The 122nd US Open is almost upon us and ahead of Thursday’s opening round at The Country Club, Brookline, we have delved into the field to pick out some lively outsiders that could seriously challenge for glory.
While the likes of Rory McIlroy (11/1), Justin Thomas (12/1), Scottie Scheffler (14/1) and defending champion Jon Rahm (14/1) are at the top end of the betting, there are some other candidates that provide more value further down the standings.
Sungjae Im
First up in the outsider category is South Korean Sungjae Im, who is one of the steadiest players on the PGA Tour and can be backed at 28/1 in Betfred’s 10 places market to break his Major duck this week.
The 24-year-old has already shown he can produce on the big stage, having claimed two titles on the US circuit, while he has also landed two top-10 finishes at the Masters – a T2 in 2020 was followed by a T8 this year.
Possessing a great tee-to-green game will be pivotal this week, as the USGA will have thick rough and small, contoured greens waiting for the 156-strong field, and Im has this in spades.
The world number 21 is 12th in strokes gained: off-the-green and ninth in tee-to-green, while he is also fifth in SG: around-the-green and eighth in greens in regulation. Expect him to be in contention come Sunday evening.
Billy Horschel
World number 11 Billy Horschel landed his seventh PGA Tour title at the Memorial Tournament at the beginning of this month and he could be worth a punt at 35/1 in the 10 places market.
The American not only ranks 10th in driving accuracy and 27th in greens in regulation, but he is also one of the best putters on Tour, as he is 10th in strokes gained: putting, and all of these aspects could help him to glory.
Alex Noren
At odds of 100/1 in the 10 places market, Alex Noren could be worth an each-way tickle given the fact he has recorded two top-10s and further three top-10 finishes in 2022.
The Swedish ace landed his best US Open result on his most recent appearance in the Major in 2020, when he was tied-17th, and his game appears to be trending in the right direction right now.
