An Anticipated Clash at Pinehurst No. 2: The 124th U.S. Open

An Anticipated Clash at Pinehurst No. 2: The 124th U.S. Open

As the 124th U.S. Open gets ready to tee off at the storied Pinehurst No. 2, golf enthusiasts worldwide are poised for an electrifying showdown. This year's competition features a stellar lineup, headlined by major champions Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, who continue to make waves in the golfing world.

Top Contenders

Collin Morikawa, known for his consistency and precision, has been a standout performer in 2024. His top-five finishes at both the Masters and the PGA Championship underscore his exceptional form. Entering the U.S. Open on a hot streak, Morikawa has secured top-five finishes in his last three tournaments. A victory at Pinehurst would bring him one step closer to completing 75% of his career Grand Slam, an achievement only a handful of golfers have managed.

Morikawa is among seven golfers with odds under 15-1 in the current 2024 U.S. Open betting landscape. Fellow contenders include Scottie Scheffler at 11-4, Xander Schauffele at 10-1, Bryson DeChambeau at 10-1, and Ludvig Aberg at 14-1. These odds highlight the intense competition and high stakes that await the players at Pinehurst.

McClure's Predictive Model

Since the PGA Tour resumed in June 2020, McClure's predictive model has been nothing short of phenomenal, amassing nearly $9,000 in best bets earnings. This remarkable track record has solidified the model as a reliable resource for bettors, accurately predicting numerous tournament outcomes. Notably, the model foresaw Scheffler's victories at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship. It also successfully tipped Hideki Matsuyama for the 2024 Genesis Invitational with a staggering +9000 bet.

The model's knack for predicting major wins is further evidenced by correctly calling Jon Rahm's triumphs at the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions, The American Express, and his second career major at the 2023 Masters. With 12 major predictions nailed, including the last three Masters and the 2024 PGA Championship, the model has fortified its reputation for accuracy.

Top Predictions and Value Bets

One of the model's top predictions for this year's U.S. Open is that Xander Schauffele, despite being among the favorites, will barely crack the top five. Schauffele has managed just three top-five finishes in majors since 2019 and showed some shakiness at The Memorial over the weekend. Consequently, the model suggests that there are better value bets for this year's U.S. Open.

Among the notable mentions is Justin Thomas, who, with 35-1 odds, is considered a strong contender to make a significant run at the title. Thomas made his major debut at Pinehurst in 2014 and has since accumulated more major victories than anyone except Brooks Koepka since 2017. His recent eighth-place finish at the PGA Championship and impressive statistics—10th in strokes gained around the green and top-20 in both total driving efficiency and strokes gained approach the green—position him well for another climb up the leaderboard at the U.S. Open.

The model is also eyeing two golfers with odds of 20-1 or longer, suggesting they could make a strong run at the title. Additionally, there are two triple-digit longshots in its best bets, which could yield substantial returns for those willing to take the gamble.

Quotes from the Model

The model's predictive prowess is encapsulated in its remarkable track record since the PGA Tour's restart. "In fact," the model notes, "the model is up almost $9,000 on its best bets, nailing tournament after tournament." This success is underscored by its foresight during critical moments, such as predicting Rahm's victory despite being two strokes off the lead heading into the third round. "Rahm was two strokes off the lead heading into the third round, but the model still projected him as the winner," it emphasizes.

Justin Thomas' potential is also highlighted by the model: "With top-15s in half of his 12 starts this year on tour, Thomas could make another run up the 2024 U.S. Open leaderboard." This insight underscores the high expectations placed on Thomas as he prepares to take on Pinehurst No. 2.

As the 124th U.S. Open approaches, the anticipation continues to build. With a field of elite contenders and a predictive model with a proven track record, this year's tournament at Pinehurst No. 2 promises to be an unforgettable spectacle for golf fans around the world.