Pinehurst No. 2 Set for an Exciting 124th U.S. Open Showdown
The 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 is set to captivate golf enthusiasts worldwide, promising an exhilarating showdown. Leading the anticipation are this year’s two major winners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, who have already carved significant milestones in their careers.
Top Contenders and Rising Stars
Among the top contenders, Collin Morikawa stands out as a model of consistency and precision. Morikawa's recent performances include top-five finishes at both the Masters and the PGA Championship. As he heads into the 2024 U.S. Open, Morikawa brings a hot streak of three consecutive top-five finishes in his last tournaments. A victory at Pinehurst would mean completing 75% of his career Grand Slam, a rare and prestigious achievement in the golfing world.
Joining Morikawa in the race are formidable adversaries such as Scheffler at 11-4, Schauffele at 10-1, Bryson DeChambeau at 10-1, and Ludvig Aberg at 14-1. Currently, Morikawa is among seven golfers with betting odds under 15-1, a reflection of the intense competition and high stakes awaiting the players.
McClure's Predictive Model: A Reliable Resource
Since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020, McClure’s predictive model has become a revered tool for bettors, accruing nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings. Its accuracy in forecasting tournament outcomes is notable, having 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 ability to predict major wins is further exemplified by its accurate calls of 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.
Top Predictions and Value Bets
One of the model’s standout predictions for the U.S. Open is that Xander Schauffele, despite being a favorite, will barely crack the top five. Schauffele has managed only three top-five finishes in majors since 2019 and showed some shakiness at The Memorial over the weekend, suggesting there may be better value bets this year.
In contrast, Justin Thomas is highlighted by the model as a strong contender for the title at 35-1 odds. Thomas made his major debut at Pinehurst in 2014 and has since amassed 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 significant climb up the leaderboard at the U.S. Open.
Longshots to Watch
The model also identifies two golfers with odds of 20-1 or longer as candidates who could make a strong run for the title. Furthermore, it suggests two triple-digit longshots in its best bets, which could yield substantial returns for those willing to take the gamble.
Conclusion
As the 124th U.S. Open approaches, the excitement is palpable, with top-notch golfers ready to showcase their talents on the historic Pinehurst No. 2 course. Whether it will be a consistent performer like Morikawa or a surprising longshot, the competition is sure to be fierce, with glory awaiting the determined and the daring.
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."