U.S. Open betting: Expert bets for Round 2 at Pinehurst No. 2

The first round of the 2024 U.S. Open has concluded, and Rory McIlroy shares the early lead with Patrick Cantlay at 5 under par. Looking ahead to the second round, let's target a pair of 18-hole matchup bets for Friday at Pinehurst No. 2. 

Round 2 matchup: Corey Conners > Will Zalatoris (-130 DraftKings)

Conners kicked off his U.S. Open with a solid 1-under 69 in the first round, and it's surprising to see how he got there. A notoriously poor putter, Conners gained 2.15 strokes on the green to rank seventh in the field. That likely isn't sustainable, but he should have a much better day with his irons after losing strokes on approach in the first round. Conners has gained strokes on approach in every start this season, so Thursday's iron performance was an anomaly. The Canadian hit 13-of-14 fairways in Round 1, so he should have another solid round if the irons return to form. 

Zalatoris, on the other hand, hit only 7-of-14 fairways en route to a 5-over 75. You can't score at Pinehurst No. 2 if you're not in the short grass, and we don't trust Willy Z's ability to fix his off-the-tee issues overnight.