The 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club is poised to be a challenging tournament, with punishingly thick rough, screaming fast greens and treacherous bunkers ready to test the world's best golfers. While Scottie Scheffler enters as the undisputed favorite, some experts are wary of placing their bets on him, despite his dominant form.
Scheffler's recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. He has three wins in his last four starts, including a dominant performance at the PGA Championship and a successful title defense at the Memorial Tournament. These victories have solidified his position as the world's number one golfer. Scheffler also excels in key statistical categories, leading the field in strokes gained: total, off the tee, and approach to green. However, some "wise guys" are hesitant to back him at the U.S. Open, suggesting that his odds, around +280, don't offer enough value given the unpredictable nature of the tournament and the challenging Oakmont course.
Several factors contribute to this cautious approach. Oakmont is known for its difficulty, and the U.S. Open has a history of producing unexpected winners. The course demands extreme focus and precision, and even slight errors can be severely punished. Rory McIlroy, despite his Masters win earlier this year, is an example of a top player who has struggled at Oakmont, missing the cut in 2016.
While Scheffler has demonstrated remarkable consistency, the U.S. Open's unique pressures and Oakmont's brutal layout could level the playing field. The physical and mental demands of the course can lead to fatigue, and the importance of each shot amplifies the potential for mistakes.
Other contenders, such as defending champion Bryson DeChambeau (+700) and Rory McIlroy (+1100), present intriguing alternatives. DeChambeau has a proven track record at the U.S. Open, while McIlroy, despite recent struggles, possesses the talent to win. Other players like Jon Rahm (+1200), Xander Schauffele (+1700), and Ludvig Aberg (+1800) are also in the mix, offering potentially higher payouts for bettors.
Ultimately, while Scheffler's form makes him the man to beat, the U.S. Open's inherent unpredictability and Oakmont's daunting challenge have led some to believe that the odds are not in favor of betting on Scheffler, and that a different player may emerge victorious.
