LIV & Let LIV: Will Rebel Golfers Make an Impact at the U.S. Open?

Members of the LIV tour, which includes many of the most popular golfers, could have a huge impact at this week’s U.S. Open. Former tournament winners Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are among the favorites from the alternative golf tour.

Never the twain shall meet when it comes to the PGA tour and the LIV tour—except at the golf majors. In each of the four major golf tournaments there are loopholes that allow members of the breakaway tour to compete. And the U.S. Open has several loopholes that 14 members of LIV have slipped through.

The 2025 U.S. Open golf tournament is set to take place from June 12–15 at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. With a field of 156 golfers—pros and amateurs—it’s the largest major of the year. The cut will chop around 60 players, so getting your choices through to the weekend will be even more difficult.

Oakmont Country Club is renowned for its challenging layout, featuring narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens. The course measures 7,342 yards with a par of 70, demanding precision and mental toughness from players.

 

 

Betting Lines

Here’s an overview of the current betting trends and odds:

Scottie Scheffler: As the World No. 1 and recent PGA Championship winner, Scheffler is the strong favorite with odds of +275 at BetMGM. He has consistently finished in the top 10 in recent majors, including a career-best T2 in the 2022 U.S. Open.

Rory McIlroy: Seeking redemption after narrowly missing out on the U.S. Open title in 2023 and 2024, McIlroy has odds of +1200. His recent Masters victory completed his career Grand Slam, so he could be more relaxed at this major.

Bryson DeChambeau: The defending champion and a two-time U.S. Open winner, DeChambeau is priced at +750. He has shown strong recent form, including a T2 finish at the PGA Championship.

Jon Rahm: With odds at +1200, Rahm is looking to recapture his 2021 U.S. Open triumph after recent struggles. He impressed at the PGA Championship, indicating a potential return to form.

 

 

Could Be Contenders

Xander Schauffele: Despite injury setbacks, Schauffele has a strong U.S. Open record with consistent top 10 finishes. His odds are +2200.

Collin Morikawa: Morikawa remains steady this season but hasn’t contended in majors yet and may be challenged by course length. His odds are +2500.

Ludvig Åberg: A rising star, Åberg’s odds are also +2500. His recent performances have garnered attention from bettors.

Sleeper Picks

Shane Lowry: At odds of +3300, Lowry has shown consistent form despite recent Sunday struggles when he has failed to close it out. His experience and resilience make him a strong underdog candidate.

Sepp Straka: With odds of +4000, Straka has enjoyed a breakout season with two PGA Tour wins but needs to improve major performances.

Justin Thomas: Thomas has shown flashes of his former dominance and who can forget his win at the 2022 PGA Championship. But his last 2 U.S. Opens resulted in missed cuts. He’s at +4000.

LIV Contenders

Outside of DeChambeau and Rahm, other LIV tour members competing at the U.S. Open include:

Cameron Smith: A former Open champion, Smith is priced at +12500. He aims to reclaim his major momentum after a downturn post-LIV Golf move.

Joaquin Niemann: The Argentinian Niemann has flourished on the LIV tour, including a win at last week’s LIV event in Virginia, but can that translate to a major? He comes in at +3000.

Brooks Koepka: It used to be that Koepka would show up big time in the majors, but that hasn’t been true for a few years. Still, he’s at +5000.

 

 


 

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