The course itself is a unique test as there is no rough. There are sand-waste areas off the fairway that are almost like bunkers. The Bermuda grass greens are also notoriously difficult to putt on, so be prepared to see a few high scores at the US Open.
One of the recent trends at the US Open is that seven of the last eight winners had never won a major. Therefore, I am going to be looking at golfers who could be looking to join the major club.
Fleetwood Needs To Get Frenetic
The player I always think is going to break his duck coming into these events is Tommy Fleetwood. He’s come from close in recent years and came in second at the US Open in 2018.
The trouble for Fleetwood is the fact that he’s never managed to get off to a really fast start. The Englishman is either steady or he is too far back and comes good in the last round.
Saying that a positive for him was his recent third-place effort in The Masters. Players that had finished in the Top 10 in either of their last two majors have a good record at the US Open, producing eight of the last ten winners.
Form At The Home Of Golf A Plus
Furthermore, two of the four major champions that won at Pinehurst No. 2 had won on the Old Course at St. Andrews, which Fleetwood has done by winning the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Maybe this course will suit him, and I am willing to take another chance on him again at 33/1 each way.
MacIntyre Man Of The Moment
Next on my shortlist is Robert MacIntyre. He’s been in the best form of his career in the past few weeks, winning the Canadian Open.
The Scotsman also finished a respectable eighth in the PGA Championship last month, and he said afterwards that he gained a lot of valuable experience being in the mix at a major. He too has won at St. Andrews, so again, he’s ticking the right boxes.
At 55/1 with Rhino, he’s a bit overpriced, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he had another excellent week.
Time For Tyrell To Step Up
The last player on my short list is Tyrell Hatton. The Englishman competes on the LIV Tour these days, but he hasn’t disgraced himself in the majors in 2024. Back in April he came in ninth at The Masters.
He’s got a game that could well suit this kind of course, with his strong driving accuracy and his consistency around the greens. Moreover, he’s won twice at St. Andrews and is still looking for his first major, fitting the trends.
Overall, I’ve not gone for a homegrown US player this week, and I can see the famous silver trophy going overseas.
US Open Shortlist
Tommy Fleetwood (33/1) – Each Way
Tyrell Hatton (45/1) – Each Way
Robert MacIntyre (55/1) – Each Way
