Bets for the US Open Golf are still coming in for Scottie Scheffler, despite his short odds.
The 124th US Open Golf Championship is about to begin at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina on the renowned No. 2 Course.
Much like the 2024 Masters and PGA Championship, the world's number one golfer, Scottie Scheffler, who boasts an impressive five victories this year including last weekend's Memorial Tournament, is being heavily favored by bookmakers. Betting enthusiasts continue to bet on the 2024 Masters' winner, despite the nearly unheard-of odds.
According to BetMGM, Scottie Scheffler is an overwhelming favorite at +300 following his triumph at the Memorial and his five overall wins this season. Other sportsbooks share a similar sentiment.
"When it comes to U.S. Open odds, Scottie Scheffler is massive at +300 after his win at the Memorial and his five wins this year," DraftKings' lead oddsmaker, Johnny Avello, told ESPN.
Reacting to Scottie Scheffler's Short Odds
Ahead of Thursday's first round with 156 participants who usually make up the strongest field in golf, Scheffler's odds of winning the U.S. Open stand at a mere 3/1. In comparison, such brief lines for a significant golf tournament haven't been seen since Tiger Woods was at his peak.
BetMGM has revealed that Scheffler accounts for nearly a quarter of U.S. Open betting tickets and is responsible for an astonishing 45% of the total wagers placed. Unsurprisingly, he is the book's most significant liability.
BetMGM set its U.S. Open odds several months ago with Scheffler at +750. Since then, as Scheffler has dominated the PGA Tour with victories at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, The Players Championship, Masters, RBC Heritage, and Memorial, the line has steadily decreased. He won three of those competitions by at least three shots or more.
The U.S. Open is known for being the most difficult test in golf. A slick Pinehurst No. 2 course will undoubtedly present the world's best players with an exceedingly challenging four-day tournament.
For Scheffler, his mindset is perhaps his most valuable asset.
"I’ve learned throughout my career to remain as patient as possible," Scheffler said this week. "I think that’s something you learn from playing more and more golf - bad breaks are going to happen, but it's more about your response to those things," Scheffler added.
"Over the course of a 72-hole tournament, you'll experience plenty of bad breaks and bad shots," Scheffler continued. There will be plenty of those at Pinehurst this time around.
Challengers to Scottie Scheffler
After Scheffler, the players with the shortest odds at BetMGM are Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele, both standing at +1200. Collin Morikawa is at +1400, while Czech golfer Viktor Hovland makes up the top five at +1800.
Woods, who hasn't won a major since the 2019 Masters and hasn't won a PGA Tour event since October 2019, is still a popular betting option. Various sportsbooks, including BetMGM, ESPN Bet, and others, have listed Woods as one of their top liabilities for this week. Despite this, oddsmakers aren't too concerned about Woods leading on the 72nd hole come Sunday night.
Woods hasn't made the cut for the U.S. Open since 2019, and he hasn't participated in a USGA tournament in four years. However, he was given a special invitation to join the field last month.
Woods took home the U.S. Open in 2000, 2002, and 2008. Those championships were held at Pebble Beach, Bethpage Black, and Torrey Pines, respectively.
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