Preview of the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2
The 124th U.S. Open is set to kick off at Pinehurst No. 2, promising an exciting showdown that golf enthusiasts around the world are eagerly anticipating. This historic venue will once again host some of the world's best golfers as they vie for one of the sport's most prestigious titles.
Top Contenders
Leading the charge into this year’s U.S. Open are major winners Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. Both have cemented their status as elite players with significant performances in recent major tournaments. Collin Morikawa, known for his consistency and precision, has also had an impressive year, securing top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship.
Morikawa enters the U.S. Open on a hot streak, having finished in the top five in his last three tournaments. A victory at Pinehurst would bring him closer to completing 75% of his career Grand Slam—a remarkable feat achieved by only a select few golfers. Morikawa is among seven golfers with odds under 15-1, reflecting the high expectations placed on him and the intense competition he faces.
Current Betting Odds
Alongside Morikawa in the betting pools are formidable competitors. Scheffler stands at 11-4, Schauffele at 10-1, Bryson DeChambeau at 10-1, and Ludvig Aberg at 14-1. These odds underscore the high stakes and fierce competition awaiting the players at Pinehurst.
McClure's Predictive Model
McClure's predictive model has been on a tear since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020. It has accrued nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings since the restart, establishing itself as a reliable resource for bettors. The model has a history of accurately predicting tournament outcomes, including Scheffler's victories at the 2024 Masters, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship.
Notably, the model also tipped Hideki Matsuyama for the 2024 Genesis Invitational with an astonishing +9000 bet. Its knack for predicting major wins is well-documented, having 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.
Model's Predictions for the U.S. Open
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 only managed three top-five finishes in majors since 2019 and showed signs of shakiness at The Memorial over the weekend. The model suggests there may be better value bets for this year's U.S. Open.
Justin Thomas as a Strong Contender
Another notable mention from the model is Justin Thomas. With 35-1 odds, Thomas is considered a strong contender to make a significant run at the title. He 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 Longshots
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 to these, there are two triple-digit longshots in its best bets, which could yield substantial returns for those willing to take the gamble.
Quotes
"In fact, the model is up almost $9,000 on its best bets since the restart, nailing tournament after tournament," stated a McClure's model spokesperson. "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."
As the 124th U.S. Open approaches, the stage is set for an enthralling contest at Pinehurst No. 2. With elite golfers, high stakes, and a predictive model that has proven its worth, fans and bettors alike can look forward to a tournament brimming with excitement and potential surprises.