Anticipation Builds for the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2
The 124th U.S. Open is poised to unfold at Pinehurst No. 2, capturing the imagination of golf enthusiasts globally. This event promises an electrifying showdown, featuring some of the sport's most notable talents. Key figures headlining this year's tournament include major winners Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, both of whom have made remarkable progress in their careers.
Major Contenders and Betting Odds
Collin Morikawa, a name synonymous with consistency and precision, has demonstrated his prowess with top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship. Morikawa enters the U.S. Open riding a wave of success, having secured top-five finishes in his last three tournaments. A victory at Pinehurst would propel him closer to achieving 75% of his career Grand Slam, a feat that only a select few golfers have managed.
Morikawa is among seven golfers with odds under 15-1 in the current 2024 U.S. Open betting. Alongside him, formidable contenders include 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 high stakes that await the players.
McClure's Predictive Model: A Beacon of Accuracy
McClure's predictive model has been on an impressive streak since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020. Garnering nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings since the restart, the model has become a reliable resource for bettors. Its accuracy in foreseeing tournament outcomes is unparalleled. Notably, it predicted 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 proficiency in predicting major wins is evident, having correctly forecasted 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 accurate, including the last three Masters and the 2024 PGA Championship, the model has fortified its reputation for precision.
Predictions and Potential Surprises
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 showed signs of shakiness at The Memorial over the weekend. Therefore, the model suggests that there are better value bets for this year's 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—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. In addition, there are two triple-digit longshots in its best bets, which could yield substantial returns for those willing to take the gamble.
Quotes from the Experts
Reflecting on McClure's predictive model, an expert remarked, "In fact, the model is up almost $9,000 on its best bets since the restart, nailing tournament after tournament." Highlighting the model's accuracy, another noted, "Rahm was two strokes off the lead heading into the third round, but the model still projected him as the winner." As for Justin Thomas, the expert added, "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 the stage is set at Pinehurst No. 2, the golfing world watches in anticipation. Will Morikawa inch closer to his career Grand Slam? Can Schauffele overcome his recent inconsistencies? Will a dark horse emerge from the depths of the betting odds? Only time will tell as these elite golfers vie for the coveted U.S. Open title.