Best Bets for the U.S. Open
The 2023 U.S. Open tees off Thursday morning, and after a long week of research, I've zeroed in on my favorite non-outright bets for the third major championship of the year. Here are my five best bets for the U.S. Open.
Scottie Scheffler top 5 +135 (FD)
This may not seem like a valuable bet at first glance, but it's hard to put into words how dominant Scottie Scheffler has been of late. Over his last four starts, Scheffler hasn't finished worse than T5. He's gained strokes off the tee, on approach, and around the greens in eight consecutive stroke play events. The glaring issue for Scheffler is on the greens, where he's lost strokes to the field in five of his last six. If he simply has an average putting week, he likely wins the U.S. Open.
Cameron Smith top 20 +110 (FD)
The PGA Championship couldn't have been a worse setup for Cameron Smith because of his accuracy issues off the tee, and he still finished T9 because he led the field in strokes gained: putting. Those driver control problems shouldn't be an issue at Los Angeles Country Club due to its wide fairways. The U.S. Open is all about making pars from difficult spots and holing putts when the birdie opportunities arise, and Smith has the best short game in golf right now.
Ryan Fox top 40 +125 (DK)
Ryan Fox has been a pillar of consistency all season. In eight PGA Tour starts, the 36-year-old has missed just one cut and has finished inside the top 30 seven times. He gained strokes in every category at both the Masters and the PGA Championship, and I think another strong finish is in store for him at LACC.
Justin Suh to make the cut -104 (FD)
I've really been impressed with Justin Suh this season. After missing three straight cuts to start the year, the 26-year-old has made 19 of 20 cuts and racked up six top-25 finishes along the way. He may not strike the ball as well as the top players on Tour, but he does possess an elite skill in his putting. Suh ranks 11th on Tour in SG: putting and third in putting from 10-15 feet, which will be an imperative range on this tough golf course.
Justin Rose top 20 after round 1 +220 (FD)
I think I might be in love with this bet. Like, get married and have 10 kids in love. Justin Rose ranks 11th on the PGA Tour this season in first-round scoring average (69.33). The Englishman has been on fire lately with five straight top-25 finishes, and he shot 69 or better in the first round of all five events. He also goes off at 8:02 a.m. Thursday morning before the course gets a chance to firm up in the sunlight. Don't be afraid to sprinkle Rose at 41/1 to be the first-round leader.
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