The third major of 2024 is arguably its most anticipated with the iconic Pinehurst No.2 hosting this year’s US Open. The setting for Payne Stewart’s iconic win in 1999, this is the fourth US Open the famed Donald Ross designed course has hosted. Scottie Scheffler is the short-priced favourite as he continues his ascent while PGA Championship winner Xander Schauffele and four-time major winner Rory McIlroy sit next in betting.
Key Stats/Skill Set Required
- Putting Average
- Bogey Avoidance
- Birdies
- Total Driving
- Strokes Gained: Off The Tee
- GIR
- Strokes Gained: Tee To Green
- Scrambling
Pinehurst No.2 is Donald Ross’ masterpiece, arguably the most revered course in the United States, hosts this week’s US Open. Set in the cradle of golf in the US, No.2 is as stern a test as pro golfers can face. In the three US Opens staged there, only three players have finished under par. Finding fairways is important but finding the right part is key as angles are critical at Pinehurst No.2 as the greens are all upside down saucers with huge roll off areas. Scrambling and putting really are going to play a huge part.
Key Correlation Courses/Tournaments
- Oak Hill
- PGA National
- TPC Sawgrass
- Bay Hill
- Sedgefield
Going back to the well with Xander Schauffele, after his stunning PGA Championship win. That victory could well have turned him from a non-winner to going on a big run. His form has been truly exceptional this year. In 14 tournaments in 2024, Schauffele has 10 Top 10 finishes including his debut major win and a T-8 at The Masters. He has a true major record and his US Open form is elite with six Top 10s in seven tournaments with a worst finish of T-14 in 2022. He has the US Open pedigree and form to win while his game is made for Pinehurst No.2, rankings 2nd in Scrambling, Strokes Gained: Tee To Green and Bogey Avoidance while he ranks Top 8 in Birdies, Total Driving, Strokes Gained: Off The Tee and GIR. Ticks every box – though he may still need the local police department to stop Scottie Scheffler.
Jon Rahm
It has been a difficult 12 months for Jon Rahm, particularly this year after defecting to LIV. While most of those who signed with the rebel league have enjoyed it, Rahm seems to regret his decision. He is yet to win on the LIV circuit and his two majors this year have seen him go T-45/Cut. A withdrawal from LIV Houston is a concern. He is out to a very backable price this year though on a course that will suit. The 2021 US Open winner has three Top 10s in his last five US Opens. He leads LIV in Strokes Gained: Off The Tee while he ranks 2nd in Birdies, 5th in Scrambling, 7th in GIR and 8th in Putting Average.
Jordan Spieth
Spieth has almost no form to speak of and that is typically a worry heading into the US Open but his ability to drive well and get hot with the flat stick makes him a compelling proposition at big odds. He has a best finish of T-29 in his last seven starts and only three Top 10s this year but he ranks 4th in Putting Average and 7th in Total Driving so has to be considered. Finished T-17 back here in 2014. Lovely Top 10/20 play.
Jason Day
Australian Jason Day finished 4th the last time the US Open was staged at Pinehurst No.2 and has five US Open Top 10s in 11 starts. He is playing well this year with five Top 20s in his 14 starts. Made the cut at both majors. Ranks 7th in Putting Average, 14th in Bogey Avoidance and 15th in Total Driving. Day is set for his best US Open in a long time.
Aaron Rai
The best out-and-out bolter this week is Englishman Aaron Rai. Straight off the tee and precise with his irons, this is a course that should suit his game. Rai ranks 3rd in GIR, 6th in Bogey Avoidance and 8th in Strokes Gained: Tee To Green. Made cuts in two of four major starts. Tremendous bet to make the cut and a runner at a Top 20.
Pinehurst No.2 is a course that rewards precise iron play and Corey Conners is as good with his irons as anyone on Tour, ranking 2nd in GIR and 10th in Strokes Gained: Tee To Green. He has great form on the correlation courses and his major record is very good.
Aberg is an absolute star on the rise. In his debut Masters he pushed Scottie Scheffler all the way to the back nine. This is not a strong field of debutants ad Aberg is the only one with genuine winning hopes.