Anticipation Builds for the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2
In what promises to be an exciting showdown at Pinehurst No. 2, the 124th U.S. Open is set to tee off, drawing considerable attention from golf enthusiasts around the world.
This year’s tournament has heightened anticipation, especially with the spotlight on major victors Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. Both golfers have made significant strides in their careers, positioning themselves as favorites.
Collin Morikawa: Eyes on the Grand Slam
Collin Morikawa, a name synonymous with consistency and precision, has carded top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship. Entering the 2024 U.S. Open, Morikawa is on a hot streak, having secured top-five finishes in his last three tournaments. With a victory at Pinehurst, he can achieve 75% of his career Grand Slam, a feat only a few golfers have accomplished.
Morikawa is among seven golfers with odds under 15-1 in the current 2024 U.S. Open betting landscape. Alongside him are formidable contenders such as 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 awaiting the players.
McClure's Predictive Model: The Gold Standard for Bettors
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, making it a reliable resource for bettors. The model has accurately foreseen numerous tournament outcomes, notably predicting 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 knack for predicting major wins is evident, having 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.
Top 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. The model, therefore, suggests there are better value bets for this year's U.S. Open. Prominent among these is Justin Thomas.
Justin Thomas: A Dark Horse with Strong Potential
At 35-1 odds, Justin Thomas 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 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.
Longshots with Potential
The model is also eyeing two golfers with odds of 20-1 or longer, suggesting they could make a strong run at the title. Alongside these, there are two triple-digit longshots in its best bets, which could yield substantial returns for those willing to take the gamble.
Quotes Reflecting Confidence in Model
Confidence in McClure's model remains high, as evidenced by its consistency. "In fact, the model is up almost $9,000 on its best bets since the restart, nailing tournament after tournament," a testament to its precision and reliability. Additionally, reflecting on Rahm's performance, it's noted, "Rahm was two strokes off the lead heading into the third round, but the model still projected him as the winner." Such accurate projections underline the model's strategic advantage.
With the stage set and predictions in place, the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 is poised to deliver drama, skill, and the magic that epitomizes the sport of golf. As the tournament approaches, fans and bettors alike will be watching closely, hoping to witness history in the making.