During what has been a decidedly atypical year in world sports, the international golf schedule has experienced numerous changes.
Nevertheless, as competitions resume and the leading players get back into the swing of things, all eyes are now focused on the upcoming US Open championship, due to take place between Thursday 17th and Sunday 20th September.
Considered to be one of the four major international tournaments held each year, the US Open boasts a rich history and is one that every top golfer wants to win. The victor of the inaugural tournament back in 1895 was actually an Englishman named Horace Rawlins, who earned $150 for his triumph at the Newport Country Club in Rhode Island.
Prize funds have undoubtedly risen considerably since then and at the 2020 US Open, there’s an overall prize fund of $12,500,000 to be shared amongst the leading players, while a record $2,250,000 prize will be awarded to the winner this year. According to the latest golf odds, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Rory McIlroy are seen as joint-favourites at odds of 10/1.
Hosting the US Open this year is the impressive Winged Foot Golf Club, located near the picturesque town of Mamaroneck, in Westchester County, New York. This prestigious venue is no stranger to the history and traditions of the tournament, having hosted the US Open on five previous occasions. The first was back in 1929 just a few years after the course itself was established, while the most recent was 2006.
As for the upcoming competition itself, given how frequently the PGA rankings have been changing over the last few months, anyone hitting their best form will stand a good chance of positioning themselves at the top of the US Open leaderboard. Although the favourites to win have already been mentioned, some expert golf tipster previews have highlighted other potential candidates for the championship.
Following his excellent July victory at the Memorial tournament in Ohio, there’s every chance that 25-year-old Spanish golfer Jon Rahm could be in good form at the US Open, and at 12/1 odds with bookmakers, he seems the most likely candidate to challenge the current betting favourites.
Meanwhile, Collin Morikawa will definitely be one to watch given his recent PGA Championship triumph at TPC Harding Park, beating the tournament record score previously set by Tiger Woods in 2018. Of course, Woods himself will always remain a popular choice amongst anyone wagering on the US Open outcome, though at 20/1 odds, there are doubts about his current form and ability to challenge for the title.
Finally, anyone who ignores Bryson DeChambeau will do so at their own peril. The 26-year-old American has enjoyed strong form at important golf tournaments throughout the year, finishing second at the WGC-Mexico Championship and tied in fourth at the PGA Championship. Overall, the field of competitors participating at the 2020 US Open is packed with quality, which means the tournament itself is guaranteed to be entertaining.
A sexist article.Seems to forget that women play the game as well and the Womens open takes place from the 20th August!!