Five sleepers who could win this week

Scottie Scheffler: The Dominant Favorite Heading into the 2024 U.S. Open

Scottie Scheffler enters the 2024 U.S. Open as the dominant favorite, having claimed victory in five of his last eight tournaments. As the world No. 1, he has created a significant gap between himself and the competition. Despite predictions suggesting he could easily secure his third major championship of the year, recent history shows he can be outplayed by lesser-known names. For instance, Davis Riley and Stephan Jaeger have managed to secure wins over Scheffler since spring. This suggests that the U.S. Open could unfold like last year’s, where an underdog, Wyndham Clark, triumphed at 80-1 odds.

Clark’s victory at Los Angeles Country Club, following a win at a major event in 2023, proved that a player doesn’t need extensive major success to win. Similarly, Matt Fitzpatrick’s victory at the 2022 U.S. Open at The Country Club, where he had prior experience, demonstrated that familiarity with the course and not necessarily being among the favorites could lead to success. Players like Rickie Fowler and Jason Day, who excelled at Pinehurst in 2014, could replicate their success this week.

While Scheffler is poised for another win, there remains a 75% chance that an unexpected player could claim the U.S. Open title at Pinehurst.

### Potential Contenders for the 2024 U.S. Open

1. **Hideki Matsuyama**

Matsuyama excels in critical areas for Pinehurst, including proximity from over 200 yards, bogey avoidance, and strokes gained around the green. Despite a slower start to 2024 and limited play since the Masters, his performance at the Memorial indicates he is regaining form. Matsuyama has made seven consecutive cuts in the U.S. Open, with a runner-up finish in 2017 and a top-five finish at The Country Club two years ago. He enters the tournament with 55-1 odds.

2. **Tony Finau**

After a lackluster spring, Finau has shown signs of improvement, marked by a top-10 finish at the Memorial. Known for his iron play, Finau’s recent short-game enhancements make him a contender. Although his recent major performances have been underwhelming, he has shown potential with a few top-10 finishes in the U.S. Open. His odds stand at 65-1.

3. **Sahith Theegala**

Theegala, a previous sleeper pick for the PGA Championship, is again in the spotlight for the U.S. Open. He experienced his first major contention at the PGA Championship, finishing T12. A strong showing at the Memorial sets the stage for his Pinehurst appearance, where his creativity and shot-making could be advantageous. He is listed at 70-1 odds.

4. **Russell Henley**

Henley’s strengths lie in his approach shots and short game, making Pinehurst an ideal setting for him. Ranking in the top 10 in both strokes gained approach and strokes gained around the green, Henley’s accuracy off the tee and consistency make him a formidable competitor. He has recorded two top-15 finishes in the last three U.S. Opens and is at 100-1 odds.

5. **Alex Noren**

Noren, a former top-10 player, has consistently performed well in 2024, with eight consecutive top-25 finishes. His balanced game and recent improvements with his irons make him a potential contender at Pinehurst, despite a challenging history in the U.S. Open. Noren’s odds are 150-1.

With Scheffler as the favorite, the U.S. Open at Pinehurst promises a mix of expected excellence and potential surprises, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the tournament.