The 2024 U.S. Open has already seen two thrilling rounds, and an incredible 19 golfers are within just 5 strokes of the lead. The tournament is taking place at the historic Pinehurst Resort & C.C. in North Carolina, specifically on Course No. 2, which measures 7,543 yards with a par of 70. As we gear up for Saturday's 3rd round, the excitement is palpable. Let's dive into the latest updates and odds from BetMGM Sportsbook, as well as some standout performances and prop bets.
Leading the Pack: Ludvig Aberg
Currently leading the pack is Ludvig Aberg, a 24-year-old Swedish professional golfer who has been showing impressive form. Aberg is at 5-under-par 135 and holds a narrow 1-stroke lead heading into the weekend. Ranked No. 4 in the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings, Aberg shot a solid 1-under 69 in the second round following an opening round of 66. This rising star opened with odds of +1800 and was at +650 after the first round. He's now positioned at +320 as he seeks his second career title in just his 28th Tour start.
Key Contenders: Close on Aberg's Heels
Several other golfers are hot on Aberg's trail, making for an exciting third round. Here are some key players to watch:
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Thomas Detry (+2000): Detry, ranked 63rd in Golfweek's rankings, is tied for second place at 4-under after rounds of 69-67. He started the tournament with odds of +10000 and is now a serious contender for his first PGA Tour title.
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Patrick Cantlay (+900): Cantlay, the No. 7 player in Golfweek's rankings, also sits tied for second at 4-under after rounds of 65-71. His odds have significantly improved from +5000 at the start to +800 after the first round.
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Bryson DeChambeau (+400): Known for his powerful play, DeChambeau is tied for second as well, with rounds of 67-69. His initial odds were +2000, dropping to +750 after the first round, making him a formidable challenger.
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Tony Finau (+1200): Finau, ranked 29th in Golfweek, is tied for fifth place at 3-under after rounds of 68-69. His consistent performance has him in a strong position, starting with odds of +4000.
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Rory McIlroy (+450): McIlroy, Golfweek's No. 3 player, is also tied for fifth after shooting 65-72. He began the tournament with +1200 odds and was at +250 after the first round.
Notable Performances and Shifts in Odds
Some pre-tournament favorites have had a tough time on the course. Scottie Scheffler, who started as a favorite with +333 odds, just made the cut at 5-over after rounds of 71-74. His odds have plummeted to +8000. Defending champion Wyndham Clark, who won last year with a score of 10-under 270, is tied for 51st place at 4-over, with his odds falling dramatically from +6600 to +75000.
Prop Bets and Interesting Stats
Before the tournament kicked off, there were several intriguing prop bets that caught the eye of many fans:
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Phil Mickelson (+200 to make the cut): Unfortunately for Mickelson fans, he didn't even come close, finishing at 15-over with rounds of 79-76.
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Any LIV player to win (YES +400): Eight of the twelve LIV players who entered made the cut. Bryson DeChambeau remains the best chance for a LIV player victory.
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Winning margin (1 shot +400): This prop bet looks promising as the competition is extremely tight halfway through the Open.
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Tiger Woods to make cut (NO -300): This bet hit as Tiger finished 7-over with rounds of 74-73, missing the cut by 2 shots.
What's Next?
As we head into the weekend, the third round promises to be a nail-biter with so many players still in contention. The final group will tee off at 1:42 p.m. ET, with coverage available from 10 a.m. to noon ET on USA and from 12 to 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Keep an eye on the leaderboards and be sure to check back throughout the season for our PGA Tour picks, predictions, and best bets.
Exciting Elements to Watch
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Battle for the Lead: With Aberg holding a slim lead, any mistake could shuffle the leaderboard significantly. Will he hold his nerve and secure his second career title?
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Comeback Stories: Watch for potential comebacks from players like Scheffler and Clark, who have the skill to stage a dramatic return.
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Young vs. Experienced: The mix of young talent like Aberg and seasoned pros like McIlroy adds a fascinating dynamic to the competition.
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Changing Odds: Keep an eye on how the odds shift throughout the weekend. Players who can maintain their form under pressure will see their odds shorten.
The 2024 U.S. Open is shaping up to be an unforgettable tournament, with thrilling performances and plenty of drama on the horizon. Whether you're a seasoned golf fan or just tuning in for the excitement, this year's event promises to deliver plenty of memorable moments.
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