Pinehurst No. 2 to Host 2024 U.S. Open: Key Players and Predictions

Pinehurst No. 2 to Host 2024 U.S. Open: Key Players and Predictions

Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina is gearing up to be the center of the golf universe as it hosts the U.S. Open 2024, starting this Thursday. The tournament features an impressive roster of players, including world-renowned golfers Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele.

Favorites and Longshots

Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1 ranked golfer in the world, enters the tournament as the heavy favorite with 11-4 odds. Known for his exceptional consistency, Scheffler has managed to win or finish second in seven of his last eight tournaments, making him the player to watch. Meanwhile, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are both regarded as 125-1 longshots, signaling a challenging road ahead for these seasoned veterans.

McClure’s Model and its Track Record

DFS pro Mike McClure's predictive model has proven to be a reliable tool for bettors since June 2020. Notably, McClure's model has earned nearly $9,000 on its best bets over the past few years. The model has delivered accurate predictions, such as Scottie Scheffler's wins at the 2024 Masters, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship. Additionally, McClure’s insights recommended a winning bet on Hideki Matsuyama for the 2024 Genesis Invitational at +9000 odds.

The model also forecasted Jon Rahm's triumphs at the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions and The American Express, along with his second major win at the 2023 Masters. Moreover, the model has been spot-on for 12 majors leading into the weekend, including the last three Masters and the 2024 PGA Championship.

Predictions for Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas

According to McClure's model, Xander Schauffele is expected to barely crack the top five in this edition of the U.S. Open. Schauffele has had only three top-five finishes in majors since 2019, and his inconsistent performance at The Memorial, where he shot two rounds of 73 or higher, adds to the uncertainty surrounding his potential success. Despite these setbacks, Schauffele remains a player with significant potential and is capable of surprising the field.

On the other hand, Justin Thomas appears to be a compelling pick at 35-1 odds. McClure's model predicts that Thomas will make a strong run at the title. This is backed by Thomas' recent performance, where he finished tied-8th at the PGA Championship in May. With 15 PGA Tour event wins and nearly $58 million in career earnings, Thomas has a proven track record of success. He has made the cut in 81% of his career tournaments and currently ranks 14th in the FedEx Cup standings.

As fans and bettors eagerly await the commencement of the U.S. Open 2024, all eyes will be on Pinehurst No. 2. Scottie Scheffler aims to continue his dominance, while emerging players and seasoned veterans alike will vie for one of the most prestigious titles in golf. Given the reliability of McClure's model, it will be interesting to see which predictions come to fruition as the tournament unfolds.

Expert Insights and Betting Tips

Before making any bets or setting PGA DFS lineups on platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel, it’s highly recommended to consider the insights from McClure's proprietary model. With a history of accurately predicting outcomes, the model offers valuable advice that could enhance the betting experience. Notably, the model has suggested that Scottie Scheffler, despite being a clear favorite, presents a worthy investment given his consistent high-level performance.

Additionally, another intriguing prediction involves Justin Thomas. Despite being a 35-1 longshot, Thomas is seen as a strong contender to make a significant impact at the U.S. Open 2024. This makes him a compelling pick for those looking to place bets with high potential returns.

As the tournament progresses, fans and bettors alike will be closely monitoring the performance of these key players. The U.S. Open 2024 promises to be a thrilling event, showcasing the best talent in golf and delivering unforgettable moments on the hallowed grounds of Pinehurst No. 2.