U.S. Open 2024: Anticipated Showdown in Pinehurst No. 2
The U.S. Open 2024 tees off from the historic Pinehurst No. 2 course in North Carolina this Thursday, setting the stage for one of the most thrilling spectacles in golf. With a stellar lineup featuring renowned players such as Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele, this year’s tournament promises intense competition and unforgettable moments.
Favorites and Longshots: The Betting Landscape
Heading into the U.S. Open, Scottie Scheffler emerges as the 11-4 favorite, aiming to replicate the remarkable runs that Tiger Woods made in the 2000s. Scheffler, the world’s No. 1-ranked golfer, has demonstrated exceptional consistency, having won or finished second in seven of his last eight tournaments.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tiger Woods, now 48 years old, is considered a 125-1 longshot to clinch the title. Even more surprisingly, Phil Mickelson shares these longshot odds and has missed the cut in the last three U.S. Open events.
McClure’s Model: A Proven Predictor
Before placing any bets or setting your PGA DFS lineups on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel, it’s worth considering insights from the proprietary model built by DFS pro Mike McClure. This model has been extraordinarily accurate since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020, accumulating nearly $9,000 on its best bets since then.
McClure’s model accurately predicted Scheffler’s victories in the 2024 Masters, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship. It also recommended a winning bet on Hideki Matsuyama for the 2024 Genesis Invitational, which hit at +9000 odds. The same model also foresaw Jon Rahm’s triumphs at the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions and The American Express. Heading into the weekend of the 2023 Masters, the model was confident in Rahm’s second career major victory, even when he was two strokes off the lead after the third round.
In fact, this same model has nailed predictions for a remarkable 12 majors leading into the weekend, including the last three Masters and the 2024 PGA Championship.
Potential Surprises and Underdogs
However, McClure’s model isn’t just about picking the favorites. One major surprise it anticipates is that Xander Schauffele, a top favorite and recent major winner at the PGA Championship, will barely crack the top five. Despite Schauffele’s newfound prominence, his overall track record—only three top-five finishes in majors since 2019—doesn’t support his elevated status. Recent inconsistencies, like his shaky performance at The Memorial where he shot two rounds of 73 or higher, further cast doubt on his prospects.
Another intriguing prediction involves Justin Thomas, who is a 35-1 longshot yet poised to make a strong run at the title. Thomas has consistently proven his mettle on golf’s biggest stages, including three Ryder Cups, three Presidents Cups, and the 2020 Olympics, alongside his 32 major event appearances. In May, he finished T-8 at the PGA Championship, further solidifying his credentials.
With 15 PGA Tour event wins and nearly $58 million in career earnings, Thomas boasts an impressive resume. He’s made the cut in 81% of his career tournaments, including his last four consecutive events, and currently ranks 14th in the FedEx Cup standings. Combining career success with current performance levels, Thomas is a compelling pick at 35-1 odds in the U.S. Open 2024.
Conclusion
As the U.S. Open 2024 unfolds at Pinehurst No. 2, fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see whether Scheffler can continue his dominance or if an underdog like Thomas can capture the spotlight. With McClure’s model offering valuable insights, the stage is set for a gripping tournament where both established champions and burgeoning talents will vie for one of golf’s most prestigious titles. Don’t miss the electrifying action as the world’s finest golfers tee off this Thursday in North Carolina.