Anticipation Builds for U.S. Open 2024 at Pinehurst No. 2
As the U.S. Open 2024 gears up to tee off this Thursday at the legendary Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina, excitement and anticipation are reaching a fever pitch. The tournament promises a showdown among some of golf's biggest names, including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele.
Favorites and Longshots
Heading into the event, Scottie Scheffler stands as the 11-4 favorite, a nod to his phenomenal form and consistency. The world's No. 1-ranked golfer has shown exceptional prowess, finishing either first or second in seven of his last eight tournaments. Meanwhile, golf icons Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are each considered 125-1 longshots, making their participation intriguing but less likely to result in a win.
Expert Predictions
One essential tool for fans and bettors alike is the predictive model developed by DFS pro Mike McClure. Since its inception in June 2020, McClure's model has been a reliable source, earning nearly $9,000 on its best bets. The model has an impressive track record, accurately forecasting Scottie Scheffler's victories at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship.
One of the model's most notable predictions was recommending a winning bet on Hideki Matsuyama for the 2024 Genesis Invitational at a staggering +9000 odds. Additionally, it correctly called Jon Rahm's triumphs at the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions and The American Express, along with his second major win at the 2023 Masters.
This predictive prowess extends to 12 major tournaments leading into the weekend, including the last three Masters and the 2024 PGA Championship, showcasing its exceptional accuracy.
Players to Watch
The model offers insightful predictions for the U.S. Open 2024 as well. It projects that Xander Schauffele will barely crack the top five. Schauffele's recent performances have been inconsistent, evidenced by two rounds of 73 or higher at The Memorial. Since 2019, he has only secured three top-five finishes in major tournaments.
On the other hand, the model sees Justin Thomas, with 35-1 odds, making a strong run at the title. Thomas has been a formidable presence, finishing T-8 at the PGA Championship in May. His career statistics are impressive with 15 PGA Tour event wins and nearly $58 million in career earnings. Thomas has also demonstrated remarkable consistency, making the cut in 81% of his career tournaments and currently ranking 14th in the FedEx Cup standings.
The Journey Ahead
As the competitors prepare to face the challenging Pinehurst No. 2 course, fans and bettors alike will be watching closely. Scottie Scheffler aims to continue his dominance, but the unpredictable nature of golf means that every swing could change the course of the tournament.
"Scheffler, the world’s No. 1-ranked golfer, has demonstrated exceptional consistency, having won or finished second in seven of his last eight tournaments," says McClure. His model further underscores the potential of Justin Thomas, despite his 35-1 odds, emphasizing his career success and current performance levels as compelling reasons to consider him a strong contender for the U.S. Open 2024.
Before placing any bets or setting your PGA DFS lineups on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel, it’s worth considering insights from McClure's proprietary model. With predictions that have stood the test of time and competition, his model could provide the edge needed in this highly-anticipated tournament.
As the U.S. Open unfolds, the world will watch with bated breath, awaiting who will emerge victorious from Pinehurst No. 2. Will Scottie Scheffler maintain his stellar form, or will a dark horse like Justin Thomas seize the day? Only time will tell as the drama of the U.S. Open 2024 begins to unfold.