Anticipation Builds for the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2
As the 124th U.S. Open prepares to tee off at the storied Pinehurst No. 2, excitement is palpable among golf enthusiasts around the world. The event promises to bring together some of the finest talent the sport has to offer, with many eyes on this year’s standout performers.
Major Winners Leading the Pack
This year’s competition is headlined by two major winners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, who have made considerable strides in their careers. Alongside them, another standout player, Collin Morikawa, enters the U.S. Open with a series of impressive performances under his belt. Having secured top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship, Morikawa is riding a hot streak, with top-five finishes in his last three tournaments.
A victory at Pinehurst would put Morikawa a mere step away from completing 75% of his career Grand Slam, a prestigious achievement that few golfers have managed to accomplish. Bettors have taken notice, placing Morikawa among seven golfers with odds under 15-1 for the 2024 U.S. Open.
Fierce Competition Reflected in Betting Odds
Alongside Morikawa, formidable contenders include Scottie Scheffler at 11-4, Xander Schauffele at 10-1, Bryson DeChambeau at 10-1, and Ludvig Aberg at 14-1. These odds underscore the intense competition and high stakes that await the players at Pinehurst.
One of the key factors influencing these odds is McClure's predictive model, which has proven to be a reliable resource for bettors. Since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020, the model has amassed nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings. Known for its accuracy, the model has successfully predicted numerous tournament outcomes, including Scheffler’s victories at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship. It also accurately foresaw Hideki Matsuyama’s triumph at the 2024 Genesis Invitational with a remarkable +9000 bet.
Model’s Top Predictions and Value Bets
Among the model’s top predictions for the U.S. Open is that despite being a favorite, Xander Schauffele might struggle to crack the top five. Schauffele has managed only three top-five finishes in majors since 2019 and displayed some shakiness at The Memorial over the weekend, suggesting that there could be better value bets available.
One notable mention from the model is Justin Thomas, who, at 35-1 odds, is considered a strong contender for 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.
Dark Horses and Long Shots
The model does not stop at highlighting the favorites. It is also eyeing two golfers with odds of 20-1 or longer, suggesting that they could make a strong bid for the title. Furthermore, there are two triple-digit longshots in its best bets, which could yield substantial returns for those willing to take a gamble.
This year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 is shaping up to be one for the ages. As the players prepare to take on the course, golf fans and bettors alike will be anxiously watching to see who will emerge victorious, and which predictions will come to fruition. With the stakes higher than ever, the 124th U.S. Open promises to deliver unforgettable moments and potentially historic achievements.