2024 US Open: Time for the Range

Posted on June 11, 2024
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The 3rd major of the year, the US Open shapes as the toughest of them all. It will be a mental marathon and will test every facet of your physical and mental wits.

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Picks are already pouring in.

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.



Pinehurst is looking as good as ever, with the famed bunkers and dry, waste areas patched around the course and electric greens. Stray drives finding some sandy mess will fill golf pursuits with much glee and anticipation.

Pinehurst is a traditional venue for a US Open and has hosted some memorable championships over the years. The late Payne Stewart winning in 1999 over Lefty ranks as one of the best, with his now famous fist punch to finish before a significant recognition of his fallen opponent.



The field is now set and The Big Cat will be making an appearance post his invite, plus Scotty extends his appearance (current) record with his 92nd consecutive major appearance! The warm weather will suit the The Big Cat, plus the requirements on the short game might give him another dart at a major win.



The defending champ, Wyndie, was out and about prepping amidst much more fan fare than he would normally get. Can he defend this week? The course just does not seem to suit him and his form has waned considerably.



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Any major presents so many potentials, obviously littered with favourites of proven top end players, but we all know there is a surprise out there just like Wyndie last year.

The course is going to be firm, the weather is warm and players will be out there grinding. There will be a significant premium on avoiding the dangers and perils, much more so than at LACC and Valhalla.

History does tend to repeat itself, like in 2014, Kaymer was in a rich vein of form entering the week and continued this, with his putting prowess at its best. In 2005, the form person was the Goose, also with putter, until he stumbled badly on Sunday in his attempted defence of his 2004 triumph.



The Challengers
The DATA GOLF RANKINGS have a top 10 that is drifting apart with a heavy top 3 and then the rest. Scottie does keep pulling further and further away. The Field might need another cop to stop him from adding major number 3.

The top 10 has lost a little of its veteran status and rather being filled with some charging youth: Scottie, Rory, Rahmbo & Collin are all multiple major winners with plenty of pedigree and form to boot, while Aberg, The Hov, Henley & Tommy Lad are ALL seeking their first major win.

Don’t forget Lefty is on the Grand Slam trail, after his 6 near misses. Not sure Pinehurst will be suited to him, though he came close in 1999.



2023 was an exciting major, despite the criticism for the lack of fans. The course was certainly firm at LACC, with some strong finishes from Scottie, Rory, Cambo & TKim.

But what of the sleeper picks or data?

Sneaky form and improved putting prowess from TKim might be something to watch. With the course expected to be long and intimidating and with a premium on approach play and driving, what about Hideki who is right up there in SG Ball Striking in the US Open over the past 5 years, 2nd only to Rory.

All rounders will always fare well at tough majors and only 1 player ranks in the top 40 across SG off the tee, approach, around the green and putting this season and that player won his 1st major in May. X has been super consistent without always dominating, he always competes.

For an in-depth analysis of the top candidates from CBS GOLF and GOLF DIGEST.

US Open Pairings
The Tee times were released earlier today and there are some absolute cracker’s to get us going.

The Big 3: Scottie, X, Rory
US / Open Champs: Wyndie, Harmie, Dunlap
2022 Contenders: Big Cat, Fitzy, Zala
US Open Chasers: Lefty, Howler, Hadwin
Major champions: JT, Collin, BK



Your Picks
Dig hard into DATA GOLF RANKINGS, seeking value. There has been some impressive form without winning, so there are probably some players considered due for a big win.



Keep an eye open for majorpunter changes, with us trialing 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.

The Buckets
Top bucket: Hard to see anything past the Big, but there has been a serious resurgence from Collin this year, whose accuracy might be the key attribute this week. Plenty of form also coming from The Hov but is it too soon in his own re-emergence, though at least he might be able to avoid the chipping yips with a reliance on his putter for scrambling. Spoiler: don’t pick Rahmbo



2nd bucket: Lots of form coming into this mix, but is it too rich for CBez, though he does possess an incredible short game which might be a good copy of Kaymer from 2014. Other options will be Fitzy & Max, who both had had decent weeks heading into the major. Surely no takers for Cant(p)lay at a major!

3rd Bucket: some interesting form players here like JDay, Burmy, TKim & Im though plenty of possible passengers too. BK has not looked himself this year but we all know his pedigree when golf courses get crusty and nasty!



Bottom Bucket: The long shots, presents many options, like ceremonial picks for Scotty but perhaps better form is showing for Hadwin, Big Shane or Detry. Can you believe that you can pick major winners like Jordan, DJ, JRose & Cambo, but they have had a mixed bag of 2024 performances.

Head over to DATA GOLF RANKINGS to find your team!



Take on your Mates
As always, the more the merrier so send this on to the other golf fans in your life to get them involved and swell the winner's purse!
Remember we have Side Pots for punters to directly compete with each other’s friends, families, colleagues, local clubs, whatever you feel necessary. Give it a try and maybe get some side wagers going!

LIVE SCORING will be up and running on the site for all punters to see where they stand in real time. We are constantly looking to improve so keep us updated on some new trends (or bugs) that we might have missed.

For more news, head over to majorpunter!

Remember to ensure your teams are entered and paid before the first tee off time wherever you might be around the globe.