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Who is the favorite to win the 2023 US Open? Predictions, expert picks

As the U.S. Open draws nearer, golf enthusiasts eagerly await the thrilling competition that will unfold at the picturesque Los Angeles Country Club.

Sean M. HaffeyAFP

Los Angeles Country Club is gearing up to host the third major tournament of the PGA Tour season, the 2023 U.S. Open, starting on Thursday, June 15. The world’s top golfers, including defending champion Matt Fitzpatrick, will vie for victory at this prestigious event. However, Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and several other major champions will be formidable contenders, hoping to secure another title. According to the latest odds from Caesars Sportsbook, Scheffler (7-1), Rahm (8-1), Brooks Koepka (9-1), and Rory McIlroy (10-1) are the favorites to win the 2023 U.S. Open.

This year’s U.S. Open is notable as it will be only the third active U.S. Open venue in Southern California, joining Riviera CC and Torrey Pines South course. The renowned golf course architect Gil Hanse played a significant role in recent golf majors and contributed to redesigning the Los Angeles Country Club North Course in 2010. Originally designed by George Thomas, the course’s transformation led to it hosting the Walker Cup in 2017, bringing it into the spotlight and ultimately securing its selection as the venue for the 2023 U.S. Open. The Los Angeles Country Club is widely regarded as a hidden gem in the golf world, and this year’s U.S. Open will mark the fifth significant event held at the club since 1930.

The North Course offers an expansive and lightly forested layout, showcasing elements of parklands and links-style terrain, all against the backdrop of the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Its design evokes a sense of the Brookline Golf Course, and its undulating topography adds challenge. The course plays as a par 71, stretching around 7,250 yards. However, potential modifications may be implemented before the 2023 U.S. Open to test the players further.

To excel at the Los Angeles Country Club, players must possess several key attributes, including total driving ability, strong scrambling and bunker skills, a resilient mentality, precise mid-iron distance control, and exceptional putting prowess.

2023 U.S. Open: Predictions and odds

As the U.S. Open 2023 approaches, the betting market is expected to change. However, the early odds align with the current world golf rankings. The leading contenders include Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm, and Scottie Scheffler, with no significant gaps between them. Dustin Johnson is an exciting player to watch out for, whose odds range from +2500 to +3300. Although he recently shifted to the LIV golf tour, Johnson’s performance at the U.S. Open could be an excellent opportunity for bettors to profit. He performed impressively in the driving and putting categories during the 2021 season, making him a strong contender.

Another option is Jordan Spieth, priced at +2500. Considering his strong form leading up to the U.S. Open 2023, it’s highly likely that Spieth’s odds will shorten significantly. His game seems well-suited to the Los Angeles Country Club, evidenced by his exceptional scrambling skills and impressive approach play ratings. Additionally, Spieth benefits from having more room off the tee on this course. Savvy bettors may want to take advantage of these favorable odds in the Futures major golf betting market before Spieth’s potential resurgence becomes widely recognized.

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