US Open Golf 2013: Latest Odds and Betting Tips for Golf's Top Contenders

Are you ready for the U.S. Open at the historical and beautiful Merion Golf Club? 

Of course you are. We all are. The question is, do you know who to put your money on in this tournament? 

That's where I come in. 

While I can't magically pick a winner out of the sky, I can give you a breakdown of some of the big names in this tournament and a few reasons why they may be smart bets...and a few more reasons why you should stay away. 

Let's break down the contenders, folks.

Odds For Top Contenders

Player	Odds
Tiger Woods	9-2
Phil Mickelson	16-1
Graeme McDowell	20-1
Matt Kuchar	20-1
Rory McIlroy	20-1
Adam Scott	22-1
Justin Rose	22-1
Brandt Snedeker	28-1
Charl Schwartzel	28-1
Lee Westwood	28-1
Luke Donald	33-1
Sergio Garcia	33-1
Dustin Johnson	40-1
Jason Day	40-1
Jim Furyk	40-1
Keegan Bradley	40-1
Steve Stricker	40-1
Webb Simpson	40-1

Note: All odds via Bovada.

Betting Tips

I know that Tiger Woods has been excellent in 2013, winning four tournaments and finishing fourth at this year's Masters. I also know that he hasn't won a Major since 2008, which makes his 9-2 odds a bit expensive for my tastes. 

Look, Woods should be the favorite. He's been 2013's best golfer and he seems like he's this close to regaining his elite form of the past. Plus, he's a tactical golfer, which should play well on the older Merion course. But until he breaks through at a Major, I'm not sure I want to pay a premium for betting on Mr. Woods.

Phil Mickelson is coming off a strong finish at the St. Jude Classic, but he's been so up-and-down this year I wouldn't trust him. Ditto for Rory McIlroy, who comes into the U.S. Open on the heels of two rough tournaments.

Graeme McDowell is being bet up because he finished second at this tournament last year and because his driving accuracy will play well at Merion, but he missed the cut at both the Masters and THE PLAYERS Championship this season.

Brandt Snedeker and Matt Kuchar are each intriguing options, as both tend to manage a course well and look like the types of players who can handle Merion. And Adam Scott is fresh off his win at the Masters and has been very good this year, though this course could go against his playing style. 

In the end, backing smart, veteran players who can strategically maneuver a course is the way to go. Or roll with Webb Simpson, who won the U.S. Open last year and has played this course twice, which should give him an edge.  

My Prediction

I like Matt Kuchar. He's coming into this tournament red-hot, having won the Memorial and finishing second at the Crowne Plaza Invitational. He has the right type of game for the Merion course and is ready to break through at a Major.