Section 400’s US Open Roundtable

Just like that, roundtables are back!!! If you’ve been with us for a while you probably remember our staff roundtables during the fall football season, but for the new readers here – first of all thank you for the support – and secondly let me explain what our roundtables are all about.

I sat down with our other huge golf fan, Matt, ahead of the third major championship on the golf calendar with some burning questions I needed answered. Read below to see who Matt and I are taking to lift the trophy, make and miss the cut, and what long shots we believe have a chance to make some noise this weekend.

Scottie Does Know

Scottie Scheffler is undoubtedly the best golfer in the world. Is this tournament his to lose? Or do you think he struggles as the favorite?

MK: Yes. I’ve said in the past Scottie has the chance to pass Tiger Woods as the best golfer of all time. A win this weekend makes my take even stronger. The US Open is definitely his to lose.

BH: Scottie Scheffler has finished at least second in seven of the last eight tournaments he has played in. The one time he didn’t finish at the top of the leaderboard, he was arrested hours before his tee time. This tournament is certainly his to lose.

I’m Still Standin’

Majors are always filled with “feel-good” storylines. Which golfer will make the cut despite some tough odds?

MK: Give me Aaron Rai (-110). The 29-year-old has made the cut in 58 of the 83 events he has played, and finished in the top 10 seven times. He has reached the weekend in each of his last five tournaments, including the PGA Championship, and is coming off a top 15 performance last weekend. Rai gets it done.

BH: While I do think Tiger has a solid chance to make the cut this weekend, I’ll give out Jake Knapp (+115). The 30-year-old was playing his best season of his career up until this month. I’m willing to take a chance at saying he’s “due” to make a cut after missing the line in his last two tournaments. With high scores across the board likely this weekend, I’m not sleeping on Knapp.

Leavin’

We hate praying on people’s downfall, unless its the 49ers, Yankees, or Alabama, but I need you to do it here. Which golfer is going to miss the cut this weekend?

MK: Nick Taylor is getting some juice to win the tournament, but I just don’t see it. The Canadian has missed the cut at both major tournaments in 2024 at the trend continues this weekend.

BH: Jordan Spieth has not played good golf since 2015. At (+170) odds, I’ll take the risk his downward spiral continues.

High Hopes

Alright let’s have some fun. Give me a long shot that will stun the golf world on Sunday!

MK: I mentioned him already. Aaron Rai (+25000) is playing outstanding golf right now. With high scores likely, he has the chance to be around on Sunday if his putter is consistent enough.

BH: I want to see the “Sunday Orange” from every 2010’s middle-schoolers favorite golfer, Rickie Fowler (+12500). The 35-year-old hasn’t had a great 2024, but it’s a long shot for a reason.

Down to Business.

Who is winning this thing? Who is finishing in the top 20? And who is finishing in the top 10?

MK: All business I like it. Alex Noren (+210) is going to end up at least in the top 20 on Sunday, Xander Schauffele (+120) might win it, but he’ll certainly be in the top 10. As for the winner, I’ll refer you to the first question. Scottie (+300) takes it home.

BH: Mr. Tom Kim at (+260) to finish in the top 20 is free money. Tom Kim (+650) to finish in the top 10 is way too juicy for me to pass up. While I’ll be taking Tom Kim at (+11000) to win it, I’ll be hedging with Scottie (+300).