The Stage is Set: U.S. Open 2024 at Pinehurst No. 2
The iconic Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina will serve as the battleground for the highly anticipated U.S. Open 2024, set to kick off this Thursday. The tournament is gearing up to showcase top-tier talent, including the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele, promising an electrifying competition.
Favorites and Longshots
Heading into the tournament, Scottie Scheffler stands as the clear favorite with 11-4 odds, thanks to his exceptional consistency and recent victories. Scheffler, the world’s No. 1-ranked golfer, has demonstrated remarkable steadiness, winning or finishing second in seven of his last eight tournaments.
On the other end of the spectrum, golf legends Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are both listed as 125-1 longshots. While their odds may seem daunting, these seasoned veterans can never be counted out in a major tournament.
McClure’s Model: A Proven Predictor
For those looking to place bets or set their DFS lineups on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel, insights from DFS pro Mike McClure’s model could be invaluable. McClure’s model has shown remarkable accuracy since June 2020, amassing nearly $9,000 on its best bets. This model has delivered some impressive predictions, including Scottie Scheffler’s victories at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship.
Additionally, McClure’s model recommended a winning bet on Hideki Matsuyama for the 2024 Genesis Invitational at +9000 odds and correctly predicted Jon Rahm’s triumphs at the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions and The American Express. Rahm's second major win at the 2023 Masters was also foreseen by the model, underscoring its reliability.
Key Predictions for the U.S. Open 2024
McClure’s model offers some intriguing forecasts for this year’s U.S. Open. It predicts that Xander Schauffele, despite his inconsistencies, will barely crack the top five. Schauffele has managed only three top-five finishes in majors since 2019 and had an erratic performance at The Memorial, where he shot two rounds of 73 or higher.
Another compelling prediction revolves around Justin Thomas, a 35-1 longshot who is expected to make a strong bid for the title. Thomas, who finished T-8 at the PGA Championship in May, boasts an impressive career with 15 PGA Tour event wins and nearly $58 million in career earnings. With a cut-making rate of 81% and a ranking of 14th in the FedEx Cup standings, Thomas is a strong contender.
Eyes on Scheffler and Thomas
Both fans and bettors will be keenly watching Scottie Scheffler as he aims to continue his dominance. With his exceptional track record, Scheffler is poised to add another major victory to his résumé. On the other hand, Justin Thomas presents a lucrative opportunity for those looking to bet on an underdog with a solid chance of performing well.
Quotes and Expert Opinions
Reflecting on Scheffler’s impressive run, a noted analyst stated, "Scheffler, the world’s No. 1-ranked golfer, has demonstrated exceptional consistency, having won or finished second in seven of his last eight tournaments."
For those considering wagers, another expert advised, "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."
Commenting on Justin Thomas’s prospects, an insider remarked, "Another intriguing prediction involves Justin Thomas, who is a 35-1 longshot yet poised to make a strong run at the title." They added, "Combining career success with current performance levels, Thomas is a compelling pick at 35-1 odds in the U.S. Open 2024."
As the U.S. Open 2024 unfolds at Pinehurst No. 2, the excitement is palpable. With top golfers competing and analytical models providing expert insights, this tournament promises to deliver thrilling moments and potentially surprising outcomes. Let the games begin!