Scottie Scheffler continues to be the talk of the golf world, capturing his fifth win of 2024 at the Memorial – his first as a father. Now, all eyes are on him as he heads to Pinehurst No. 2 for the U.S. Open, where he’s the heavy favorite. Despite his dominance, there’s a lingering question: can he finally conquer a major outside of Augusta National?
Jessica Marksbury, a senior editor, says it best: ‘It feels impossible to bet against Scottie Scheffler these days. His consistency is one of his most impressive stats. He hasn’t missed a cut in nearly two years and hasn’t finished outside the top 17 since last August.’ Scheffler’s game is so polished that even his critics can’t find a reason to doubt his potential to win at Pinehurst.
Josh Sens, another senior writer, adds, ‘The horses for courses thing does not apply to Scheffler. His game is so complete, it can travel anywhere. It’s just a matter of time before he wins a major other than the Masters. The oddsmakers have it right to have him the runaway favorite here.’
Jonathan Wall, the managing equipment editor, also chimes in: ‘Anyone who hesitates to select Scottie to win a major on any course should be admitted to a psychiatric ward. His game travels.’
Pinehurst No. 2, the first official ‘anchor site’ for the U.S. Open, will be a stiff challenge. The Donald Ross design is known for its difficult green complexes and lack of rough, which means accuracy and a sharp short game will be key. Sens notes, ‘The turtlebacks at Pinehurst are especially demanding. Miss your spot and bye bye.’
What about Tiger Woods? His recent performances have been a mixed bag, showing flashes of his former brilliance but lacking the stamina for four solid rounds. Marksbury believes that Pinehurst’s gentle walk might help him, but doubts he will contend. Sens agrees, seeing Tiger’s short game and mental fortitude as enough to possibly keep him around for the weekend.
Bryson DeChambeau has been LIV Golf’s standout in the majors this year. Marksbury thinks Pinehurst is a great fit for Bryson, while Sens sees him as a top contender: ‘Hard not to rank him among the top 5 prospects heading into the week.’ Wall agrees, noting Bryson’s recent performances make him an obvious choice over other LIV pros.
As for other storylines, Marksbury is excited about potential next-gen rivalries, with Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa peaking at the same time as Scheffler. Sens is curious about which Jon Rahm will show up, given his recent struggles. Wall focuses on Schauffele’s incredible consistency at the U.S. Open, where he’s had seven straight top-15 finishes.
On a lighter note, when asked about the most annoying golfer habits, Marksbury and Sens both pointed out the frustrations of slow play and incessant talking about one’s own game. Wall finds it annoying when someone talks to his ball as it’s in the air, wishing for silence instead.
With Scheffler’s dominance, Tiger’s hopeful persistence, and rising stars like Schauffele and Morikawa, the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 promises to be an exciting event. As always, the course will test every player’s mettle, but if recent form is any indicator, golf fans are in for a thrilling tournament.
Source: Golf
