Anticipation Builds for the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2
Golf enthusiasts around the world are gearing up for an exhilarating showdown at Pinehurst No. 2 as the 124th U.S. Open is set to tee off. Leading the field are this year’s major winners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, both of whom have proven their mettle in numerous tournaments.
Key Players to Watch
Collin Morikawa, a name synonymous with consistency and precision, is a player to watch out for. Morikawa has carded top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship, showing he is in impeccable form. Entering the 2024 U.S. Open, Morikawa is on a hot streak, having secured top-five finishes in his last three tournaments. A victory at Pinehurst would bring him closer to completing 75% of his career Grand Slam, a remarkable achievement that only a select few golfers have realized.
Betting odds showcase Morikawa as one of seven golfers with odds under 15-1 for the 2024 U.S. Open. Others in this elite group include Scottie Scheffler at 11-4, Xander Schauffele at 10-1, Bryson DeChambeau at 10-1, and Ludvig Aberg at 14-1. These numbers reflect the intense competition and high stakes awaiting the players.
McClure’s Predictive Model: A Reliable Resource
McClure’s predictive model has garnered attention since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020, accruing nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings. It has accurately predicted numerous tournament outcomes, making it a reliable resource for bettors. Notably, the model foresaw Scottie Scheffler's victories at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship. It also tipped Hideki Matsuyama for the 2024 Genesis Invitational with a remarkable +9000 bet.
The model's knack for predicting major wins is undeniable. 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.
Predictions 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 and exhibited shakiness at The Memorial over the weekend. Therefore, the model suggests there are better value bets for this year’s U.S. Open.
Another notable mention by 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 any golfer 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 mount a strong challenge for the title. Additionally, there are two triple-digit longshots in its best bets, which could yield substantial returns for those willing to take a gamble.
Insights from the Experts
Commenting on the reliability of the predictive model, experts pointed out, "In fact, the model is up almost $9,000 on its best bets since the restart, nailing tournament after tournament." Another compelling insight was, "Rahm was two strokes off the lead heading into the third round, but the model still projected him as the winner." Additionally, about Justin Thomas, experts emphasized, "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 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 nears, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. With a field packed with talent and high stakes, fans and bettors alike are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament. Whether relying on McClure's predictive model or following one's instincts, the 2024 U.S. Open is sure to deliver unparalleled excitement and competition.