Analyzing the Contenders for the U.S. Open at Oakmont: Who Could Challenge Scottie Scheffler?

In recent months, Scottie Scheffler has established himself as an almost unstoppable force on the golf course. With victories in three of his last four tournaments-including a dominant win at the PGA Championship last month-his form is nothing short of extraordinary. Since a 20th-place finish at the Players Championship in March, Scheffler has consistently finished inside the top ten, showcasing remarkable consistency. Leading the PGA Tour in both strokes gained off the tee and approach shots, and ranking sixth in greens in regulation, he has minimized mistakes, especially with his putting-a weakness he has transformed into a strength. This season, Scheffler is outperforming his competitors by an average of 2.687 strokes per round, a feat unmatched by anyone except Tiger Woods since 2000.

Despite his dominance, betting on the favorite can be less thrilling. Currently, Scheffler is the top pick at +280 odds on FanDuel for this week’s U.S. Open, making him the shortest favorite since Tiger Woods was at +175 in 2009. With such high expectations, it’s worth exploring other players who might have what it takes to upset the odds and claim victory at Oakmont Country Club.

Potential Dark Horses and Challengers

Bryson DeChambeau (+900 at DraftKings)

DeChambeau’s power game is legendary, especially on challenging courses. His 2020 U.S. Open victory at Winged Foot, where he finished six strokes under par, demonstrated his ability to conquer tough setups. His length off the tee often compensates for other areas of his game, and recent form supports his potential-he’s finished no worse than fifth in his last six tournaments, including a runner-up at the PGA Championship and a top-five at the Masters. Although he faltered in the final round at Augusta, his overall consistency makes him a serious contender this week.

Jon Rahm (+1200 at DraftKings and FanDuel)

Rahm’s history with Oakmont is notable; he made his U.S. Open debut here as an amateur in 2016, finishing 23rd and earning low-amateur honors. Since then, he’s secured a victory at Torrey Pines and has posted solid finishes in subsequent U.S. Opens, including 10th and 12th. While he hasn’t secured a win on the LIV circuit this year, Rahm’s recent performances-eighth at the PGA Championship and 14th at the Masters-highlight his potential. Expect him to put together a strong four-round effort, especially if he can start well and maintain momentum.

Tommy Fleetwood (+4000 at FanDuel)

The English golfer, ranked 13th worldwide, has yet to secure a victory on U.S. soil but has demonstrated consistent performance in major championships. With four top-25 finishes-including three inside the top five-Fleetwood has shown he can handle the pressure of big tournaments. His recent form includes a fourth-place finish at the Charles Schwab Challenge and a solid showing at the Memorial. His combination of length and accuracy off the tee, along with his experience at Augusta National, suggests he could be a dark horse this week.

Sepp Straka (+5000 at DraftKings and FanDuel)

Straka has been impressive this season, with two wins and a third-place finish at the Memorial. Although his major championship record isn’t stellar-his best U.S. Open result is a 28th place in his debut-his ball-striking stats are elite. Leading the PGA Tour in greens in regulation and ranking third in strokes gained approach, he’s among the most accurate drivers on tour. His ability to hit fairways and greens could serve him well on the demanding Oakmont layout.

Keegan Bradley (+10000 at DraftKings and FanDuel)

Bradley’s U.S. Open history is mixed, with several missed cuts and only a couple of top finishes. However, he’s been trending upward recently, with top-10 finishes in his last two tournaments, including a tie for eighth at the PGA Championship. Known for his length and accuracy, Bradley could be a sneaky pick if his putting improves. His experience and recent form make him an intriguing mid-range option.

Harris English (+10000 at DraftKings or FanDuel)

English has a remarkable record at the U.S. Open, never missing the cut in nine appearances, including a tie for 37th at Oakmont in 2016. He’s finished inside the top ten in three of his last five U.S. Opens and recently ended a four-year winless drought with a victory at Torrey Pines-another U.S. Open venue. His solid all-around game and ability to perform under pressure could make him a dark horse at Oakmont.

Players to Approach with Caution

While some players have shown promise, others raise red flags. Rory McIlroy (+1100) has finished second in the last two U.S. Opens and recently won the Masters, but his recent struggles with accuracy off the tee-especially at Oakmont-are concerning. His missed cut at Oakmont in 2016 and recent form at the Canadian Open suggest he might not be at his best for this challenge.

Ludvig Aberg (+3500) had a promising debut last year, finishing 12th, and has won this season at the Genesis Invitational. However, inconsistent recent results, including missed cuts, and difficulty from the rough could hinder his chances.

Joaquín Niemann (+3500) has been impressive on the LIV Tour, with a recent win and a top-10 at the PGA Championship. Yet, his limited success in majors-only one top-10 in 24 appearances-means he’s still seeking consistency at the highest level.

Brooks Koepka (+5500), a two-time U.S. Open champion, has struggled on LIV this year, with no wins and only two top-10 finishes. His recent missed cuts at majors suggest he’s not in top form for a deep run.

Ben Griffin (+7500) has been one of the hottest players on the PGA Tour this season, with two wins and strong finishes in major events. However, as a first-time U.S. Open participant, history suggests that experience at this level can be a significant factor, with Francis Ouimet being the last debutant to win in 1913.

Current Odds for the U.S. Open Contenders

As of Tuesday morning, the leading contenders’ odds, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, are as follows: