The U.S. Open is easily one of the biggest events in golf, and with Scottie Scheffler currently holding the title as the best golfer in the world, the question on everyone's mind is — Who can beat Scottie Scheffler? The 2024 U.S. Open kicks off today at Pinehurst, and we think it’s shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with several top golfers looking to take on Scheffler for the title.
With his odds sitting nicely at 13-4, Scheffler is the favorite for the 124th US Open. However, are the odds right on this one? Could someone else come out on top?
Here’s who we think can knock him out of the #1 spot.
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Odds: 16-1
Collin Morikawa has been in excellent form recently, showcasing consistent top-four finishes in his last six starts, including both majors this year. That’s impressive on its own.
His runner-up finish to Scheffler at the Memorial Tournament further underscores his ability to keep up with him. Morikawa's insane iron play and ability to hit small greens make him a someone to closely watch at Pinehurst, especially with the impossible greens at that course.
With a U.S. Open victory, he would move three-quarters of the way to completing a career Grand Slam, adding even more motivation to grab the title and that’s why we think he’s one that will give Scottie a run for his money.
Odds: 10-1
Xander Schauffele's track record at the U.S. Open is nothing short of impressive by any means, and he’s hoping to build upon that streak. He has never finished worse than 14th in his first seven appearances! That's a hat-tip to his consistency in major tournaments like this one. This could be his chance to take it all.
Schauffele's ability to gain strokes on approach and putting will be pivotal at Pinehurst, where precision and a strong short game can make all the difference.
The biggest thing with Xander is that he can turn it on at any given moment. If he has a good weekend, and he typically does, he can absolutely blow the competition out of the water. He’s our favorite to win it all, and we think this is his chance to finally walk away as the champion.
Odds: 20-1
Bryson DeChambeau, the 2020 U.S. Open champion, has shown he's a serious contender in major tournaments and that he’s hungry for more.
His recent form includes a runner-up finish at the PGA Championship and a sixth-place finish at the Masters. Not too bad.
DeChambeau's length off the tee gives him a distinct advantage over the rest, allowing him to reach parts of the course others can’t quite get to from the tee. Coupled with his recent improvement in putting, DeChambeau could be a significant threat to Scheffler. He’s really going to have to improve his putting game on Pinehurst, but if he has a good enough day, he can do it.
His unique approach to the game and physical abilities make him a wildcard in any major tournament, and this year’s US Open will be no exception.
Odds: 25-1
Brooks Koepka is no stranger to performing well in majors, with multiple major titles under his belt. He finished fourth at the 2014 U.S. Open at Pinehurst, demonstrating his capability on this challenging course and he’s only improved since that time.
Recently, Koepka has been gaining strokes in ball-striking, which will be big factor at Pinehurst. However, his putting has been inconsistent, which will undoubtedly be a weakness. That’s easily his achilles going into the US Open this year.
If Koepka can find his form on the greens, he will be a top 3 golfer on this course.
Odds: 12-1
Rory McIlroy is always a force to be reckoned with in major tournaments and he’s looking to do some damage at Pinehurst.
His runner-up finish to Wyndham Clark at the 2023 U.S. Open showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stages. So, he’s no stranger to being in the driver's seat, but can he do it this year?
McIlroy's experience and talent make him a perennial contender. His powerful driving and skillful iron play will be assets at Pinehurst and his putting game isn’t too shabby either if he can strike deep onto the greens.
If McIlroy can maintain his focus and deliver consistent performances across all four rounds, he stands a good chance of challenging Scheffler for the title.
Collin, Xander, Bryson, Books, and Rory are who we believe to be the top golfers to challenge Scottie for the US Open. However, don’t be surprised if there are a few others that come sneaking up the ranks at Pinehurst. Here's the longshots that could potentially make a name for themselves at this US Open.
Odds: 50-1
Matt Fitzpatrick has shown solid form this year leading up to the U.S. Open, making him another player to watch. Fitzpatrick's consistent play and ability to avoid mistakes make him a strong candidate for a high finish. His precision and tactical approach to the game could give him an edge on Pinehurst's demanding layout. He’s going to have to seize on any mistakes the others make, but he’s got the grit to do it.
Odds: 40-1
Tommy Fleetwood's recent performances have been promising, with several strong finishes in top tournaments, which makes us think he’s underrated going into the US Open. Known for his smooth swing and excellent ball-striking, Fleetwood will most likely be a darkhorse at Pinehurst. If he can find his rhythm and maintain his composure for the next few days, he could be in the mix come Sunday.
Odds: 80-1
Never heard of him? Perhaps not. He's a youngster.
However, Sepp Straka has been showing great potential with his recent form, and a strong performance at the U.S. Open could solidify his status as one of the game's rising stars. He’ll probably make some inroads at this year's US Open, but if he doesn’t find himself in the top 10, keep an eye out for Sepp in future tournaments. He’s a force to be reckoned with.
Pinehurst No. 2 is known for its difficult layout, requiring precision and strategic play.
The course's small, undulating greens are referred by some as “impossible greens.” We can see why.
On top of that, it’s challenging fairways demand accuracy and a solid short game.
Players who can navigate these obstacles and maintain their composure under pressure will have the best chances of success and that’s why we think the golfers we mentioned above have a good chance of keeping up with Scottie Scheffler.
Pinehurst's history and unique characteristics add even more excitement to the U.S. Open, making it a true test of golf.
The 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst will be a captivating event, with Scottie Scheffler facing stiff competition from some of the world's best golfers.
Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, and Rory McIlroy are all serious contenders with the skills needed to challenge Scheffler. But can they keep it together throughout the entire tournament?
With other potential challengers like Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, and Sepp Straka also in the mix, we’re all in for a treat. It’s going to be an awesome US Open.
So, who will beat Scottie? Our money is on Schauffele, but we’ll have to see where the cards land after the first round.
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