Excitement Builds for the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2
Golf enthusiasts globally are gearing up for an exhilarating showdown at Pinehurst No. 2, as the 124th U.S. Open promises to showcase the zenith of golfing talent.
Major Winners Lead the Charge
Heading into this prestigious event, the focus is on this year's major winners, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. Both have shown remarkable career progress, establishing themselves as leading figures in the golfing world.
Collin Morikawa, known for his consistency and precision, is another contender to watch closely. Morikawa has achieved top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship this year. Entering the U.S. Open, he is on a hot streak with top-five finishes in his last three tournaments. A win at Pinehurst would put him closer to completing 75% of his career Grand Slam, an accomplishment that only a select few golfers have managed.
Morikawa is among seven golfers with current odds under 15-1 for the 2024 U.S. Open. 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 facing the players.
McClure's Predictive Model: A Reliable Resource
Since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020, McClure's predictive model has proven to be a highly reliable resource for bettors, accumulating nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings since the restart. The model has accurately projected numerous tournament outcomes, including Scheffler's victories at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship. It also successfully tipped Hideki Matsuyama for the 2024 Genesis Invitational with an impressive +9000 bet.
This model's knack for predicting major winners is clear, having correctly forecasted 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.
Predictions and Value Bets
According to McClure’s predictive model, one of the top predictions for the U.S. Open is that Xander Schauffele, despite being among the favorites, will barely crack the top five. Schauffele has managed just three top-five finishes in majors since 2019 and showed signs of shakiness at The Memorial over the weekend. The model suggests that there are better value bets available for this year's U.S. Open.
A notable mention from the model is Justin Thomas, who, at 35-1 odds, 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. With a 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—Thomas is well-positioned for another ascendancy up the U.S. Open leaderboard.
The model is also spotlighting two golfers with odds of 20-1 or longer, suggesting they could make a substantial run for the title. Additionally, two triple-digit longshots feature in its best bets, potentially yielding significant returns for those willing to take the gamble.
Key Quotes
A few key quotes highlight the insights provided by McClure’s model:
"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."
As the 124th U.S. Open approaches, golf fans and bettors alike are eagerly anticipating the outcomes, bolstered by McClure's model and its track record of accurate predictions. The competition at Pinehurst No. 2 is expected to be fierce, with numerous talented golfers vying for the coveted title.