Pinehurst No. 2 Gears Up for U.S. Open 2024
Anticipation is building as Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina prepares to host the U.S. Open 2024, starting this Thursday. Golf enthusiasts are in for a treat as the tournament features a slew of talented players including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele.
Key Players and Betting Odds
Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1-ranked golfer, enters the tournament as the 11-4 favorite. Known for his exceptional consistency, Scheffler has either won or finished second in seven of his last eight tournaments. Fans and bettors alike will be keen to see if Scheffler can continue his remarkable run of form.
Veteran golfers Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are both longshots at 125-1, but their enduring popularity ensures they will have strong support from the galleries. Both Woods and Mickelson are always capable of delivering memorable performances, even if the odds are stacked against them.
Justin Thomas is another intriguing option, with 35-1 odds to his name. Thomas finished tied for eighth at the PGA Championship in May, and he boasts an impressive résumé with 15 PGA Tour event wins and nearly $58 million in career earnings. Currently ranked 14th in the FedEx Cup standings, Thomas has made the cut in 81% of his career tournaments, making him a formidable contender.
Insights from DFS Pro Mike McClure's Model
For those looking to place bets or set PGA DFS lineups on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel, insights from DFS pro Mike McClure's model could prove invaluable. McClure's model has been highly accurate since its inception in June 2020, earning nearly $9,000 on its best bets. The model accurately predicted Scheffler's wins in the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship. Additionally, it recommended a winning bet on Hideki Matsuyama for the 2024 Genesis Invitational at +9000 odds.
McClure's model also foresaw Jon Rahm's victories at the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions and The American Express, as well as his second major win at the 2023 Masters. Its accuracy is particularly notable when it comes to majors, having been spot-on for the last 12, including the last three Masters and the 2024 PGA Championship.
Predictions for Top Contenders
The model has some interesting predictions for this year’s U.S. Open. It forecasts that Xander Schauffele will barely crack the top five. Schauffele has only three top-five finishes in majors since 2019 and had an inconsistent performance at The Memorial, shooting two rounds of 73 or higher. This inconsistency could be a factor again at Pinehurst No. 2.
Meanwhile, Justin Thomas is pegged to make a strong run at the title. Given his career success and current performance levels, Thomas represents a compelling pick at 35-1 odds. His track record and resilience make him a player to watch closely as the tournament progresses.
The Thrill of the U.S. Open
As the U.S. Open 2024 unfolds, fans and bettors will be watching closely to see if the favorites live up to their billing or if a longshot can emerge victorious. Pinehurst No. 2's challenging layout will undoubtedly test the skills and mental fortitude of every player in the field.
With a lineup that includes established stars and rising talents, this year's U.S. Open promises to deliver captivating and unforgettable moments. Whether you're a seasoned golf enthusiast or a casual observer, the drama and excitement of one of golf's most prestigious tournaments are sure to captivate.
So, as the players prepare to tee off this Thursday, all eyes will be on Pinehurst No. 2, ready to witness who will etch their name into golf history as the U.S. Open 2024 champion.