There’s roughly 2 months left in the 2024 PGA season, and one thing has become apparent the more the season progresses: Scottie Scheffler is miles and miles ahead of everyone in this sport. I once thought that Tiger Woods’ level of dominance would never be touched, and the fact that it’s even in discussion shows how elevated Scottie’s game is. As of right now, Scottie Scheffler is the second best golfer in the modern game. The biggest storyline at The U.S. Open will be can anyone contend with Scottie Scheffler.
Pinehurst will make the world’s best look like absolute fools this week. Just like the other 3 majors, another big storyline will be the success of LIV players. The Masters’ saw a leaderboard stacked with PGA golfers, and The PGA Championship only saw Bryson DeChambeau contending in the name of LIV. If LIV fails to show up once again, the belief of a declining skill set following the large signing bonuses may prove to be true. Only time will tell, but it’s not looking great for LIV’s level of competition. Maybe this week will change things…
The Course: Pinehurst No. 2
Pinehurst No. 2 is a legendary golf course located in Pinehurst, North Carolina, renowned for its challenging layout and rich history. Designed by the legendary golf architect Donald Ross and opened in 1907, it has hosted numerous prestigious golf tournaments, including the U.S. Open, the Ryder Cup, and the PGA Championship. Its distinctive features include its sandy soil, wiregrass roughs, and undulating greens, which demand precision and strategy from golfers at all levels.
Beyond its championship pedigree, Pinehurst No. 2 is revered for its timeless design philosophy, emphasizing strategic shot-making over brute force. Ross’s vision for the course was to create a natural, flowing layout that rewards precision and finesse, rather than relying solely on length off the tee. As a result, navigating the course requires careful course management, precise approach shots, and a deft touch on the greens, making it a favorite among golf purists and professionals alike. With its combination of history, challenge, and beauty, Pinehurst No. 2 continues to be a beloved destination for golf enthusiasts from around the world. Buckle up for a fascinating week of difficult golf!
Best Bets: U.S. Open
Scottie Scheffler (+300)
Scottie Scheffler is the next Tiger Woods. Next year we will look back and think +300 is an insane value for him. I would be shocked if he isn’t starting tournaments at minus money in the future. He’s that good, and he’s winning this week once again. Enough said.
Tom McKibbin (Top Debutant +1200)
Top Debutant is a very intriguing field to bet. Other than Ludvig Aberg, there is no debutant with odds lower than 200-1 to win The U.S. Open. This means should Ludvig struggle, this bet will be wide open for the taking. And I believe Tom McKibbin is the one worth a bet.
At only 21 years old, Tom McKibbin has been on an absolute tear on the DPWT. He’s missed only 1 cut in 2024, and the rest of the results have been very strong. He’s finished inside the Top 25 in 9 of his last 10 events, including 4 Top 10 finishes. McKibbin has been a ball-striking machine, both in accuracy and distance. His short game has also come into good form. If he’s doing this well as one of the youngest in the game, expect him to be contending to win big-time events in the near future.
The good thing for McKibbin is he doesn’t have to beat many golfers to win this bet. Other than Ludvig Aberg, only Harry Higgs and S.H. Kim were notable names making their first U.S. Open appearance. The other 50 or so names will not come close to making the cut. Even if Aberg performs well, I think given McKibbin’s form, there is still a good chance he beats Aberg out. I look at this bet as a 12-1 matchup to beat Aberg, and I can’t pass that value up. Especially when you’re betting on the next big Englishman!
Christiaan Bezuidenhout (+11000, Top 10 +800)
Christiaan Bezuidenhout has been one of the best golfers in 2024. Although he’s without a win, he has 4 finishes inside the Top 4, including a 4th place finish last week at Jack’s Place. It will certainly take a perfect week to temper Pinehurst’s challenges, but I believe CBez could do it.
His biggest hurdle this week will be the distance required to compete. He’s finished below average in Driving Distance in every event this season, but over the last 2 months, it’s only been 5 yards or less below average. Bezuidenhout makes up for it everywhere else on the course. His approach has been fantastic this year, and his short game is amongst the best in the world. He’s gained strokes Around the Green in 10 straight events and strokes Putting in 11 of his past 12 events. All in all, CBez comes into Pinehurst as one of the hottest golfers on the planet, and I expect him to continue this form.
Beating Scottie Scheffler is a task I don’t think anyone will be able to conquer this week. I think there is a lot of value in placing a Top 10 bet for Christiaan Bezuidenhout. He’s cashed this bet 6 times in 2024, and his game is statistically at a career-high. In a tournament this challenging, the good short game players typically rise to the top on the weekend. Look for CBez to be there at the finish!