Pinehurst No. 2 Set to Host the U.S. Open 2024
The storied Pinehurst No. 2 course in North Carolina is poised to host the U.S. Open 2024, starting this Thursday. With an impressive lineup of golfers, this year’s tournament promises to be a riveting spectacle for fans and bettors alike.
The Contenders
The field is stacked with golf's elite, featuring players such as Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele. Scheffler, the current world No. 1-ranked golfer, is the favorite with odds of 11-4. His exceptional consistency has been evident, having won or finished second in seven of his last eight tournaments. This makes him a strong pick for anyone placing bets or setting their PGA DFS lineups on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel.
Meanwhile, veteran legends Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are seen as longshots, each sitting at 125-1 odds. Despite their storied careers, recent performances suggest that a victory for either would be a welcome surprise but not something to bet on heavily.
Predictive Model Insights
Much attention has been focused on DFS pro Mike McClure’s predictive model, which has been highly accurate since June 2020, earning nearly $9,000 on its best bets. The model accurately forecasted Scheffler's wins in this year's Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship. It also recommended a successful bet on Hideki Matsuyama for the 2024 Genesis Invitational at astonishing +9000 odds.
Jon Rahm has also been a beneficiary of McClure’s predictive prowess. The model correctly predicted 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.
Xander Schauffele's Prospects
One of the intriguing points of analysis from McClure’s model is its forecast for Xander Schauffele. The model predicts that Schauffele will barely make it into the top five. This prediction takes into account Schauffele's mixed performances in previous majors; he has only three top-five finishes since 2019. His inconsistency was notably displayed at The Memorial, where he shot two rounds of 73 or higher.
Longshot to Watch: Justin Thomas
Another fascinating prediction involves Justin Thomas, who is regarded as a 35-1 longshot yet is poised to make a robust challenge for the title. Known for his career success and current performance levels, Thomas is a compelling pick for this year’s U.S. Open.
Thomas finished T-8 at the PGA Championship in May and boasts 15 PGA Tour event wins, amassing nearly $58 million in career earnings. Impressively, he has made the cut in 81% of his career tournaments and currently ranks 14th in the FedEx Cup standings. McClure’s model sees Thomas making a strong run at the title, further cementing his status as a golfer to watch closely.
The Fan Experience
As the tournament approaches, fans and bettors will be lining up to see if McClure’s meticulous predictions will hold true once again. Scottie Scheffler aims to extend his recent dominance, and with a course like Pinehurst No. 2 setting the stage, the action promises to be nothing short of exhilarating.
Whether you're placing a bet, assembling a DFS lineup, or just watching for the love of the game, the U.S. Open 2024 is shaping up to be a compelling display of skill, strategy, and sheer willpower. With top players in form and McClure's model offering insightful predictions, all signs point to a fascinating tournament filled with unforgettable moments.
"Combining career success with current performance levels," McClure says, "Justin Thomas is a compelling pick at 35-1 odds in the U.S. Open 2024."
Indeed, as Pinehurst No. 2 prepares to welcome the world's best golfers, fans will be treated to a thrilling showcase of golf at its finest. Stay tuned as the action unfolds and history is made.