So-called expert U.S Open tips

Brendan James – Golf Australia Editor

The only player in the field this week to win the U.S Open Championships twice is also the same player who pocketed the PGA Championship last month.

So, BROOKS KOEPKA has form and experience on his side.

And while the blue-blazers at the USGA, and their mates at the PGA, continue to set-up their championship courses like they have been doing for the past 25 years – with shin-high rough, country lane wide fairways and 290-yard par-3s – Koepka will keep adding to his trophy cabinet.

Sportsbet odds: $13

JIMMY EMANUEL – Golf Australia Deputy & Digital Editor

If it wasn’t for a slightly misbehaving putter, SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER would be putting together one of the all-time streaks in men’s professional golf this year. Even with a flatstick that is at risk of being benched this week, Scheffler still has a worst finish of T12 from 13 starts in 2023.

Take that form, add some experience at LACC during the 2017 Walker Cup and another fairly under the radar week considering his status in the game, and the result is Scheffler being near the top of the leaderboard in the view of this tipster.

I wasn’t really going out on a limb with that though.

Sportsbet odds: $7.50

Rod Morri – Golf Australia magazine contributor and The Thing About Golf podcast host

There doesn't feel like any obvious favourites this week (not that they often win anyway) but one name seems to be flying further under the radar than he should and that is DUSTIN JOHNSON.

One of the most unflappable players in the game he will be completely unaffected by the off course turmoil swirling around the tournament and that ability to block out distraction – combined with his remarkable driving game – might be just the combination to deliver a second U.S Open title.

Sportsbet odds: $41

Mark Hayes – Man About Golf

Given that I’m now on a majors tipping streak of one in a row, I feel it’s the best possible time to smell the roses … oh, and give my colleagues a hard time about their lack of “streak”.

I’m particularly looking forward to the logic behind Jimmy’s attempts here at LA Country Club given that he’s probably more likely to know more of a building alongside the 13th green than anything about the course itself. Yes, the old Playboy Mansion is one of many extraordinary neighbours of this famous yet mysterious track, but unfortunately the only bunnies in this precinct these days are my fellow tipsters.

Naturally, they’ve all overlooked the winner, a shy up-and-comer who just needs some time in the spotlight to come out of his shell … a kid named RORY MCILROY.

Yep, this is La-La-Land and it’s where crazy stories come true. And very little would be more crazy in this crazy golf month than the bloke who’s at the centre of the maelstrom standing tall at week’s end.

If you need a golf reason, Rory should benefit from slightly wider than normal U.S Open fairways and in honour of BJ’s favourite movie “Pretty Woman” set on the mean streets of nearby Wiltshire Boulevard, “Welcome to Hollywood! What’s your dream?”

Sportsbet odds: $15

Adrian Logue – Golf Australia Magazine's resident left field thinker

I’m going to pick JON RAHM.

I am reading a lot into the lead up to this tournament, but he has had a good rest and he would be stinging a little bit from his performance at the PGA.

Such a good all-round game, I think this course will suit him. How can it not? Every course suits him.

Sportsbet odds: $12

Callum Hill – Golf Australia magazine writer

I'm not sure I have been this excited for a golf tournament in my life; LACC has all golf sickos licking their lips. It has been well documented that MAX HOMA held the course record at LACC for eight years. His track record around the LA loop has only played a small part in why I will be tipping him this week.

A Californian who loves to win in the area, he also has the creativity to make something happen – which could prove crucial this week. Homa's putting has drastically improved of late, and regardless of what side of the 'aim-point' fence you sit on, it has turned Max into a juicy prospect heading into the season's third major.

Sportsbet odds: $26

U.S OPEN – TOP AUSSIE

Brendan James – Golf Australia Editor

Of the four majors, the U.S Open is the one ADAM SCOTT is least likely to win. But he has been in pretty good form this year, making the cut in each of his 12 PGA Tour starts and finishing in the top-10 in three of his last four events.

Two key stats that auger well for Scott at the U.S Open is that he is the No.1 putter on the PGA Tour for making putts from 10-15 feet and he's No.3 for approaches from 50-75 yards (7 feet, 6 inches). If he can combine both this week, he could be a contender.

Sportsbet odds: $5.30

JIMMY EMANUEL – Golf Australia Deputy & Digital Editor

The only thing more of a sure thing than CAM SMITH being the top Australian at the end of this week was Mark Hayes attempting to besmirch my reputation in this column.

Now that one is out of the way, expect the other to follow.

I have been reluctant to throw Cam into this section in recent majors, and while I think Adam Scott has genuine claims not only to this race but the whole box and dice, Cam’s combination of one of the best wedge games in the world, putting skills and improving driving are a perfect match at LACC.

