In this article…
The US Open returns to Pinehurst Number 2 for the first time in a decade and the world’s best players are set to face one of the toughest tests in golf. This classic Donald Ross course last hosted the major in 2014, with Martin Kaymer dominating the field to win by eight shots. Only three players broke par and dry conditions for this year’s tournament should ensure the firm and fast course provides a stern examination.
The 7,540-yard par 70 requires discipline and an outstanding short game to navigate the raised greens which will repel errant approach shots. Brute power is unlikely to be essential for success with an ability to plot the way to victory in North Carolina preferred.
Confidence in the long game is important and finding greens with regularity is crucial. Strong current form is significant with anyone struggling likely to be ruthlessly punished in Pinehurst’s sandy areas and wiregrass off the fairways.
Our collection of the best free bet offers is available to all bettors ahead of the US Open, to go along with our list of the best betting sites.
⚡ 18/1 US Open Boosted Treble
Back our US Open Boosted Treble on Betfair (Was 14/1, Now 18/1)
⛳ Scottie Scheffler Top 5 Finish
⛳ Xander Schauffele Top 10 Finish
⛳ Sepp Straka Top 20 Finish
Top 5 Finish
Scottie Scheffler is just 3.75 to win this week with the world no. 1 on a sensational run of form. Scheffler looks a near certainty to contend and the overwhelming favourite comes in off victory at Muirfield Village on Sunday.
His latest success extended his remarkable record to five wins from his last eight starts. Scheffler leads the rankings for strokes gained tee to green, approaching the green, birdie average and bogey avoidance. There are no weaknesses in his game and Scheffler, who was inside the top three in the last two US Opens, is worth combining in this boosted treble at 1.73 for a top-five finish.
Top 10 Finish
Xander Schauffele is going for back-to-back major titles but preference is to back him to post another top 10 finish in this combination bet.
Schauffele landed an overdue title last month with a superb victory at Valhalla in the PGA Championship. It was reward for his exceptional consistency and he was eighth last week at the Memorial Tournament. This was his tenth top 10 already this season and he also has a stellar US Open record. Six of his seven appearances have resulted in a top 10 and he has never finished worse than 14th place. Expect Schauffele to feature again on the leaderboard with another top 10 at 2.25.
Top 20 Finish
Sepp Straka is worth considering in the outright market and is backed to continue his recent form in this combo bet. Straka was fifth in his last two outings at Colonial and Muirfield Village. The Austrian has posted eight top 20s this season including five in his last six starts. Straka, who ranks second this season for driving accuracy, can land another high finish and completes the combination bet at 3/1 for a top 20.
🏆 US Open Outright Winner
🏆 Collin Morikawa to win
Collin Morikawa has knocked loudly at the door over the last two months and the two-time major champion’s consistency is backed to pay off at Pinehurst. Morikawa contended at both the Masters and the PGA Championship, finishing third at Augusta National and fourth at Valhalla. The accurate American heads into this week off fourth at Colonial and second place at Muirfield Village.
Morikawa has won two of his 18 starts in a major, with victory in the 2020 PGA Championship at Harding Park followed by his Open triumph at Royal St George’s in 2021. He finished fourth that year in the US Open held at Torrey Pines and was fifth in 2022 at Brookline. Morikawa leads the PGA Tour for driving accuracy and his ability to avoid trouble at Pinehurst can aid his challenge. Few players head into this week’s test with more confidence and he can cap his excellent form with a third major title at 14/1.
⛳ Brooks Koepka E/W
Brooks Koepka has an outstanding US Open record and the five-time major champion merits support this week at appealing odds. Koepka has twice won the US Open, after victories at Erin Hills and Shinnecock Hills, but his first impact in the tournament was at Pinehurst 10 years ago. Koepka turned up to the famed North Carolina course as a rookie but impressed all week to finish in a tie for fourth place for his first top five in a major.
Koepka returns this week as one of the standout major performers and will be intent on winning his third US Open title. A disappointing Masters and a tie for 26th at the PGA Championship is below his usual standards but he will relish the demanding test this week. Koepka led the field for greens in regulation on the final day to shoot a closing 65 for a top 10 finish on Sunday at LIV Houston. A winner last month in Singapore, Koepka rates a strong contender at 22/1 each way.
⛳ Min Woo Lee E/W
Min Woo Lee stands out as a tempting option at a bigger price for Pinehurst glory. The hugely talented Australian made a big impact 12 months ago, finishing in a tie for fifth place at Los Angeles Country Club in the US Open. It was his best performance at a major but could be bettered this week at a course which visually should play into his hands.
Lee, who was runner-up earlier this season at PGA National, has finished inside the top 26 of his last four starts. The 25-year-old is well rested for a long week at Pinehurst and shot a personal best 61 in a recent practice round at the Summit Club in Las Vegas. His strength off the tee is a major asset, with Lee topping the PGA Tour rankings for total driving this season. With some similarities to the Australian sandbelt courses, Lee should be comfortable on the course and offers each way value at 66/1.
* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.
Written by an Andy verified content writer
18+ please gamble responsibly.
