2024 US Open: Its Prep Time
Posted on June 10, 2024
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The US Open returns to Pinehurst after last hosting a US Open in 2014 when Martin Kaymer triumphed and in 2005 before then, when Michael Campbell outlasted a tiring field including nearest chaser The Big Cat. Designed by, the Pinehurst No 2 course has become produced fantastic championships and is a golf mecca for any golfer around the globe, with a variety of golf courses on the property.
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Keep an eye open for the majorpunter changes introduced last year, with a no-subs option, adding a 6th pick and the addition of another wildcard. See the updated RULES on the site, which also include a no-sympathy approach to players withdrawing once the first tee shot has gone off.
Just like the previous PGA Champs, players are coming coming out of another Signature Event and can easily be considered jaded after a tough week at the Memorial. However, a US Open takes no prisoners so everyone who has qualified will need to be at the top of their game for a most significant test.
Last year we were treated to a cracker, although quiet LACC when Wyndie & Rory battled hard over the weekend. The course then played significantly tougher over the weekend as it firmed up, expect something similar for the 3rd major of the year, the US Open.
Weather forecasts are for hot weather all week, meaning a baked and hard golf course as you would expect and fear as a player.
In 2014, Kaymer was in the form of his life having won the Players at Sawgrass and swept everyone aside on his way to win his 2nd major at Pinehurst. This year, Scottie & X are on a similar trajectory with impressive resumes this year, including each having a major victory. 2 majors in a year is rarified air, but both are expected to compete and possibly land it. Hard to bet against both of them!
The full list of competitors is being released soon, but the leading player on the consecutive majors list is Adam Scott who is sitting on the bench for the US Open. He has 91 consecutive appearances, a whopping 63 majors behind the king, Jack Nicklaus, who sits on a massive 154 majors in row, across 5 decades, from the 50’s to the 90’s!
The Headliners:
The list of potential winners at a place like the US Open is traditionally limited with the test being so intense that only seasoned professionals have a chance. Wyndie blew that theory out the water in 2023, but LACC might be considered an anomaly in itself.
The list of winners before that reads a picture: Fitzy (’22), Rahmbo (’21), The Bulk (’20), GaryW (’19), BK (’18 & ‘17).
Scottie, X & Rory are hot on everyone’s lists and obviously so. All drive it very well and accuracy will be a key factor.
Every time Scottie tees it up, he seems unbreakable. His putter switch has done wonders for him, and that wedge game just keeps tracking on. He has a managed calendar and post his W at Memorial, he still seems fresh and ready, even after posting wins in 2024 at Augusta, Bay Hill, Sawgrass, Hilton Head and Muirfield Village. What a season!
Rory seems to be running out of steam, he has had a full calendar of late and X might still be feasting off his win at Valhalla, though who would blame him.
Then the band of youngsters chasing a 1st major (or a 2nd) is a powerhouse mix. So much talent in the mix, littering the top of the DATA GOLF RANKINGS.
Cambo, The Hov, aBerg, Fitzy, TKim, Jaco, Tommy Lad - just awesome talent to pick from. Would be great to see them make the step up at Pinehurst!
Obviously a few others amongst the chasers who are well known, but have struggled to break through in the big majors. Tough to keep backing the likes of Cant(p)lay & Homa, when their major records are devoid of a continual chase under pressure.
With such a demand on the putter this week, could it be the chance for Cambo to strike it hot and drop the 1-major tag!
The Defending Champ:
Wyndie has not been full of confidence in major season thus far, though he had a reasonable start to the year. The course at Pinehurst might not play to his strengths, as the course requires better accuracy off the tee than LACC or other PGA courses.
The Field
The US Open FIELD is a great mix of seasoned pro’s and then a strong list of qualifiers including players from the LIV and Euro Tours, plus a variety of professionals and amateurs who went through various qualifying routes.
The US Open is not overly friendly to its defending champions, meaning there is less handout entries. One veteran who will be in attendance, Lefty, enters as a PGA Champ from 2021 and will fancy having a chance to win the Grand Slam on a course that can suit his short game wizardry, though he has blown so many chance before!
For an in-depth analysis of the top candidates from CBS GOLF and GOLF DIGEST
The Course and Surrounds
Pinehurst, is a great test, like every major, but is unique in its layout, contours and rough.
Its famed for its upside down saucers for greens, forcing imaginative play by players who stray from the green.
Additionally, its rough is known to be inconsistent, a mix of bare areas with bush and patchy thick grass. Not the place to be. This is a real test, distinctly different from the everyday courses that loop on the PGA Tour. Its a venue that has always delivered great champions with its undulations and picturesque framing.
The course presents a serious challenge with sloping greens, tough fair fairways and famed US Open pressure. Pinehurst’s NO 2 COURSE will be a treat for everyone, but mainly for the Champion!
Potential Favourites:
Scottie
The world # 1, with a new putter in hand has been untouchable in 2024. Last year was top 3 at LACC. Can he win? Absolutely! go 1 better? He has all the shots and all operating in sync.
X
Not sure if Pinehurst will suit his overall game as much as other venues. But his game does travel well, with a superb US Open record overall.
Rory:
The years are marching on and he needs to flip the switch urgently and he knows it. Irons need work, but game has been there this year, just needs to come together all 4 days of a major.
The Others:
The list of possible first timers is long, with half the top of the DATA GOLF RANKINGS having never won a major.
aBerg: all the shots, loves being in the mix, even though he seems not fully fit. Great ball striker.
Collin: Still so young for a 2 major veteran and regained his major form at Augusta and PGA Champs of late, without winning.
Rahmbo: Is he a favourite? Or just hype? His game has been woeful in 2024 and he knows it. Definitely better than the results have showed, but can he turn the ship around where the premium on good play is so high! Not helped when you can’t FINISH a round.
As a reminder, keep an eye open for majorpunter changes, with us implementing a no-subs option, adding a 6th pick and the addition of another wildcard. See the updated RULES on the site, which also include a no-sympathy approach to players withdrawing once the first tee shot has gone off.