The US Open is set to tee off from Torrey Pines this week. So, as golf’s third major of the season starts Thursday, we are set to cover another exciting weekend of golf. Bryson DeChambeau is the reigning champion, as he finished six under par to win the 2020 US Open at Winged Foot Golf Club last September. Certainly, this is going to be must-watch golf as he is a contender at Torrey Pines this weekend. First, I will discuss the course and then go through potential winners with dark horse picks.
US Open Course: Torrey Pines Golf Course
The is the first major tournament hosted by Torrey Pines since the 2008 US Open. In that event, Tiger Woods beat Rocco Mediate in a 19-hole Monday playoff in one of the greatest major championships. The total length of the course is 7,685 yards, 191 yards shorter than Kiawah’s Island course.
In addition, it is the yearly host for the Farmers Insurance Open, which Patrick Reed won back in January. Personally, I believe this is one of the finest courses on the PGA Tour, especially when the sun is out. I can’t wait to see what this course has to offer and how low the scores are.
US Open Favorites to Win
As of Tuesday morning, Jon Rahm is the betting favorite according to DraftKings. Rounding out the top five in best odds to win include Dechambeau, Dustin Johnson, Xander Schauffele, and Brooks Koepka. Rahm was leading the 2021 Memorial Tournament earlier this month before withdrawing from the tournament after testing positive for COVID-19. His best finish at a US Open was tied for third in 2019 and he’s hoping to break that this weekend.
Torrey Pines is not the kindest place to DeChambeau. He hasn’t played at the Farmers Insurance Open since 2018 and is looking to make his first cut at this course. If he struggles to drive, look for him to struggle this week.
Dustin Johnson is looking to add to his only win of 2021. He won the Saudi Invitational back in February and is someone who performs well in major tournaments. DJ is definitely someone you’ll want to watch.
I am excited to see Schauffele take part in his fifth US Open. His best finish is tied for third, which came in 2019. He’s never finished lower than tied for sixth and is hoping for his first major win in his hometown of San Diego.
Koepka is playing in his first US Open since 2019 after missing last year’s event. He went back to back in 2017 and 2018 and is looking to follow up his second-place finish at the PGA Championship this year. I know the rivalry between DeChambeau and him will be a talking point all week so hopefully, we can see them head to head with one another at some point.
Names to Know
I’m rooting for one of the best young golfers on tour right now in Collin Morikawa. Currently ranked eighth in the FedEx Cup standings, Morikawa has six top-ten finishes this season. His 71.8 Greens in Regulation % is the best on tour right now, which sets him up nicely for Torrey Pines.
Hideki Matsuyama is playing with DeChambeau on Thursday and Friday, which could be awesome. Matsuyama won the Masters in April, becoming the first Japanese male golfer to win a major championship. He is looking to make the top 10 at the US Open for the first time since 2017.
Finally, Justin Rose is a longshot contender but could win the US Open. He is trying to make the top ten for the third time in four years at this time, although he did miss the cut in 2008 at Torrey Pines. Rose would be the first person over 40 to win the tournament since Payne Stewart won at age 42 in 1999.
Conclusion
This is going to be a fun weekend of golf. Plenty of names to look out for and storylines that could make this must-see TV. Personally, I am rooting for DeChambeau to repeat but he’ll have plenty of competition. With the weather expected to be sunny and in the high 70’s all week, expect the best man to come out victorious.
Check out more SYP content!
UFC 263 and Stevenson/Nakathila Will Be Remarkable Cards