Golf Tips
First Round Leader
Adam Scott
Adam Hadwin
Top South American
Emiliano Grillo
Top Lefty
Phil Mickelson
Top 30 Finish
Patrick Rodgers
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Our outright bets are in place for the US Open that tees off on Thursday, so it’s time to look at ‘speciality’ markets, which Paddy have made available for us, starting with a look at the First Round Leader.
First Round Leader – Adam Scott
As always the weather forecast is key and this tells us that while wind will not be a huge issue, the gusts will creep up as the day progresses. Add this to the slightly softer conditions I would expect to see in the morning and I am happy to focus on the morning wave, starting with Adam Scott who tees off at 8.02AM local time.
The early part of 2023 saw Scott produce a lot of solid but unspectacular golf and he admitted to being frustrated at being unable to turn this in to some big weeks. Of late however the Aussie has upped his game and his last four appearances have seen him post three top ten finishes.
At the recent PGA Scott sat in the top ten on day one after opening with a 68, while at the Masters in April he also sat high on the board in sixth place after the opening round. Furthermore he currently sits fourth on tour in the round one scoring averages, rubber stamping how much he is enjoying Thursdays this season.
I will admit to having my doubts as to whether Scott’s current somewhat fragile approach play can hold up here for 72 holes, however as a former winner at nearby Riviera he should certainly feel comfortable back in LA and I’ll take him to start quickly in a Major once more.
- WELCOME TO PP NEWS: NEW TO US? CLICK HERE FOR OUR £/€20 SIGN-UP OFFER
First Round Leader – Adam Hadwin
Alongside Scott I will add Adam Hadwin who heads off at 8.24 AM local time.
I am keen on Canadian Corey Conners this week, partly because I expect him to be buoyed by his fellow countryman Nick Taylor’s win in their home open on Sunday. While I see Conners as the biggest Canadian threat for the trophy, I similarly expect fellow Canadian Hadwin to be walking on cloud nine following his close friends victory.
Hadwin who actually lead the US Open after day one last year, has always been at his best on a tougher test, while his one PGA Tour title to date at the Valspar came on another track, which boasts five par threes like we have here.
A solid 12th place in Canada tells us Hadwin’s game is in good shape and he looks good value to repeat last year’s day one heroics.
Top South American – Emiliano Grillo
Moving on and I’ll take the in form Emiliano Grillo to bag top South American honours. The two market leaders in this field are Mito Pereira and Joaquin Niemann and it must be said that long term you would expect both to have the higher ceiling, with Niemann in particular seen as a future superstar of the game a couple of years back.
With both plying their trade on the LIV circuit now though it is hard to judge where there games are at and Niemann judging by results certainly appears to have stalled in that environment.
Grillo though should still be on a high after finally landing his second tour title at Colonial recently and I expect his strong iron play to be well suited to this weeks challenge.
Top Lefty – Phil Mickelson
Next up I am happy to take a chance on Phil Mickelson in the Top Lefty market. With the third member quoted here Hank Lebioda surely out of his depth this looks a straight battle between Mickelson and Brian Harman and with Harman struggling for any kind of form of late he looks a favourite worth taking on.
Mickelson wowed us with a runner up finish at Augusta earlier this year and if as hinted, there are some similarities between that test and the one here, then that will surely stand him in good stead. In addition of course Mickelson has been prolific in his home state over the years so another crack at the US Open in California will surely inspire him.
The 52yr old made the cut at the PGA last month on a layout you wouldn’t have expected to suit him and it may well be that if he can manage similar here that will be enough to see of his rivals in this market.
Top 30 Finish – Patrick Rodgers
Finally I will take a chance that Patrick Rodgers can continue his recent run of solid form and post a Top 30 Finish.
Rodgers who played his college golf in California has a strong record in the state while his US Open record is solid with four made cuts from four.
The 30yr old came through final qualifying to make it to this week and with only one missed cut in his last seven starts his game is clearly in good shape.
US Open Tips
First Round Leader
Adam Scott
Adam Hadwin
Top South American
Emiliano Grillo
Top Lefty
Phil Mickelson
Top 30 Finish
Patrick Rodgers
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
READ MORE
- Golf Tips: Here’s 5 to thrive at this week’s US Open
- Who will win the US Open 2023? Paddy’s betting favourites for third Major of the year
- When is the US Open 2023? Dates, schedule and prize money
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO SAFER GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
