US Open tips: Collin Morikawa and Brooks Koepka target Scottie Scheffler dominance at Pinehurst
- Martin Colwell
- 11 June 2024
This season’s third Major is already upon us, leaving golf pundit Martin Colwell plenty to consider as he picks his way through another stellar field contesting the US Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
US Open key stats:
- When: June 13-16 2024
- Where: Pinehurst No 2 Course, North Carolina
- How long: 7,548 yards - par 70
- What to expect: One water hazard, thick rough, masses of wire grass, sandy native areas, tricky domed greens with run-off areas
- Who won last year: Wyndham Clark (-10)
As something of a jewel in the USA’s golfing crown, Pinehurst No. 2 is a Donald Ross design that was renovated in 2014.
The penal rough and tricky greens make this an ultimate test of driving accuracy and fairway iron precision, while scrambling skills will inevitably be key for errant approach shots.
Top Price On The Planet: Best odds for Scheffler, McIlroy and Schauffele, and 50% back if your bet leads after any round but fails to win
With all that in mind, I have a handful of golfers in mind for this Major on a challenging course such as this:
Scottie Scheffler – 7/2*
A long way clear as world number one in the rankings, and this course appears to suit his game, quite literally down to a tee, although, to be fair, not many courses don't. Five tournament wins already this season, although he does carry very short odds for a Major.
*Top Price on the Planet: Scottie Scheffler was 11/4, now 7/2 with PlanetSportBet
Collin Morikawa – 14/1
After running Scottie close last week at The Memorial, Collin Morikawa missed out by just one stroke after four solid days at Muirfield Village. Third and fourth in the first two Majors of 2024, Morikawa is top class in regards to driving and long-iron accuracy, which should gain him some shots on the field here.
Suggested bet: Collin Morikawa (12/1) in the US Open
Viktor Hovland – 14/1
The Norwegian star may just relish the difficulty of this course, as he has good form on similar courses and has been playing well recently, despite his early challenge at the Memorial ultimately fading. A contender in Majors in the past, his chipping and putting will need to improve here, but he’s a serious contender.
Bryson DeChambeau – 18/1
A Major specialist, Bryson invariably manages to rise to the challenge when away from LIV Golf action. Will he come unstuck by being errant off the tee at Pinehurst? Only time will tell, but he’s always a good watch.
Brooks Koepka – 20/1
A multiple Major winner, including back-to-back US Open victories, Brooks Koepka relishes a tough test, and was not suited by the ease of Valhalla’s birdie-fest at last month’s PGA Championship. He finished with a low round on Sunday at LIV Golf Houston, so could be primed nicely to hit the ground running here.
Suggested bet: Brooks Koepka (20/1) in the US Open
Planet Sport Bet US Open Special Bet: 50% back in free bets (£50 max) if your bet leads after any round but fails to win
Others to watch:
- Rory McIlroy – 12/1*
Since landing the Wells Fargo a month ago, Rory Mcilroy has struggled to keep up with the leaders, although his 12th, fourth, and 15th-placed finishes are far from shabby. The Northern Irishman can be errant off the tee, which will be punished here, while his compulsion to go for the green may be foiled by the difficult green complexes here. At odds of 11/1, Rory is hard to be with in his quest for his first Major win since 2014.
*Top Price on the Planet : Rory McIlroy was 11/1, now 12/1 with PlanetSportBet
- Xander Schauffele – 12/1*
Shauffele is in good form and goes for his second Major win in a month. I like his chances more than Rory’s but it is extremely difficult to win Majors back-to-back, which makes his 11/1 odds seem a little tight.
*Top Price on the Planet : Xander Schauffele was 11/1, now 12/1 with PlanetSportBet
- Sahith Theegala – 40/1
Theegala can be prone to throwing in one poor round in a tournament, which often scuppers his chances, but he held things together well to finish tied for 12th at the PGA Championship last month. Sahith occupied the same spot last weekend at the Memorial, where he played particularly well on approach, only to be let down by his putting.
Suggested bet: Sahith Theegala (45/1) in the US Open
Suggested bet summary:
- Collin Morikawa (14/1) - 2 points each-way
- Brooks Kopeka (20/1) - 1 point each-way
- Sahith Theegala (40/1) - 1 point each-way
All listed prices are from Planet Sport Bet and are correct at time of article publication, but could be subject to change
