U.S. Open Golf Preview, Predictions & Picks: Can wisdom trump power this week at the U.S. Open?

Daeshon Underwood previews the 2019 US Open, which takes place at Pebble Beach from June 13 – 16, and gives a straight win pick and a value outsider to bet on in the third golf major of the season.

In a familiar environment we are all hoping to see the Tiger of old roar again. However with so many challenges in his way can he do it? At Augusta he was able to outwit his opponents but this is a far different scenario. He certainly has the brain to win, but can his body hold under the pressure of this tournament. Brooks Koepka has won 4 of last 8 Majors and shows no signs of slowing down. He has power and confidence, two powerful tools if yielded correctly.

Tournament and Course History

During the week of July 13-16 Β Pebble Beach Golf Links will host the 2019 U.S Open. The links have been host to the U.S. Open four times in its history. The 100th U.S. Open @ Pebble Beach in 2000 is the most famous tournament the course has ever hosted. It is what we are all hoping for this week… pure domination from Tiger Woods. In his first U.S. Open win Tiger crushed the field winning by 15 strokes. Since then this course and many others have had to Tiger proof their facility by increasing the distance. He was hitting the ball so far he beat the game of golf which had never been done before. Today in the PGA tour there are multiple players bombing the ball of the tee. In 2000 Pebble Beach played 6,850 yards long this week it will playing at 7,075 yards about 200 yards longer. It was played at similar distance to this in 2010 (the last time Pebble Beach held the U.S. Open).

2010 was the year Dustin Johnson shot a (+11) 82 on Sunday and lost by five strokes. For three days he was only one who was dominating the course. If he didn’t implode on Sunday he would have been the only golfer under par and won by at least six shots. His performance should give the field a guide of how to beat the course this year. It’s simple great drives, and an excellent short game. The U.S. Open is known for for very thick rough and glass like greens. What does this do you might ask? This makes it virtually impossible to hold the greens from the rough or even the fairway with a long iron in some cases. Long and Straight drives are necessary to win any U.S. Open in addition to an excellent short game if you get caught up by the rough.

Course Details

7075 yards par 71

Perennial ryegrass (tees, fairways, rough); Poa annua (rough)

β€œPebble Beach Golf Links continuously strengthens the course facets to enhance player appreciation, heighten the challenge and exceed guest expectations. Under the direction of Arnold Palmer, additional preparations are made for the 2010 U.S. Open: four greens and 16 bunkers are rebuilt, altered or installed; 11 tees benefit from enhancements; six holes see the addition or adjustment of trees; and the total length of the course is extended to 7,040 yards.”- (PebbleBeach.com) as mentioned before they like to keep the U.S. open as challenging as possible. Arnold noticed the players were driving the ball so far and took matters into his own hands before 2010’s tournament and he was successful. Some fans may say all this adjusting and lengthening is giving those who hit the long ball an advantage as they have a far better shot at recovering from the rough with wedge compared to someone who has to use an 8 iron because they do not drive the ball as far.
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Important Statistics

-4 of the last 8 champions were top ten in driving distance for the week

-4 players in the top 5 for driving distance (PGA Tour) are in the field (Mcilroy, List, Finau, Bjerregaard)

-Patrick Cantlay Leads the tour in Scoring average

-Brooks Koepka has won 4 of the last 8 Major Championships

-The last 4 champions have all been in the top 5 for greens in regulation for the week

-Matt Kuchar leads the Tour in GIR… Tiger Woods is second (there is hope)

Last 5 US Open Champions

2018- Brooks Koepka

2017-Brooks Koepka

2016-Dustin Johnson

2015-Jordan Speith

2014-Martin Kaymer

US Open Picks

Winner – Dustin Johnson +800 @ Draftkings

I know Dustin Johnson remembers his 2010 performance. He will come out mad and with a vengeance. I think he takes the lead day 1 and never looks back

Click to Bet on Dustin Johnson at DraftKings 

Value Pick – Tony Finau +4000 @ Draftkings

The value here for Finau is insane. Coming off a top five finish in the masters and currently top five in driving distance he definitely has the tools to get the job done. I will take the chance with these odds.

Click to Bet on Tony Finau at DraftKings

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