Scheffler’s dominance, U.S. Open preview

Test in each week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the most well liked matters within the sport, and be part of the dialog by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we talk about any potential hesitations (or lack thereof) for choosing Scottie Scheffler at Pinehurst and preview this week’s U.S. Open.

1. Scottie Scheffler gained the Memorial on Sunday, his fifth win of 2024, the primary to do this by this level of the season since 1980. Now he heads to the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 as soon as once more because the heavy betting favourite. Regardless of his success, ought to there be any hesitation in selecting him since he’s by no means gained a serious exterior of Augusta Nationwide?

Jessica Marksbury, senior editor (@jess_marksbury): It feels unimaginable to wager in opposition to Scottie Scheffler today. I’m struggling to seek out any metric that might deter me from selecting him as a favourite. Golf is fickle, anybody can have a nasty day at any given time, however Scheffler’s consistency is one in all his most spectacular stats. He hasn’t missed a minimize in almost two years. He hasn’t completed exterior the highest 17 since final August. Previous to the Memorial, his final seven tournaments included 4 wins, two runner-ups and a T8 on the PGA — after he was arrested. Is there any stopping this man? I believe not!

Josh Sens, senior author (@joshsens): The horses for programs factor doesn’t apply to Scheffler. His recreation is so full, it will possibly journey anyplace. It’s only a matter of time earlier than he wins a serious aside from the Masters. The oddsmakers have it proper to have him the runaway favourite right here.

Jonathan Wall, managing tools editor (@jonathanrwall): Anybody who hesitates to pick Scottie to win a serious on any course needs to be admitted to a psychiatric ward. As Josh stated, his recreation travels. I hate selecting the chalk at a serious, however I can’t see anybody chasing him down at Pinehurst. 

2. Pinehurst No. 2 will play a main function in U.S. Opens going ahead, because it was the primary official “anchor web site” of golf’s nationwide championship. We haven’t seen it host the highest professionals since 2014. For the uninformed, how totally different is the Donald Ross design in comparison with newer main stops, and how much participant/recreation bodes properly right here?

Marksbury: One factor that struck me once I had the possibility to play Pinehurst was how tough it was to lose a ball. You’ll find — and play! — a ball from nearly anyplace. (A terrific boon for us leisure gamers!) However even on the professional degree, I believe that will probably be useful for the longer guys who are inclined to spray it a bit, as a result of the penalty is minimal in comparison with different programs. The inexperienced complexes are the place the course actually reveals its tooth, so I’m betting on the fellows with severe short-game prowess to rise to the highest.

Sens: Inexperienced complexes are robust at most US Open venues. However the turtlebacks at Pinehurst are particularly demanding. There’s a purpose they joke that at Pinehurst, they don’t observe greens in regulation They observe greens visited in regulation. They’re not simply onerous to hit. They’re onerous to carry. Miss your spot and bye bye. There’s no tough on No. 2, in order that’s one other large distinction. However there are tons of sandy wastes with clumps of native grass that may trigger all types of distress, so you’ll be able to’t simply hit it anyplace off the tee.. A pointy quick recreation is essential in any main. However distance management goes to be essential on approaches, so if I had been crunching stats for workplace pool functions, I’d be trying carefully on the iron recreation. 

3. What about Tiger Woods? Do you see his first U.S. Open look in 4 years going any higher than his different main begins this 12 months (sixtieth Masters, missed minimize PGA)?

Marksbury: Tiger’s latest performances have proven us that he nonetheless has all of the photographs. What he’s missing is four-round stamina, and reps. Pinehurst is a delicate stroll, and I believe that bodes properly for Tiger. I anticipate him to make the minimize, and enhance upon his Masters end too, although I doubt he’ll really contend.

Sens. I’m with you, Jess. As at Augusta, he’ll be capable of depend on his guts and guile however with out the painfully hilly stroll. I might see his quick recreation–and his psychological recreation– conserving him round for the weekend. And perhaps even within the combine. 

Wall: Making it 72 holes could be an accomplishment. We’ve seen Tiger grind for the weekend at majors, however he tends to expire of fuel earlier than the ultimate spherical. I don’t see issues altering this week except he desires to extend the pre-major event reps. 

4. Bryson DeChambeau has been LIV’s greatest main performer this 12 months, tying for sixth on the Masters and taking runner-up honors on the PGA Championship. Do you see that development persevering with at Pinehurst?

Marksbury: Pinehurst looks as if a terrific match for Bryson. It’s additionally been enjoyable to look at what looks as if a renewed lightness of spirit in him. He seems like he’s totally having fun with his function as an entertainer, which might be making his golf higher too.

Sens: Bryson does appear in a terrific place each mentally and bodily. My guess is that Pinehurst just isn’t the type of course that he’ll be capable of bend as simply to his will along with his energy, no less than not as he did at Valhalla. However we already know he’s bought US Open-winning recreation. Arduous to not rank him among the many high 5 prospects heading into the week. 

Wall: I can’t identify one other LIV professional I’d take over Bryson. Brooks Koepka has the foremost championship pedigree and is aware of find out how to take care of the ups and downs of a U.S. Open, however it’s tough to foretell which Koepka will present up. Recency bias makes Bryson the apparent alternative. 

5. What’s the U.S. Open storyline that needs to be on everybody’s radar?

Marksbury: I’m trying ahead to seeing some potential next-gen rivalries in motion. Along with Scottie’s dominance, we’ve got gamers like newly-minted main champ Xander Schauffele and two-time main winner Collin Morikawa seemingly peaking all on the identical time. This needs to be a barn-burner of a serious, and hopefully, a glimpse of golf’s future.

Sens: Which Jon Rahm will we see. The world beater of years previous? Or the sullen underperformer of 2024? He simply pulled out of a LIV occasion this week, citing an harm. However bodily points apart, he has appeared to be in a battle with himself since becoming a member of LIV. An fascinating case examine in psychology, as golf so usually is. 

Wall: Can Xander preserve his unbelievable run on the majors alive? As stats guru Justin Ray talked about not too long ago on social media, X is the primary professional to start his U.S. Open profession with 7 straight top-15 finishes since Bobby Jones (11 straight, 1920-30). It’s an absurd stat highlighting his unbelievable consistency at golf’s most grueling main take a look at. We knew he had the sport to contend, however his breakthrough at Valhalla proves he can shut the deal. Now it’s time to see if he has what it takes to change into a multi-time main winner. If anybody will knock Scottie off the throne, it’s Xander. 

6. Let’s finish with a simple one. In a latest reader survey performed by GOLF.com, we gathered your ideas on a variety of etiquette matters. Among the most fascinating solutions had been concerning essentially the most annoying golfer habits. Right here’s what our readers stated. What’s your reply?

Marksbury: My greatest pet peeve is taking too lengthy to get off the tee. I prefer to play prepared golf, however once I’m not enjoying the identical tee as my group, I usually have to face round for what appears like ages ready for my enjoying companions to get going. Annoying!

Sens: I facet with our readers on sluggish play. However except for that, I’d say the golfer who talks incessantly about his/her personal recreation, providing excuses and narrating photographs at the same time as you’re standing there watching them your self. That will get previous quick. Mood tantrums will be off placing too. However these are so pathetic that they are often humorous, so no less than they’ve some leisure worth. 

Wall: When somebody talks to my ball because it’s within the air. Please cease yelling for it to “get down” or “come again.” It’s not going to hearken to you. Silence is all the time most popular.