The third major of the golf season starts Thursday at Shinnecock Hills in New York - because, New York/New Jersey doesn’t have enough going on this week with the World Cup or Knicks parades.
Shinnecock is one of the oldest golf courses in the United States. A tough track that will challenge every bit of a player’s game, Shinnecock will prove to be an absolute monster given the USGA’s compulsion to make courses almost unplayable. The course will play at about 7,440 yards, be hard and fast, rough the height of Kevin Hart and greens so fast players will look foolish at times. Welcome to the U.S. Open everybody.
The Open has been held here five times previously, most recently in 2018 when Brooks Koepka went back-to-back. Some notable moments include Corey Pavin beating Greg Norman in 1995 with a brilliant approach on the 72nd hole and Raymond Floyd breaking out of a nine-way (that’s right) tie for the lead on Sunday to win his only U.S. Open title.
As is usually the case in this tournament it’s wide open, but only to maybe a third of the field. The winner here is going to earn it. Here are five guys I really like to win.
Odds from Caesar’s Sportsbook.
It’s been a frustrating year for Scheffler. Inconsistent play, bad putting and he hasn’t looked like he is having fun out there. Great finish at the Masters. Lost in a playoff the next week at Harbor Town. T-14 at the PGA Championship. Things are trending ever so slightly in the right direction. He’s going to need to call on that iron will he’s famous for. Drive it straight. And for heaven’s sake sink a few more putts. If he’s anywhere near the lead after Friday, cash it. Scottie wins.
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 13: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland holds the trophy after receiving the Green Jacket following his victory in a playoff during the final round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Here’s the formula: don’t shoot yourself out of it with a high score in any round. We can’t see a 78 out of Rory this week. He’s the best in the world at the moment. He also can blow up his tournament in a matter of a few hours. Oh there’s also the matter of the New York fans. Now Shinnecock won’t be as rowdy and out of control as the Ryder Cup was but we know it will only take one comment from some idiot to set Rory off. We’ve seen it. It will either kill him or he will win by a million. He’s the safest pick among the favorites. Top five (+260) is a great value bet. A lock even.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 15: Cameron Young of the United States reacts on the 18th green after winning THE PLAYERS Championship 2026 at THE PLAYERS Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on March 15, 2026 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Getty Images
This could be his time. The Players champion came close at Augusta. I like his attitude at majors. He’s long and is a brilliant shot maker. He needs to keep it in the fairway and make pars. Lots of pars. He’s a grinder so this type of game is in his wheelhouse. He struggled at The Memorial and didn’t really contend at the PGA Championship so there’s a question about his form. I expect to see a lot of him this weekend. A top ten finish (+205) pairs well with a win bet.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 19: Tyrrell Hatton of England poses with the trophy following victory on day four of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 19, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Anyone with odds better than +5000 can be considered a favorite here. Hatton, if nothing else, will be a blast to watch. He hits it all over the place, provides his own commentary and curses like a sailor. He’s also a pit bull who will by determination alone be a factor is he gets into contention. What’s not to love? It won’t matter if he shoots a couple of rounds in the 80’s or is tied for the lead on Sunday. I’m a Hatton guy. I’m here for it. A top ten at +350 provides a little hedge.
TROON, SCOTLAND - JULY 21: Xander Schauffele of the United States poses with the Claret Jug on the 18th hole in celebration of victory after the final of The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on July 21, 2024 in Troon, Scotland. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Seeing him among the betting favorites at majors is commonplace. Schauffele has the game, the temperament and the courage to overcome the course and the field. His path to victory involves making the fewest amount of mistakes over the course of four days. He will make his share of putts, scramble to save par and eliminate the big number. That’s the key to every U.S. Open victory. Above all he must play from the fairway. He won’t win playing shots from the ankle to knee high deep rough half the time. There will be birdies to be had out there. Approach shots from the short grass will be critical. Outside of McIlroy, Xander is the safest bet for a high finish this week. A top five pays +240. I really am leaning towards a Schauffele victory.
The big names emerge at Shinnecock. Scottie Scheffler wins a tight one over Xander, Rory and a couple of surprises. Stay tuned…
此内容由惯性聚合(RSS阅读器)自动聚合整理，仅供阅读参考。 原文来自 — 版权归原作者所有。