This article is for the 2017 U.S. Open. To find out who I'm picking to win the 2018 U.S. Open, click here.
Look, predicting a pre-tournament Sportsbook in golf isn’t easy. While it’s true sports bettors can find fantastic value, it’s incredibly frustrating when one of your picks doesn’t even make the cut. That’s why I’m here to help.
Every week I’ll highlight three golfers who have a good chance to win the hardware for the upcoming weekend. This week it’s the second major of the year, the U.S. Open.
For a full breakdown of the tournament, click here.
Odds courtesy of Sportsbook.
Dustin Johnson (+750)
It's too tough to bet against Johnson at this tournament. After getting his first win at the U.S. Open a year ago, DJ went on an absolute tear which peaked in the form of three straight wins prior to the Masters. He's cooled off of late, but Erin Hills is tailored for his game.
Johnson drives it long, hits greens and is clutch with the flat stick - the perfect recipe for success at this major. He easily could've been the back-to-back champion at the event but was a 12-foot eagle putt away from triumphing in 2015.
Everyone knows golf is an extremely mental game, which is a part of what makes Johnson so good. Nothing rattles him. We've seen some ridiculous shenanigans from the USGA over the past few years, and Johnson always seems to be the target, but he proved last year he can win here. While I'm not a huge fan of the price, I'm comfortable backing him in Wisconsin.
Jordan Spieth (+1400)
The 2015 U.S. Open Sportsbook, no one seems to be talking about Spieth right now. That's likely just fine for the young Texan who's dealt with a ton of hype since bursting onto the scene a few years ago.
Spieth has regained his form on the fairways of late, which will be crucial to avoid the nightmare fescue of Erin Hills. Since the course is new to the major scene, only a few men have actually played it before but Spieth is one of them. He fared well here as an amateur in 2011, shooting a 69 to go along with three match-play wins.
Rickie Fowler (+2000)
After coming close at the Masters, Rickie Fowler is a shark on the PGA Tour who can smell blood in the water. His time for a major victory will come soon, and it could happen this weekend.
In Fowler's past nine events, he has a win, two top-3s and six total finishes of T-16 or better. Mother Nature is going to be a huge factor at the tournament, as Erin Hills is famous for its blustery conditions. The good news for Fowler backs is he's consistently been one of the top golfers on the Tour when it comes to playing well in the wind.