Sportsbet odds: $3.50

Rod Morri – Golf Australia magazine contributor and The Thing About Golf podcast host

Cam Smith makes the most sense but I’m going with ADAM SCOTT in this category.

It’s already been several years since he noted ’the window of opportunity only closes from here’ and that urgency, coupled with a less than ’traditional’ U.S Open setup, gives him his best opportunity to claim the Havemeyer Trophy.

Add in the sting of throwing away crucial shots in the first two rounds of the PGA at Southern Hills and there is a recipe for a good week for the Queenslander.

Sportsbet odds: $5.50

Mark Hayes – Man About Golf

With seven from whom to choose, this is typically a tough challenge. I get the sense that Min Woo and Herby aren’t far from competing in a major, but with little exposed form for Cam Smith, I’m heading here for CAM DAVIS who just seems to get better and more consistent each time out.

Cam has a great record of making telling late runs and if he can be thereabouts after the third round, he’s just the type to make a career-defining charge.

Sportsbet odds: $8.50

Adrian Logue – Golf Australia Magazine's resident left field thinker

I’m going out on the limb again with CAM SMITH.

No further explanation needed.

Sportsbet odds: $3.50

Callum Hill – Golf Australia magazine writer

With a premium being put on creativity this week, you would be silly to discount CAM SMITH.

Smith will have wiggle room off the tee at a golf course that isn't super tight. Being an incredible bunker player and generational putter will also not hinder his chances this week. He will be looking to make a statement and is more than capable.

Sportsbet odds: $3.50

U.S OPEN – DARK HORSE

Brendan James – Golf Australia Editor

Could the stars possibly align for PHIL MICKELSON to finally win the major that has eluded him since grabbing low amateur honours 32 years ago?

He's been runner-up six times and top-10 on ten occasions. He will celebrate his 53rd birthday while playing the second round on Friday. If he was ever going to win the Havemeyer Trophy, close out the career grand slam, and continue to defy Father Time, there is no better place than Hollywood to do it.

Sportsbet odds: $151

JIMMY EMANUEL – Golf Australia Deputy & Digital Editor

Look, Phil Mickelson winning would be one of the greatest stories to write in golf history, and while I agree this is the best setup he could get to win a U.S Open and his Masters run is some good lead in form, we are probably about 10-15 years too late for LACC to host and give Phil his most desired title. Similar timeframe to Hayesy’s hopes of breaking the 10-minute mile … and no that isn’t a mistake, Roger Bannister he is not.

Anyway, back to the tipping and my outsider, RYAN FOX.

The unassuming Kiwi has been playing some solid golf of late, locked up some status on the PGA Tour and might never get a bit fit at a major for his game.

Foxy hits it a mile, but he is also elite with long irons in strike and flight control, with an underrated wedge game to match.

Sportsbet odds: $151

Rod Morri – Golf Australia magazine contributor and The Thing About Golf podcast host

If the runner-up at The Masters can be considered an outsider then consider my outsider tip to be PHIL MICKELSON. The six time U.S Open runner-up and co-architect of the LIV Golf experiment that has so spectacularly changed the golf world would love nothing more than to claim his national title in his home state.

And as crazy as this pick sounds, think back to the lead up to The Masters and think about whether a runner-up finish that week seemed feasible.

Sportsbet odds: $151

Mark Hayes – Man About Golf

This is THE tournament in men’s golf that very rarely throws up a roughie as a champion, so this is about as likely to succeed as Callum’s attempts to forge relevance in this competitive arena.

But for a very good player at very good odds, ABE ANCER is my man here.

Sportsbet odds: $326

Adrian Logue – Golf Australia Magazine's resident left field thinker

I like the Phil pick because I think this a course that suits a veteran, wily sort of player. And I am throwing RICKIE FOWLER in the veteran category and picking him.

Approaching veteran status, but he has all the shots, he is in recently good form, just feels like this is the sort of place where you can see a miracle story.

Sportsbet odds: $41

Callum Hill – Golf Australia magazine writer

Not being sure about the hard 'rule' around defining an outsider. I've gone relatively rogue, but hear me out … it's educated. Something is brewing with PHIL MICKELSON, after what he produced at Augusta this year and what is occurring in the background of the golfing landscape, I just think Phil is determined to shake things up even more than he already has.

You could argue there hasn't been a better U.S Open set-up for him, it's unlikely, but it wouldn't surprise me if we saw Phil and his aviator shades feature on the weekend … career grand slam anyone?

Sportsbet odds: $151