Possible Longshot Contenders for the US Open at Oakmont: A 100/1 Chance for an Unheralded Winner?
Winning the US Open as a Longshot
Do the odds of 100/1 suggest an unlikely win at the US Open? well, recent history indicates otherwise.
Undoubtedly, the betting favorites like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy deserve the attention they receive based on their form. But underdogs priced at 100/1 or higher have managed to take home the title in this prestigious tournament.
Witness the likes of Wyndham Clark, who, at 125/1, claimed victory just a couple of years ago. Gary Woodland and Webb Simpson also won at Pebble Beach in 2019 and at Oakmont in 2012, respectively, with odds over 100/1. Even Angel Cabrera, winner at Oakmont in 2007, had odds above 100/1.
So, who's about to join this select group of US Open outsiders?
Min Woo Lee – 125/1
With only three appearances in the US Open, Min Woo Lee may not look like an obvious contender. However, his consistency impresses – with a scoring average of 70.42, the sixth-best in the field over the past five years. The South Korean player is also eighth on the PGA Tour in driving distance this season.
Cameron Young – 100/1
It's hard to fathom how Cameron Young hasn't yet won a PGA Tour event. Suffering a devastating loss could either be a massive negative or the added fuel he needs to seize his first-ever PGA Tour triumph at Oakmont. Famous past winners like Angel Cabrera (2007), Ernie Els (1996), and Jack Nicklaus (1962) won their first career tournament at Oakmont during the US Open.
His all-around game is stellar, and his Major record boasts 10 made cuts in 16 events, with half of those resulting in top-10 finishes, including a second and T3.
Justin Rose – 125/1
Justin Rose, a former US Open champion, fluctuates in price, likely due to concerns over his age and distance off the tee. Despite missing four cuts in five US Opens, Rose is a Major powerhouse with a knack for all-or-nothing performances in these events. In the past nine Majors, he has missed the cut five times but also posted top-10 finishes in the remaining four.
Akshay Bhatia – 110/1
Bhatia, a left-hander, caught our attention during the 2021 US Open, where he finished T56 despite qualifying through a playoff. In last year's event, he finished T16. With an impressive ranking of 21st in approach and 12th in putting, coupled with solid driving accuracy (56th) and greens in regulation (55th) statistics, the young golfer seems poised to thrive on Oakmont's challenging greens.
Aaron Rai – 100/1
Get ready for the onslaught of dreaded rough at Oakmont. This wet season has made the rough more impenetrable than ever. As the most accurate driver on the PGA Tour this year, Aaron Rai has a strong advantage when it comes to handling these challenging course conditions. Rai has made the cut in his last five Majors, with top-19 finishes at the PGA Championship last month and the 2021 US Open.
So, buckle up, and witness these potential outsiders put up a strong fight at the 125th US Open at Oakmont.
Sports enthusiasts, pay close attention to Min Woo Lee and Cameron Young, two of the golfers with longshots of 125/1 and 100/1, respectively, in the upcoming US Open tournament at Oakmont. Despite being considered underdogs, both players have impressive records that make them worthy contenders. Min Woo Lee's consistency and impressive driving distance stand out, while Cameron Young's all-around game and Major performance record are noteworthy.
