Golf Expert’s US Open Round One Three-Balls Picks
Golf expert Ben Coley has his eye on six players in their respective three-balls ahead of the first round of the US Open.
Recommended Bets
The recommended bets for the US Open round one three-balls are:
- 1pt treble Schauffele, Fitzpatrick & Norgaard at 14/1 (Paddy Power, BoyleSports)
- 1pt double Grillo and Finau at 9/2 (General)
- 0.5pt five-fold the above selections at 80/1 (bet365, Coral, Ladbrokes)
Grillo to Beat Lacroix and Bairstow
Bar Scottie Scheffler, there may be no better iron player on the PGA Tour right now than Emiliano Grillo, who averages two strokes gained per round over his last four tournaments. Good things should follow for Grillo then, and whether or not that means a strong US Open display, if he continues to hit the ball as he has been doing, he can take care of two DP World Tour players in Frederic Lacroix and Sam Bairstow.
Finau to Beat Hughes and Kirk
Finally, Tony Finau can beat Mackenzie Hughes and Chris Kirk if his putter behaves reasonably well. Finau’s US Open record is strong with five good performances in nine, and although one of his rare missed cuts came here at Oakmont, that was at the start of his career and came by a single stroke. He’s since managed three top-10s in seven, including at Pinehurst last year.
Schauffele to Beat DeChambeau and Ballester
At the risk of putting too many eggs into a basket, and having Bryson DeChambeau eat all of them, Xander Schauffele is worth a bet against him in one of the marquee three-balls on the first morning of the US Open. I maintain that, rain or no rain, DeChambeau’s waywardness off the tee could be a big issue. And while Schauffele hasn’t been at his most accurate since returning from injury, if you were to price up a most-fairways match between these two, he’d be a strong favourite.
Fitzpatrick to Beat Clark and Woodland
I did consider short-hitting Zac Blair in a low-key group given his experience and decent US Open record, but we’ll stick to those priced up more widely, with Matt Fitzpatrick fancied to get the better of fellow former champions Wyndham Clark and Gary Woodland. Clark is struggling at the moment, and while he drove the ball much better in Canada, that was a course made for power players like him.
Norgaard to Beat Campbell and Lower
I am generally in favour of good overall drivers this week, those who are neither wild nor short, but this is the US Open and any severe power mismatches have to at least be contemplated. One comes in the form of Niklas Norgaard against Brian Campbell and Justin Lower, and while opposing Campbell didn’t pay off in the Masters earlier in the year, around here I think it will.
Gotterup to Beat Lagergren and Howell
Joakim Lagergren placed for us at a massive price last week, but he’s a golfer whose performances can vary wildly from one tournament to the next, and we could potentially profit by opposing him this time. Given that the other member of this group is 17-year-old high schooler, Mason Howell, it’s Chris Gotterup almost by default, with his waywardness off the tee less of a worry given that Lagergren is anything but straight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the US Open round one three-balls offer some exciting betting opportunities. With the expert’s picks, including Schauffele, Fitzpatrick, Norgaard, Grillo, and Finau, there’s a chance to win big. Remember to always bet responsibly and within your means. If you’re concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / Gamcare on 0808 8020 133 or visit begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org for further support and information.
