Olimp3kSignUp jan19This week Pebble Beach hosts the US Open. In this, the 119th US Open Brook Koepka looks to become only the second player in history to win more than two consecutive US Open titles (the last time this happened was more than a century ago). Koepka is also the reigning PGA Championship – another title he managed to successfully defend – and the current World Number 1 finished tied for second place in the US Master earlier in the year making him the man form in 2019.

 

 

 

 

Unlike the US Masters (annually held at Augusta) this tournament rotates its venues across the United States. In 2019 the US Open visits the Monterrey Peninsula in California. Pebble Beach Golf Links is rated as one of the most iconic courses in the world of golf and certainly a top contender for one of the more picturesque patches of 18 holes around the globe. Most golf enthusiasts will rank the Pebble very close to the top of their must-visit venues. The professional players know the course well since the annual pro-am (AT&T Pebble Beach) is hosted on the greater estate.

Let’s take a look at a few of the betting options from BETOLIMP for this big event.

 

TOP OF THE BOARDS

Tiger found his roar at the Masters and returns to a track where he has a good record. Not only is Woods a three time US Open winner, his 2000 victory came at the self-same Pebble Beach. Woods also won the AT&T in 2000 and 2009 so clearly the venue is no issue for the 15-time major winner. Tiger incredibly won the 2010 event by a massive 15 shots and on the back of this its no wonder that Jack Nicklaus has him down as the favourite. “My game is right where it needs to be” is the warning from the man himself but I will once again give the great man a swerve in the betting this time around – nine years is a long time between drinks and I figure some of the others have caught up in the meantime.

Brooks Koepka is making a name for himself, not necessarily by collecting FedEx points and notching up as many PGA titles as possibly, but rather by showing his unbelievable knack of targeting the majors and rolling out his A-game for these big events. With four major wins to his name (starting from 2017) Koepka is the new alpha male in the golf universe and deserves his spot at the top of the betting boards. Despite is appetite for the biggest stage I give Koepka a pass based on a lack of course form and experience.

Woods and then Koepka stealing the spotlight has surely taken some of the pressure of Rory. McIlroy comes into this one with a spring in his step the only thing missing is the swagger. If the putter fires the Irishman might just disappear into the sunset with another US Open title but one has to remember he is yet to win a major since 2014. He should be right there in the mix but winning the US Open at Peddle is a completely different ball game to a tour win in Canada. I prefer the next bloke on the boards…

The new “Big Easy”, Dustin Johnson is another top favourite for Pebble Beach success. Like the original Big Easy, Johnson is no stranger to No2 – the current World Number 2 arrives in California seeking his second US Open title. With two second places at the 2019 Majors (the Masters and the PGA Champs) Dustin is the “proud” owner of a career grand slam having now settled for being the bridesmaid at all four the major championships. DJ has won two AT&T events and also held the 54-hole lead when the US Open was last hosted at Peddle (in 2010). It might not be a prerequisite to be the biggest bomber when playing this course Monterrey Peninsula but it certainly won’t hurt, either way I just have a gut feeling that the big guy with the laid back demeanour is going to go one better than his other 2019 major outings and take the top prize at Pebble Beach!

 

OTHER LURKERS

There are a few chaps a touch further down the betting boards who also deserve some of your attention.

Snedeker - Finally playing some pretty decent golf and twice winner at the AT&T so clearly he is very comfortable around this track.

Simpson – Like Snedeker he has had his ups and downs but seems to be coming to hand nicely at present (finished tied for second last week).

Kaymer – Sam category as the gentlemen mentioned above. Game took a serious dip but could be back on track just in time for a good run here.

Cantlay – Patrick Cantlay is the name on everyone’s lips coming into this week. The winner at The Memorial would have proved great value had you gotten on him a few weeks ago but at currently prices he is a touch short for my liking though certainly not without a realistic shot of winning it.

Schauffele–I’ve seen the California resident mentioned as a possible contender by many this week. The 25-year-old has shown he is the man for the big occasion with a number of impressive results at Majors – tied 2nd at the British Open in 2018 and the same result at the Masters this year. His US Open record also catches the eye having finished in the top 10 in both his previous outings. One to consider at Pebble Beach that is for sure.

Finau – The big bomber has become a consistent performer, especially at the big events. 2018 Saw Finauachive three top 10 results at the Majors and he followed it up with a tie for fifth at the Masters in April.

Furyk – Won at Colonial a few weeks back. His performances in Majors hardly fills one with much confidence but there seems to be a touch more steeliness to his mental make-up of late. His odds look rather appealing.

 

MY BEST BETS WITH BETOLIMP

To win

Dustin Johnson @ 9.00

Web Simpson @ 42.00

Brandt Snedeker @ 47.00

 

Top Ten Finish:

Martin Kaymer @ 8.50

Kevin Na @ 11.00

 

First Round Leader:

Patrick Cantlay @ 35.00

Tony Finau @ 60.00

Gary Woodland @ 65.00