The US Open is always crazy and the 124th edition of the tournament is proving to live up to the hype. With the first round complete, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Scottie Scheffler have shot to near the top of the leaderboard. Sure, there are others, but let’s be real; these are the names everyone is watching to see what happens.
So, who’s going to pull ahead?
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Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Scottie Scheffler all put on stellar performances in the opening round. Shooting a 3-under, 2-under, and a 3-over, respectively, these three are just getting warmed up.
Round 1: -3
Placement: T3
Rory McIlroy’s form has been nothing short of impressive, but it could be a bit better, though, some have said his opening round was a masterclass in precision and consistency. With his experience and history of performing well under pressure, McIlroy is a favorite with odds at +400.
McIlroy’s calm demeanor and strategic approach give him a significant edge over the competition, if he can find his groove. His ability to navigate tough courses like those at Pinehurst #2 has been proven time and again, and Pinehurst’s demanding layout seems to play right into his strengths.
Round 1: -2
Placement: T8
Xander Schauffele is another strong contender, with odds at +600. Schauffele’s consistent performance in major tournaments makes him a serious threat, but like McIlroy, he’s yet to find his footing on the links. His 2-under in the opening round showcases his readiness and focus and makes us want to see how he can do in rounds 2-4. Schauffele’s blend of power and precision is perfect for Pinehurst’s tricky greens and fairways, but he’s quickly learning that he has to up his putting game on this type of course.
Schauffele’s mental toughness and ability to stay composed under pressure will be more important than ever in the North Carolina heat. We’ll see how he does today and tomorrow, but we’re liking what we’re seeing.
Round 1: +3
Placement: T57
Scottie Scheffler, with odds at +1800, might seem like the underdog compared to McIlroy and Schauffele, but his history suggests otherwise. He’s had a rough first round; however, as the undisputed best golfer in the world, we expect him to bounce back in rounds 2-4. Scheffler’s aggressive playstyle and ability to recover from difficult situations make him a wild card, but we like that in big tournaments like the US Open.
Scheffler’s fearless approach and knack for making bold shots could be the surprise element in this year’s US Open. If he can maintain his momentum and keep his nerves in check, he could very well upset the (current) favorites.
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Now that you have the DraftKings bonus offer in your account, you really have to have a good understanding of the field at the US Open.
While McIlroy, Schauffele, and Scheffler are the ones the world is watching, other notable players are also in the mix. Patrick Cantlay at -5 currently holds the lead with Ludvig Aberg and Thomas Detry shortly behind him with -4 and -3 respectively. However, anything can change in a moments notice, especially as we’re navigating through round 2.
Pinehurst No. 2 is known for its challenging layout, and the hot and humid conditions add just a bit more difficulty. The firm and fast greens require precise shot-making and typically stand to be the toughest part of the course. The course’s history of testing the best players in the world means that consistency and mental toughness will be key factors in determining the winner.
Don’t get caught up in the instantaneous rankings as they can rapidly change and in the next 48 hours we’ll see who’s the toughest and who couldn’t hold up. That’s why we’re all watching McIlroy, Schauffele, and Scheffler. Just because they’re not atop of the leaderboard doesn’t mean they’re not going to fight back to the end.
Given the history of this course and looking at the players in the field, there are a few things we’ll need to see from these golfers if they want to win the US Open.
Accuracy. The narrow fairways and tricky greens demand pinpoint accuracy. This might seem obvious, but it’s even more so pertinent at Pinehurst. Players who can consistently hit their targets will have an advantage. Consistency is the key.
Patience. The challenging conditions require a patient approach, especially in this heat. Rushing or making aggressive shots in difficult situations can lead to costly mistakes. The weather is not on their side.
Mental toughness: The pressure of the US Open can be overwhelming. Players who can stay calm and composed under pressure will be more likely to succeed. We might see a rookie break out, but usually the US Open is where the veterans shine.
If any of our golfers can manage those three factors, then they’ll be in the running for the championship.
As the tournament progresses, it will be fascinating to see who can maintain their form and handle the pressure of Pinehurst No. 2. As with the rest of the golf fans; we will be eagerly watching every shot, hoping our bets pay off in the end. For what it’s worth, we’ve some bets on rounds and futures, and we think you know who we’ve put money on.
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