Teeing it up: the U.S. Open returns to Pinehurst No. 2
As the warm June sun sets over central North Carolina on Wednesday, June 12th, the golf world anxiously prepares for one more sleep before the first tee shot rings out from the scenic Pinehurst No. 2. Fitting, no doubt, that the first tee shot belongs to a local qualifier and Sandhills native, whose family is etched in North Carolina golf lore. Michael McGowan of Southern Pines, N.C., will be the first off the No. 1 tee on Thursday, followed thereafter by another native North Carolinian in Carter Jenkins. The very first groups start at 6:45AM, just as the sun will begin to peak through those towering longleaf pines. Lucas Glover, Sam Burns, and Cam Smith are the first “big” named group to tee off - opening their 2024 U.S. Open from the 10th tee at 7:18AM. They’re followed off the 10th tee by Tiger Woods, Matthew Fitzpatrick, and Will Zalatoris. World Number 1 and the odds-on favorite to win at Pinehurst, Scottie Scheffler, does not make his 2024 championship start until 1:14PM off of the 1st tee with Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele. You can find the entire first & second round tee times at the U.S. Open’s official site. Now, let’s get to our weekly pick ‘em, where I have friends who love golf send in their thoughts on the tournament at hand from around the country. Regardless of who wins, we know that the fans of golf will bear witness to a challenging test of skill and endurance this weekend. I’m looking forward to making the short drive down 15-501 on Friday and taking in the second round in person. If you’re heading there, let me know, otherwise, enjoy the gift that will be the U.S. Open.
Kevin Matznick: Life off the Links Podcast
@Lifeoffthelinks
Pick to win: Scottie Scheffler (-5)
Who I'm watching: Collin Morikawa
Insight into the tournament:
It has been 25 years since the iconic 1999 US Open where Payne Stewart beat Phil Mickelson on the 72nd hole. I recently interviewed Payne's caddie, Mike Hicks, on my podcast and got some incredible insight into that victory and into what we could expect to see from Pinehurst #2 this year! Funny story from 1999- Payne gets on the 1st tee box on Sunday in the rain and didn't like his rain jacket so he borrowed scissors from someone on the spot and cut the sleeves off to create the "rain jacket vest". Watching on tv, I don't think anyone would have known he literally cut the sleeves off on the 1st tee box. Mike also said that this year's US Open will play like a true, traditional, tough US Open where he thinks the winning score will be closer to the 4 to 5 under par for the weekend. It's going to be an AMAZING weekend at one of golf's greatest gems!
Nate Hyrn: Founder, Acorn Hills Clothing Co.
@AcornHills
Pick to win: Golf Fans Everywhere
At Acorn Hills Clothing, we believe that predicting the winner of the U.S. Open golf tournament is always an exhilarating challenge filled with anticipation and debate. The 2024 U.S. Open promises to be no different, with a field of incredibly talented players all vying for the prestigious title. Our brand values determination, style, and the spirit of competition, qualities that are exemplified by the athletes on the course.
This year, we are particularly intrigued by the performances of rising stars and seasoned veterans alike. Players like Viktor Hovland and Collin Morikawa have shown remarkable promise and tenacity, capturing the hearts of golf fans worldwide. Their youthful energy and fearless approach to the game resonate with our own brand's ethos of innovation and boldness.
On the other hand, legends such as Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Their presence on the course is a testament to enduring excellence and resilience, qualities we admire and strive to embody in our collections.
While it's impossible to predict with certainty who will lift the trophy, we at Acorn Hills Clothing are excited to watch the drama unfold, celebrating the triumphs and moments of brilliance that define the U.S. Open. We look forward to an unforgettable tournament.
TJ James: Basic Bogeys Podcast & more!
@BasicBogeys
Pick to win: Matt Fitzpatrick
Major week for the US Open at Pinehurst No. 2. I am rolling with a former US Open winner this week in Matt Fitzpatrick. I think he truly has what it take to hit the approaches needed with the turtleback greens. It is going to take a great week putting for whoever is going to be in contention and I believe Fitzy can do it.
My Pick
@longleafgolf
My Pick: Bryson DeChambeau (-3)
Worth Watching: Collin Morikawa, Brooks Koepka, Xander Schauffele
Finally. The 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 has arrived. It’s feels a little like Christmas Eve as I write this post. After all, I’ve been waiting patiently for 10 years for this to come back to Pinehurst. Almost all of the pros are complaining already about the course being unfair, mainly the speed and receptiveness of the greens. Interesting to note that one pro is not complaining, Cam Smith. Can the Aussie pull off an impeccable performance and walk away with the title? Or is this Scottie’s week to put that USGA trophy on his mantle, along with so many other relics of victory? I also find it hard to count out Brooks Koepka or fellow LIV Golfer Bryson DeChambeau. Bryson, who found himself one shot shy of a playoff for the PGA Championship, seems to have found his form heading into this week - both on and off the course. His resurgence as a fan favorite makes him tough to count out over the next four days.
I’m ready to count out Rory McIlroy this weekend. He was my pick for the Memorial and he never got the magic flowing. Kudos to him for working things out at home, and for doing it so quickly. But his game has been out of shape since he wont the Wells Fargo earlier this year. He may have peaked a little too early in 2024 to make a serious run at another major (outside of that other Open Championship in July). Collin Morikawa, coming off of a second place finish last week, has been the hottest golfer to not win this year. Very similar to Xander Schauffele, if he can get hot then he will be very dangerous around No. 2.
All of that said, I’m going with DeChambeau this weekend. He’s back in the good graces of the golf fans he once irritated. He’s also playing some really good golf right now. And we all know it’s about peaking in as many aspects of your game at the right time. I think he will be the one to take advantage of the few opportunities afforded by this challenging course. This is tough for me to make this pick - I’ve never been a big fan of Bryson. I picked my side during the Koepka feud and never looked back. But this week, I’m willing to let bygones be bygones (except the whole defecting from the PGA Tour thing) and make DeChambeau my pick to win the 2024 U.S. Open.
