U.S. Open 2024: Pinehurst No. 2 Gears Up for an Exciting Tournament
As the anticipation builds, Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina is set to host the U.S. Open 2024, kicking off this Thursday. This prestigious golf tournament will see top players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele striving for glory on one of the most iconic courses in the world.
Favorites and Longshots
Leading the field, Scottie Scheffler comes in as the 11-4 favorite. Scheffler has shown remarkable form, having won or finished second in seven of his last eight tournaments. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson enter the tournament as 125-1 longshots, a significant departure from their careers’ iconic peaks but promising exciting storylines for the fans.
DFS Model Accuracy
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) pro Mike McClure's predictive model has been a reliable guide since June 2020. The model has generated nearly $9,000 on its best bets over this period. Notably, it accurately predicted Scheffler’s victory in the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship. Moreover, it recommended a winning bet on Hideki Matsuyama for the 2024 Genesis Invitational at +9000 odds.
Recent Successes Predicted by the Model
McClure’s model has a proven track record, successfully predicting Jon Rahm's victories at the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions and The American Express, as well as his second major win at the 2023 Masters. The model has been accurate for 12 majors leading into the weekend, including the last three Masters and the 2024 PGA Championship.
Potential Top Contenders
McClure’s model suggests that Xander Schauffele will barely crack the top five. Schauffele has had only three top-five finishes in majors since 2019, showing a need for more consistency. His performance at The Memorial was inconsistent, with two rounds at 73 or higher.
However, the model also predicts a strong showing from Justin Thomas, who is listed at 35-1 odds to make a run at the title. Despite finishing T-8 at the PGA Championship in May, Thomas has an impressive 15 PGA Tour event wins and nearly $58 million in career earnings. He has made the cut in 81% of his career tournaments and currently ranks 14th in the FedEx Cup standings.
Quotes and Insights
According to McClure:
"Scheffler, the world’s No. 1-ranked golfer, has demonstrated exceptional consistency, having won or finished second in seven of his last eight tournaments."
Adding further on Justin Thomas, McClure remarked:
"Another intriguing prediction involves Justin Thomas, who is a 35-1 longshot yet poised to make a strong run at the title."
"Combining career success with current performance levels, Thomas is a compelling pick at 35-1 odds in the U.S. Open 2024."
Fans and Bettors Watching Closely
As the U.S. Open 2024 unfolds, both fans and bettors will have their eyes glued to the action. Scottie Scheffler aims to continue his dominance, and with predictions and odds in play from McClure’s trusted model, expect an electrifying tournament packed with skillful play and dramatic shifts.
With Pinehurst No. 2 providing a challenging and picturesque backdrop, this year's U.S. Open promises to deliver unforgettable moments and showcase the high level of competition inherent in major golf tournaments. From heavy favorites to intriguing longshots, the tournament will undeniably be a highlight of the 2024 golf season.