The third golf major has arrived with the US Open teeing off this Thursday at Oakmont, Pennsylvania.
It’s going to be a true test for even the best players in the world as the greenskeepers have not held back. I mean there is literally a plaque at the entrance of the course describing it as;
“An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers.”
This 7,372 yard, par 70 features unbelievably thick rough and lightning fast greens. Those that drive the ball a long way will be rewarded but you need to be accurate.
Last time the US Open was held at Oakmont (2016), Dustin Johnson put on a tee-to-green masterclass shooting four under par to secure his first major. Only four players managed to break par for over the four days.
We’ve got plenty of markets available including some tournament props, player props, and groupings so let’s try find some winners.
A real shocker here.
Scottie Scheffler is chasing his 4th straight win and the 3rd leg of his career Grand Slam.
Back when DJ won here in 2016, Scottie played as an amateur. He’ll be familiar with the course and know what’s needed to be done.
He’s obviously in flying form, hence the short odds to win outright. The tougher the course is, the shorter the field gets and that’s when only the very best are still in it. That’s why I’m still happy to take the best player in the world to win again.
If you’re not betting on Scheffler then you should be eyeing up the ‘without Scheffler’ market. There is some great value going down the list with the likes of Ludvig Aberg at $19 and Joaquin Niemann at $21 but I’ve got my eye on the American Ryder Cup captain.
Keegan Bradley at this price feels like a great bet. He’s third in the field in strokes gained from tee to green over the last three months. He’s in great form finishing tied for eighth in the PGA Championship and tied for seventh at the Memorial two weeks back.
If he can regain confidence with the putter then he’ll be in the mix come Sunday.
Back in 2016, Lowry was lights out throw three rounds at Oakmont before a fourth round 76 saw him slump into a share of second.
He’s been hitting the ball sweetly, handing in four scorecards all in the 60’s last week in Canada. His iron play should help him stay within the top third of the field this week.
To further his case, the top contender Rory McIlroy shot +9 last week in Canada and missed the cut.
After his heroics at the Masters, Rory was T7 at the Truist Championship, T47 at the PGA Championship and missed the cut at the RBC Canadian Open.
The American veterans patience and experience could prove vital in this year’s US Open.
English has a habit of relishing in the US Open, withstanding the tough tests it poises. Finishing fourth at Winged Foot in 2020, third at Torrey Pines in 2021 and eighth at Los Angeles Country Club in 2023.
Not to mention his recent form, tied for second in the PGA Championship and T12 at the Memorial in his most recent start.
Matt Fitzpatrick: Fitzpatrick has been very successful in past US Opens. Winning the US Open in 2022 and having only missed the cut at this major once in his 10 starts. He’s had experience at Oakmont before, and I’d be surprised if he doesn’t make it to the weekend.
Keegan Bradley: Bradley for all the reasons I stated above as to why he can win it. But when it comes to making cuts, this guy is as consistent as you can get. He’s only missed just two cuts in his last 27 starts. He did miss the cut here in 2016, but nine years later and he’s a completely different golfer.
Ryan Fox: What kind of kiwi would I be if I didn’t find a way to include the Fantastic Mr. Fox. Foxy is playing some of the best golf he’s ever played. Winning two PGA events in the last month he now finds himself ranked 32nd in the world. With the form he is in, I expect to see Foxy right in it this weekend.