The third major of the season is here as the golf world's attention turns to Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in North Carolina for the 2024 U.S. Open. This prestigious championship returns to the iconic Pinehurst No. 2 course for the first time in a decade.
With a star-studded field featuring the game's top players competing for their name to be etched on the coveted Havemeyer Trophy, there is no shortage of intrigue as to who will emerge victorious on Sunday. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler enters as the betting favorite after a dominant season that has seen him win five times already, including Masters victory in April.
However, Scheffler faces stiff competition from the likes of reigning PGA Championship winner Xander Schauffele and former world No. 1 Rory McIlroy, who continues pursuing his first major title since 2014. Others expected to factor include Masters champion Collin Morikawa, former U.S. Open champ Bryson DeChambeau, and reigning title holder Wyndham Clark.
With the year's third major upon us, CBS Sports' analysts provide their expert insight on who they believe will hoist the trophy come this weekend:
Winner Prediction: Scottie Scheffler (3-1)
Senior golf writer Kyle Porter tabs the red-hot Scheffler to continue making history. "If each win to this point has made his season more historic, this one will make it the most historic," Porter said, noting Scheffler's elite short game and course management will shine through.
Sleeper Pick: Will Zalatoris (80-1)
Though Zalatoris' form has cooled, Porter believes his impressive major track record makes him great value at 80-1 odds. "I think that 80-1 number is going to look silly come Friday afternoon."
Top-10 Lock: Rory McIlroy
With five straight top-10s at the U.S. Open, Porter tabs McIlroy as consistent despite Scheffler's dominance of 2024 so far.
Winner Prediction: Hideki Matsuyama (50-1)
Golf writer Patrick McDonald goes against the grain, tabbing Masters champ Matsuyama as a potential winner given his strengths in approach play and scrambling under pressure.
Sleeper Pick: Russell Henley (100-1)
McDonald cites Henley's all-around game and recent major success as reasons he could surprise at generous 100-1 odds.
Those are just a sampling of the insights from CBS Sports as the world's best prepare to battle the renowned Pinehurst layout. Be sure to tune in this weekend to see who emerges as the 2024 U.S. Open champion.
Read more: Golf expert's U.S. Open sleeper pick: Back Collin Morikawa for major success at Pinehurst
What makes Scottie Scheffler the clear favorite this year
It's difficult to refute Scottie Scheffler's status as the favorite going into the U.S. Open this year. Over the past 12 months, the 25-year-old Texan has been on a ridiculous tear, solidifying his position as the top player in the world.
What makes Scheffler such a complete player is his all-around game. He can overpower courses when needed but also loves to play smart, tactical golf. His iron play and short game are phenomenal tools in his bag.
Probably the biggest factor in his favor is simply how well he sets up for Pinehurst No. 2. This course demands accuracy off the tee and with approach shots - two areas Scheffler owns. Throw in his steely nerves and you've got the full package.
Now look, anything can happen in a U.S. Open. But it's hard to pick against a guy playing the golf of his life who seemingly hits it all so well. Scottie Scheffler is without a doubt the man to beat coming into this national championship.
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