US Open 2021 at Torrey Pines Betting Tips

There is a clear favourite in the race to win golf’s toughest major but often the reality plays out differently. For many long term punters, there was a palpable sigh of relief as Jon Rahm confirmed his place in the field for this week’s US Open at Torrey Pines.

After leading through 54 holes in his defence of The Memorial, the Spaniard tested positive for Covid-19 and was sent into isolation. If the saying goes “beware the injured golfer” and remembering Tiger Woods’ famous win at the same venue in 2008 on a broken leg, then beware the annoyed Spaniard.

US Open Golf Betting Preview: Finding A winner

Rahm is the favourite at 9.50 and rightly so. He starts with a tremendous course record (1-29-5-2-7) and was clearly at his best before his isolation period.

So, looking beyond world No 3, let’s identify some other potential champions.

A Solid Option From USA – Patrick Cantlay

Xander Schauffele, like Rahm and Cantlay, is a player looking to join the major club but with odds at 17.00 is a little overvalued. Justin Thomas, who has been out of form somewhat since winning the Players Championship, offers plenty of value at 27.00 and so does Patrick Reed at the same price.

But let’s pick out Cantlay for not only his all-round game. He is a home-state player and loves playing in California – from his last four starts he has won, finished second as well as third. He took advantage of Rahm’s withdrawal by winning the Memorial and is peaking into red-hot form.

A Moderate Option From Europe – Matthew Fitzpatrick

The Englishman is another all-rounder who could surprise this week. While many have tipped Viktor Hovland (he’s 22.00 this week) to win a major soon, there is enough in Fitzpatrick’s game to suggest he can contend. He has two top 10s in recent competitions and has a fairly solid record in the US Open.

An Outside Option From South Africa – Erik van Rooyen 

This pick is mainly for those looking to bank on Erik finishing inside the top 7 – an each way pick. Since taking some time off after his PGA Championship indiscretion, he bounced back with a T11 last week. While Louis Oosthuizen remains SA’s best hope of winning a major, the likes of Garrick Higgo and Christian Bezuidenhout have shown that the country’s golfing stocks are rich.