Anticipation Builds for the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2
The stage is set for an exhilarating showdown at Pinehurst No. 2, as the 124th U.S. Open prepares to commence. Golf enthusiasts around the world are eagerly awaiting this major event, which promises intense competition and riveting performances.
Top Contenders Making Headlines
All eyes are on the two major winners of the year, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, who have already solidified their reputations as top-tier golfers. Scheffler, with odds of 11-4, and Schauffele, at 10-1, are among the favorites heading into the tournament.
Equally noteworthy is Collin Morikawa, a golfer renowned for his consistency and precision. Morikawa has secured top-five finishes in both the Masters and the PGA Championship this season. Entering the 2024 U.S. Open on a hot streak, he aims to complete 75% of his career Grand Slam with a victory at Pinehurst—a rare feat accomplished by only a handful of golfers. Morikawa's odds of under 15-1 place him firmly in the competition's spotlight.
Other Formidable Contenders
Apart from Scheffler and Schauffele, other notable contenders include Bryson DeChambeau and Ludvig Aberg, both with odds of 10-1 and 14-1, respectively. DeChambeau has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the golf course, while Aberg, though newer to the professional scene, has shown remarkable potential.
McClure's Predictive Model: A Reliable Resource for Bettors
Since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020, McClure's predictive model has been on an impressive run. The model has accrued nearly $9,000 in earnings from best bets, underscoring its reliability and accuracy. Its successful predictions include Scheffler's victories at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship. Furthermore, the model notably tipped Hideki Matsuyama to win the 2024 Genesis Invitational with a remarkable +9000 bet.
Demonstrating a knack for predicting major wins, the model accurately 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 precision.
Xander Schauffele: A Cautious Bet
Despite being among the favorites, McClure's model predicts that Xander Schauffele 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. As such, the model suggests that there are better value bets for this year's U.S. Open.
Justin Thomas: A Strong Contender
One of McClure's top predictions is Justin Thomas, who, at 35-1 odds, is considered a strong contender for 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, combined with 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 to Watch
The model is also eyeing two golfers with odds of 20-1 or longer, suggesting they could make a significant run at the title. In addition, there are two triple-digit longshots in the model's best bets, which could yield substantial returns for those willing to take the gamble. Although these predictions might seem risky, the model's track record offers a compelling reason to consider them.
Quotes
"In fact, the model is up almost $9,000 on its best bets since the restart, nailing tournament after tournament," echoed a statement reflecting the model's success.
"Rahm was two strokes off the lead heading into the third round, but the model still projected him as the winner," another testament to the model's accuracy and foresight.
"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," further illustrating the potential of Justin Thomas in the upcoming tournament.
As the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 approaches, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. With a field of extraordinary talent and the backing of predictive models, this year's tournament is poised to deliver unforgettable moments and thrilling competition.