Big Names and Betting Odds: Pinehurst No. 2 Prepares for the U.S. Open 2024
As golf enthusiasts turn their eyes to North Carolina, the prestigious Pinehurst No. 2 course is poised to host the U.S. Open 2024 starting this Thursday. The tournament is set to feature an impressive roster of golfers, including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele. With high stakes and a historic venue, fans and bettors alike are gearing up for what promises to be an enthralling competition.
Favorites and Longshots
Leading the pack is Scottie Scheffler, who enters the tournament as the 11-4 favorite. Scheffler, the world’s No. 1-ranked golfer, has demonstrated exceptional consistency, having won or finished second in seven of his last eight tournaments. In stark contrast, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are both considered 125-1 longshots, reflecting their recent struggles and inconsistent form.
DFS Pro Mike McClure's Model
A noteworthy aspect of this year's tournament is the predictive prowess of DFS pro Mike McClure's model. Since June 2020, McClure's model has been remarkably accurate, earning nearly $9,000 on its best bets. This model has successfully called winners for various major tournaments, including Scheffler’s victories at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship.
The reliability of McClure's model extends beyond just identifying favorites. The model recommended a winning bet on Hideki Matsuyama for the 2024 Genesis Invitational at +9000 odds and accurately predicted Jon Rahm's victories at the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions, The American Express, and his second major win at the 2023 Masters. McClure’s model has also been on point for 12 majors leading up to the weekend, including the last three Masters and the 2024 PGA Championship.
Predictions and Insights
One of the more surprising insights from McClure's model is the prediction for Xander Schauffele. Despite being a notable player, Schauffele is expected to barely crack the top five. This forecast is informed by his erratic performance at The Memorial, where he shot two rounds of 73 or higher, and his record of only three top-five finishes in majors since 2019.
Conversely, Justin Thomas emerges as an intriguing underdog to watch at 35-1 odds. Thomas, who finished T-8 at the PGA Championship in May, has 15 PGA Tour event wins and nearly $58 million in career earnings. He's made the cut in 81% of his career tournaments and currently ranks 14th in the FedEx Cup standings. Combining his career success with his current performance levels, Thomas is a compelling pick to make a strong run at the U.S. Open title.
Anticipation and Expectation
As fans eagerly await the unfolding of the U.S. Open 2024, all eyes will be on Pinehurst No. 2. Will Scheffler maintain his dominant streak? Can Justin Thomas defy the odds and emerge victorious? And how will seasoned veterans like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson fare on the challenging course?
One thing is certain: with a blend of proven champions, rising stars, and seasoned pros, this year’s U.S. Open promises to deliver all the drama and excitement that fans have come to expect from one of golf’s premier events. As always, the insights from McClure’s proprietary model will be invaluable for bettors setting their PGA DFS lineups on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel.
As the first tee time approaches, the anticipation is palpable. The U.S. Open 2024 at Pinehurst No. 2 is not just a test of skill and endurance but also a showcase of the sport’s finest talent. Let the games begin.