The 2023 U.S. Open is set to take place at Los Angeles Country Club after a 75-year absence. Scottie Scheffler, the current world No. 1, enters the tournament as the betting favorite, having been the favorite at the 2023 Masters and 2023 PGA Championship as well. Scheffler aims to add a second major title to his collection. However, he faces tough competition from Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka, both reigning major champions. Other notable players include Rory McIlroy, who seeks to end his nine-year major drought, and Viktor Hovland, who has been performing well in recent major championships.
The odds provided by Caesars Sportsbook show Scheffler as the favorite at 13/2, followed by Rahm at 8-1 and Koepka at 17/2. Hovland’s odds have improved from 18-1 to 10-1 due to his recent victory at the Memorial. Rahm, with a history of success in California, is a player to watch at 8-1.
There are several players in the next tier of favorites, including Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa, and Xander Schauffele. Homa’s high odds can be attributed to liability, as he holds the course record at LACC but lacks a major top-10 finish. Among the players in contention are Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa, and Tony Finau, who have a combined total of 11 major championships. Morikawa, known for his accuracy off the tee and excellent iron play, has the potential to emerge as a top contender.
Other players with a chance to perform well include Tyrrell Hatton, Hideki Matsuyama, Bryson DeChambeau, and Rickie Fowler. The recent history of U.S. Open champions suggests that players with odds of 30-1 or shorter are more likely to win, but there are strong candidates to defy this trend. Hatton and Fowler have shown good form leading up to the tournament.
Finally, there are a few sleepers worth considering, such as Sahith Theegala, Wyndham Clark, and Corey Conners. The course, although measuring over 7,500 yards, is expected to play shorter due to firm and fast conditions, favoring players like Denny McCarthy, who excels in challenging conditions.
Overall, the 2023 U.S. Open promises to be an exciting tournament with top players vying for the championship title.
