The 2014 U.S. Open of Golf is in full swing with Martin Kaymer the surprise leader through the first 18 holes. While favorites Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott, whom we featured in our U.S. Open preview, had slow starts in Round 1, business is no doubt set to pick up once the tournament heads into Rounds 3 and 4 during the weekend. That could also be the time when one of our handpicked potential U.S. Open sleepers finally makes his push.
In anticipation of the pivotal weekend rounds, we take a look at the revamped favorites, high-value picks and sleepers for the U.S. Open title. Create a betting account now if you think one of these golfers takes home the major.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]
2014 U.S. Open Golf Weekend Preview and Picks
Favorites – Martin Kaymer and Henrik Stenson
Your U.S. Open leader heading into round two is German Martin Kaymer. The 29-year old finished strong with four birdies on the back nine to cap off a tremendous opening round of 65 at Pinehurst, the lowest score in three Opens at the course.
[sc:Golf240banner ]Record first rounds aren’t new to the German. Kaymer also matched the lowest score at TPC Sawgrass with a first round 63 in the THE PLAYERS Championship just last month, which saw him lead from beginning to end. With a three-shot lead over second-place Kevin Na, Kaymer is a big +400 favorite to take the U.S. Open.
World no. 2 Henrik Stenson also had a very good start, the best start to a U.S. Open in his career with a one-under 69 in the first round. Stenson was sharp throughout, hitting 14 out of 18 greens in regulation (78%). Although six shots back of Kaymer, the Swede is considered the biggest threat to supplant the German at +1,200 to win.
High Value – Graeme McDowell and Kevin Na
We highlighted Graeme McDowell as a potential sleeper in our U.S. Open preview, and the Northern Irishman has not disappointed with a two-under first round. McDowell responded well from a bogey at the fourth hole with an eagle at five to finish at two-under. The 2010 champion was solid in his approach, as he hit 93% of the fairways. At +2,200, McDowell is looking good for another run at the title.
Kevin Na also had similar success with his driving (93%) as well as hitting the greens in regulation (15-of-18, 83%) to card a two-under 68 in Round 1. Na is known for having one of the best short games on tour, but it’s the mental aspect that’s been the weak part of his game in the past. However, he’s looked more decisive early in the tournament, which could be a sign that he’s overcome those past impediments. Na is currently priced at +3,000 to claim the crown.
Long Shots – Justin Rose and Jason Dufner
The U.S. Open’s 25-year wait for a defending champion seemed to be doomed from the start as 2013 winner Justin Rose had four bogeys in the back nine to start his tournament. However, the defending champ finished strong with birdies in three of his first five holes at the front nine to finish at +2. Rose, now +5,500 to repeat as champ, has a lot of work to do if he’s to retain his title.
It was sort of the same story for Jason Dufner, who started strong on the front nine but struggled mightily on the back nine to finish at +2. But don’t count out the American, just yet. Dufner also had scores of +2 and above in his previous two U.S. Open Round 1’s, only to rally during the weekend to finish in the top five on both occasions. At +9,000, Dufner could yet spring a huge surprise.
Writer’s Prediction
Our initial pick of Graeme McDowell has looked good so far, so we’re sticking with the Northern Irishman at +2,200 to win his second U.S. Open.
