The Excitement Building for U.S. Open 2024 at Pinehurst No. 2
The prestigious Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina is set to host the U.S. Open 2024 starting this Thursday. As one of the most anticipated golf tournaments of the year, it attracts a stellar lineup including the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele.
The Favorites and Longshots
Headlining the list of favorites is Scottie Scheffler, who is currently pegged as the 11-4 favorite. This year has been monumental for Scheffler, having secured victories in the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship. His recent performances solidify his standing as the world’s No. 1-ranked golfer, demonstrating exceptional consistency by winning or finishing second in seven of his last eight tournaments.
Meanwhile, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are both considered 125-1 longshots. Despite their legendary status in the world of golf, the odds reflect their current form and recent performances. Woods and Mickelson have shown flashes of brilliance, yet have struggled to consistently stay at the top of leaderboards in recent years.
Analyzing the Predictions
DFS pro Mike McClure's proprietary model has been accurate since June 2020, earning nearly $9,000 on its best bets. The model has correctly predicted several major victories, including Scheffler’s latest triumphs and Jon Rahm's wins at the 2024 Genesis Invitational at +9000 odds, and his victories at the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions, The American Express, and the 2023 Masters. With such a track record, McClure's insights are highly valued by bettors and fans alike.
For the upcoming U.S. Open, the model has predicted that Xander Schauffele will barely crack the top five. Schauffele's performance has been inconsistent, with only three top-five finishes in majors since 2019. His recent showing at The Memorial, where he shot two rounds of 73 or higher, underscores the challenge he faces in maintaining top form.
Justin Thomas: A Strong Contender
Another intriguing prediction involves Justin Thomas, who is considered a 35-1 longshot but is poised to make a strong run at the title. Thomas had a commendable performance at the PGA Championship in May, finishing T-8. With 15 PGA Tour event wins and nearly $58 million in career earnings, Thomas is no stranger to success. He has made the cut in 81% of his career tournaments and currently ranks 14th in the FedEx Cup standings. The combination of his career success and current performance levels makes Thomas a compelling pick in the U.S. Open 2024.
Spectators and Betting Insights
As the tournament unfolds, fans and bettors will be keenly watching the performances of these top golfers. The insights provided by McClure’s model are invaluable for those placing bets or setting their PGA DFS lineups on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel. Notably, Scheffler's consistent form makes him a favorite pick, while Thomas represents a more speculative but potentially rewarding choice.
The U.S. Open 2024 promises to be an exciting event, with top contenders vying for the prestigious title at one of the most storied courses in golf history. Pinehurst No. 2's challenging layout will test the skills and mental fortitude of all participants, making it a must-watch for golf enthusiasts worldwide.