2024 US Open preview: Field, odds, venue and more

The US Open, USGA’s flagship championship, is returning to the historic Pinehurst No. 2 in the Sandhills of North Carolina. This marks not only the first time in a decade that the prestigious tournament has graced the iconic venue but also the first time Pinehurst serves as an anchor site for the USGA.

In 2020, the governing body announced plans to build Golf House Pinehurst, a state-of-the-art facility located just a short par 5 away from the main clubhouse, and host five future US Opens at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2024, 2029, 2035, 2041, and 2047. Notably, the 2024 event will be the USGA’s 1,000th championship, adding to the tournament’s significance.

The players will be competing for a staggering total purse of $21.5 million, with the winner taking home an impressive $4.3 million. This substantial prize money reflects the prestige and importance of the US Open, attracting the world’s best golfers to battle it out for the coveted championship.

2024 US Open Field

Defending champion Wyndham Clark will battle it out against several of golf’s top players for the 2024 US Open – the third major of the season – at Pinehurst Resort’s course No. 2.

Clark, who clinched his maiden major championship by a single stroke over Rory McIlroy at the 2023 US Open at the Los Angeles Country Club, will face a formidable field of competitors.

The four-round stroke play event will feature some of the best players in the world, including world number one Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Brooks Koepka – the last man to successfully defend the US Open title.

Reigning Olympic champion Xander Schauffele will be among the challengers following his first Major victory at last month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. Additionally, three-time US Open winner and golf legend Tiger Woods will also be teeing up at Pinehurst after earning a special exemption for the tournament.

Scottie Scheffler, who finished third at last year’s US Open and won his second green jacket in three years at Augusta National, will be on the hunt for his third career major. He narrowly missed winning the 2022 US Open at The Country Club, finishing just one stroke behind champion Matt Fitzpatrick. 

Other notable contenders include Viktor Hovland, Bryson DeChambeau, Patrick Cantlay, Collin Morikawa, Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson, Max Homa, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, and Hideki Matsuyama.

Each of these players brings their own strengths and recent successes, promising an exciting and highly competitive tournament.

Weather and Course Condition

The US Open is known for being the toughest test in golf, with long courses, narrow fairways, and heavy rough. This year, the championship will present a slightly different challenge to the players. Instead of long rough, the course will feature thousands of wire grass plants in sandy native areas, which will make shot execution as much of a mental test as a physical one.

Tom Pashley, President of Pinehurst Resort, stated:

“With Pinehurst No. 2, we feel that the golf course is always close to US Open ready. We don’t have to grow up the rough, we don’t have to narrow the fairways.”

“We focus on firming up the conditions and making sure it’s fast. Now with Bermuda grass greens instead of Bent grass greens, we can’t wait to see how the Donald Ross greens perform under US Open conditions.”

The most notable change from the 2014 U.S. Open is the narrowing of the fairway on the par-4 13th hole, which now measures just 28 yards across. Overall, Pinehurst No. 2 will play to 7,548 yards from the back tees and is par 70.

However, the distance can be adjusted from 7,300 to 7,500 yards depending on weather and wind conditions. The putting greens will be at 13-plus on the Stimpmeter, so you can expect a quick, firm, and fast course.

The weather could have a big impact on how the tournament plays out. The forecast is for a mix of sunny and partly cloudy days with mild to moderate breezes, which should keep the course dry and firm, enhancing its fast-playing conditions.

With no rain in the forecast, the greens and fairways will stay firm and fast, making the championship even more challenging. Players will need to adapt their strategies to manage the potentially swirling winds and the fast, dry conditions. This year’s U.S. Open will test players’ mental resilience as much as their physical precision.

Expert Picks and Picks

Expert picks:

Scottie Scheffler (3-1): Scottie enters the US Open as the overwhelming favorite, and for good reason. With each victory this season, his accomplishments have become increasingly historic.

A triumph at Pinehurst would elevate his season to truly legendary status. If Scheffler emerges victorious, he would become the first golfer since Tiger Woods to win six times in a single year, including a major championship.

Moreover, he would join an elite group of only four players to achieve six wins in a season since 1983. Remarkably, Scheffler would also etch his name as just the third player this century to capture both the Masters and U.S. Open titles in the same year.

While Scheffler’s talents are undeniable, his short game and course management abilities are often underrated. These crucial aspects of his game will be on full display throughout the week at Pinehurst, as he aims to elevate his already tremendous season to truly historic heights.

Xander Schauffele (12-1): His recent play suggests he’ll enter the US Open with newfound confidence and a major championship under his belt. Now that he’s got that major monkey off his back, Schauffele is in a great position to keep up the good work at golf’s most prestigious events.

While it seems unlikely that he’ll win two in a row, especially on a tough course like Pinehurst No. 2, which is quite different from the last major venue, there’s a feeling that Schauffele is on the brink of something special.

With the pressure off, he could really start to show what he can do and maybe even win a few times in the next few years. Schauffele’s ability to avoid three-putts could be a real advantage at Pinehurst No. 2, where precision putting will be key. 

Sleeper Picks:

Hideki Matsuyama (50-1): He presents an intriguing option for those seeking excitement beyond the obvious favorites. The former Masters champion thrives in two areas that will be heavily tested at Pinehurst: approach play and short game prowess around the greens.

Matsuyama ranks No. 1 on the PGA Tour in strokes gained around the green, a crucial statistic for navigating the challenging course conditions. Additionally, Matsuyama is among the leaders in terms of proximity from 200+ yards and bogey avoidance, both of which will be invaluable assets at the demanding Pinehurst No. 2 layout.

Any concerns regarding his lack of competitive reps since the Masters were quelled with a victory at the Genesis Invitational and a top-10 result last week at the Memorial Tournament.

Matsuyama’s solid US Open résumé, which includes a runner-up finish in 2017 and a top-five finish in 2022, further bolsters his credentials as a legitimate contender. His combination of precision iron play and deft touch around the greens could prove to be a potent formula for success at this year’s championship.

Russell Henley (90-1): Russell emerges as a compelling dark horse pick for the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst. Henley has proven his ability to compete at the highest level, registering two top-15 finishes in the past three years at difficult USGA setups, despite a missed cut sandwiched in between – a testament to the demanding nature of the US Open.

More importantly, Henley’s recent form lends itself to potential success at this year’s event. Over his last 16 rounds, he ranks 14th in Strokes Gained: Approach, 19th in Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green, and inside the top 25 in Bogey Avoidance.

Additionally, he has demonstrated a proficiency on Bermuda greens and remains one of the most accurate drivers on the PGA Tour.

The 2024 US Open at Pinehurst promises to be a complete examination of players’ skills throughout the bag, and few competitors possess the well-rounded game that Henley currently exhibits. His balanced approach, coupled with his ability to navigate challenging course setups, makes him a compelling dark horse pick that should not be overlooked.