It has been described as ‘one of the toughest golf courses to play in the world’, so it is fitting that Oakmont CC is the host venue of this year’s second major: the US Open.
This tournament is one that is deliberately designed to offer the toughest test in the sport, and the last time Oakmont welcomed the event in 2007 the champion, Angel Cabrera, carded a score of +5. Even as recently as 2015, when the US Open was played at Chambers Bay, Washington, the eventual winner Jordan Spieth could only register a score of -5 as near tornado-level winds and punishing hazards put the players through the ringer.
That level of technical detail has meant that this tournament has witnessed some surprise winners over the years, including the unheralded Webb Simpson in 2012 and Lucas Glover in 2009. This gives punters quite a task in predicting a champion here.
But we do know that we are looking for a player who can keep complete control of their ball; any wayward hitting will be punished in the most severe way this weekend.
US Open Betting Tips
For our player profile this week clearly we are looking for somebody who is accurate off the tee to get us started; any loose drives could end up in the thick rough, the multiple bunkers or hampered by overhanging treelines.
Then we need somebody who can reach the greens on time: so Greens in Regulation and scrambling are two key weapons to have in the arsenal.
And, as this is a par 70 stretch, we’re looking for players who can shoot low on the myriad of par 4 holes here.
Jason Day
When about to embark on betting on golf’s toughest test, it probably pays to have the most in-form player on the planet on your side.
Admittedly, the best price of 7/1 offered by William Hill is almost bordering on the unbackable, but logic dictates that Jason Day stands a better chance than anyone of taming Oakmont.
The world number one has bagged three titles this season, including the Players Championship just a matter of weeks ago, and has a wealth of top-10 finishes to his name in tournaments that we consider relevant.
For instance, we know that Cabrera has won both at Oakmont in 2007 and Augusta in 2009 to win the Masters. So, we can surmise that both courses suit the Argentine’s eye; and thus anybody who does well at Augusta stands a chance at Oakmont.
Well, Day has finished second, third and tenth in the Masters’ of 2011, 2013 and 2015, and as if his ability to play tough courses came into question he has finished second and eight in two US Opens too.
With all of this in mind, why wouldn’t you back Day – even at the stingy price?
Justin Rose
An often frustrating pick is Justin Rose but at 28/1 with BetVictor here a potentially profitable one. Here’s a guy that has already won a US Open title in Pennsylvania, and a player who seemingly comes into his own in these wars of attrition.
It’s always handy having a guy onside who has a 50% hit rate of finishing top-ten in tournaments – as Rose has done in five of eleven this season, including a third at the Wells Fargo as recently as May.
Here’s a guy who loves playing at Augusta too – a handy angle in, and possesses the welcome advantage of actually having played at Oakmont when he finished tenth there in 2007.
US Open Dark Horses
As previously mentioned, no major quite offers the chance of a shock win than the US Open. There is a swathe of players available between 50/1 and 125/1 who you could happily make a case for, and here are two of the best:
Paul Casey
At 80/1 with bet365 fair weather punters could be forgiven for thinking that Casey stands next to no chance of winning here, but that really isn’t the case.
It is the Englishman’s reluctance to play much on the PGA Tour that keeps his price so lengthy, but he has that happy knack of turning up for the majors all-guns blazing.
A tenth at Oakmont in 2007 is a nice indicator of his suitability for the test, while a fourth place finish – and handy each way return for punters – shows he is still capable of mixing it with the big boys when the pressure is on.
Jim Furyk
A final word must go to former US Open champion, and Oakmont runner-up in ’07, Jim Furyk.
He’s on the comeback trail after wrist surgery and isn’t back to his best….yet. But a tournament in which he has recorded five top-5 finishes, playing on a course he clearly loves and in his home state of Pennsylvania, well, we’re happy with the 90/1 quoted by Boyle Sports, that’s for sure.
