. It 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.
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 twelve major predictions nailed, including the last three Masters and the 2024 PGA Championship, the model has fortified its reputation for accuracy.
Value Bets and Surprises
One of the model's top predictions for this year's U.S. Open is that Xander Schauffele, despite being among the favorites, will barely crack the top five. Schauffele has recorded just three top-five finishes in majors since 2019 and showed signs of shakiness at The Memorial over the weekend. The model suggests there are better value bets for the 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, combined with his impressive statistics—10th in strokes gained around the green and top-20 in both total driving efficiency and strokes gained approach the green—positions him well for another climb up the leaderboard at the U.S. Open.
Additionally, the model is 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 among its best bets, which could yield substantial returns for those willing to gamble.
Conclusion
As the 124th U.S. Open approaches, all eyes will be on Pinehurst No. 2, where the best golfers in the world will compete for one of the sport's most prestigious titles. With a talented roster of players, including Morikawa, Scheffler, and Schauffele, and the added intrigue of McClure's predictive model, this year's tournament promises to be a captivating event. Fans and bettors alike will be watching closely, hoping to witness history in the making.