U.S. Open Field 2017: Best Odds, Picks for Erin Hills, Sleepers and Favorites
The 2017 U.S. Open will get underway on Thursday, June 15, at the Erin Hills golf course in Erin, Wisconsin, a first-time venue for the prestigious tournament and one expected to pose challenges for some of the favorites.
It's Dustin Johnson who leads the betting favorites, according to Stephen Campbell of OddsShark.com. Johnson is joined by Jordan Spieth and Jason Day as the obvious contenders to win at Erin Hills.
Meanwhile, Rickie Fowler is arguably the best sleeper pick for this year's event.
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Of course, the first challenge for all of the obvious contenders will involve coming to terms with Erin Hills, the course making its debut on the majors circuit. It has already come in for some criticism, with Kevin Na taking to Instagram to lament the tricky fescues around the fairways (h/t Joel Beall of GolfDigest.com).
Yet there are those who are intrigued by the difficulties the course could pose. In particular, Joe Passov of Golf Magazine (h/t Golf Wire) believes the length of the course and its bunkers will challenge the players to show the full range of their shots.
Johnson Clear Favorite
Johnson is tipped at +750 by Campbell (bet $10 to win $75), who believes the former's natural game perfectly suits Erin Hills: "Johnson drives it long, hits greens and is clutch with the flat stick—the perfect recipe for success at this major."
The South Carolina native will arrive in Wisconsin as the defending champion and boasts the composure and the talent to retain the title. He should also be out to make amends after missing this year's Masters following a slip on some stairs.
Experience on the Course Key for Spieth
Campbell has tipped Spieth as a worthy second favorite at +1200, thanks largely to his experience at Erin Hills—a rare commodity among the players this year.
"Since the course is new to the major scene, only a few men have actually played it before, but Spieth is one of them. He fared well here as an amateur in 2011, shooting a 69 to go along with three match-play wins," Campbell wrote.
Specifically, Spieth may be able to handle the tough approaches to the fairways, per Campbell: "Spieth has regained his form on the fairways of late, which will be crucial to avoid the nightmare fescue of Erin Hills."
The 23-year-old won a close call against Johnson in 2015 and has what it takes to upset the favorite again. In fact, Spieth will be teeing off at the same time as Johnson when play commences this year.
All eyes will be on the two most likely winners this week.
Fowler Due an Open Win
California native Fowler is due an Open win in his career. The 28-year-old knows how to navigate a tough course and usually saves his best for the crunch tournaments.
What could count against Fowler, backed at +2000 by OddsShark, is the quality of the competition at Erin Hills. He will need to beat several top-10 players en route to actually taking the title.
If he manages it, Fowler would be a more than worthy winner.
Justin Rose and Jon Rahm the Best of the Rest
The rest of the sleeper picks are headlined by 2013 winner Justin Rose and burgeoning star Jon Rahm. On his day, Rose has the quality and all-round game to beat anybody.
His skill was in evidence when he forced a playoff at this year's Masters before losing to Sergio Garcia. Rose is a patient golfer, which is an invaluable trait for a tournament that often doesn't favor the heavy hitters.
As for Rahm, he's been described as a "future No. 1 golfer in the world" by Kyle Porter of CBS Sports. Rahm is a top-notch ball striker, but the precocious 22-year-old's boom or bust approach may be out of place in Wisconsin.
All signs point to Johnson delivering on his talent and retaining this Open title. However, betting against Spieth is risky business since he is used to a course many may struggle to get to grips with.
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