2025 US Open Betting Preview: Top Contenders and Value Picks to Watch

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The 2025 U.S. Open is set to take center stage on June 12 at the iconic Oakmont Country Club in Pittsburgh. Known for its narrow fairways and brutally fast greens, Oakmont has long been considered one of the toughest tests in golf.

This year’s field is stacked with stars and storylines, and for fans keeping an eye on the latest golf betting news, there’s plenty to consider when evaluating favorites and value picks.

With multiple major champions in peak form and dark horses creeping into contention, the 2025 U.S. Open promises to be a thrilling event for spectators and bettors alike. This preview highlights the top contenders, value options, and what bettors should know heading into the tournament.

Spotlight on the Favorites

Scottie Scheffler: The Man to Beat

Scottie Scheffler enters the U.S. Open as the betting favorite at +320. After a slow start to the year due to a hand injury, Scheffler has returned to form in dominant fashion. He not only picked up back-to-back wins in May ( including the PGA Championship), but has now recorded five straight top-10 finishes.

His major resume is growing fast, and Oakmont suits his precise ball-striking. With three top-10 finishes in previous U.S. Opens, many bettors see Scheffler as the most reliable option on the board.

Rory McIlroy: Chasing More History

Fresh off completing the career grand slam with his victory at the Masters, Rory McIlroy comes into Oakmont with momentum and fan expectations. Priced at +550, McIlroy’s ceiling is high, but inconsistency has followed his historic win. He struggled at the PGA Championship, barely making the cut and finishing tied for 47th place. Still, his experience, pedigree, and power off the tee make him a name to watch, especially if he tightens up the accuracy that Oakmont demands.

Bryson DeChambeau: Defending Champion's Edge

Bryson DeChambeau has looked sharp in the majors this season. He’s the reigning U.S. Open champion and enters at +900. His recent play shows he’s more than capable of navigating difficult course layouts, and his unique approach to course management could pay off again at Oakmont. If he can control his driver and stay out of the rough, DeChambeau could be a strong repeat candidate.

Rahm's Redemption Story

Jon Rahm is currently +1200, a number that reflects both his talent and recent volatility. Rahm looked poised to challenge for the PGA Championship title but faltered late with a string of bogeys. The 2021 U.S. Open winner returns to Oakmont, where he once finished as low amateur in 2016. Despite his recent missteps, Rahm’s ability to contend in big tournaments keeps him in the mix for many 2025 U.S. Open betting predictions.

However, Rahm’s struggles off the tee, combined with Oakmont’s punishing rough, raise questions about his current form. Bettors interested in his odds will need to weigh his experience against his inconsistency.

Value Picks Worth Watching

1. Xander Schauffele (+1700): Schauffele continues to be one of the most consistent major performers without a win. He’s often near the top of the leaderboard and rarely beats himself. At a course that rewards patience and precision, Schauffele could break through.
2. Ludvig Aberg (+1800): Aberg represents a rising star who’s already proven capable of handling pressure. He’s climbed the rankings quickly, and his recent performances in majors suggest he could contend sooner rather than later. Oakmont could be the course where he makes that leap.
3. Collin Morikawa (+2200): Morikawa is another strong value option. His iron play is elite, and in a U.S. Open setup where hitting greens in regulation is key, that skill gives him an edge. While he hasn’t made a ton of noise in 2025, he’s shown he can elevate his game on major stages.
4. Viktor Hovland (+2600): Hovland has rebounded after a slow start to the year. His recent top-10 finish showed that his game is trending in the right direction, and if his short game holds up, he could be a factor late on Sunday.

Deep Field, Wide Open Opportunities

Beyond the favorites and mid-tier picks, the field offers intriguing long shots. Players like Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka, and Tony Finau all sit in the +3300 to +5000 range. Koepka, a two-time U.S. Open winner, knows how to perform under pressure. Finau’s all-around game could help him handle Oakmont’s demands if he gets off to a hot start.

For those following the latest golf betting insights, monitoring odds movement closer to tee time can uncover value, especially as conditions and pairings become clearer.

Betting Considerations for Oakmont

Oakmont’s course layout dramatically impacts betting strategies. With thick rough, narrow landing zones and rapid greens, players who prioritize accuracy over distance often hold an advantage. Historically, the winning score at Oakmont hovers near par, meaning the ability to scramble and putt well can separate contenders from the rest.

This setup makes matchups and finishing position markets especially attractive for bettors. Instead of only focusing on outright winners, evaluating head-to-head matchups and top-10 or top-20 finishes can offer more manageable outcomes based on player strengths.

For those looking to bet on golf, especially with major tournaments like the U.S. Open, paying attention to these nuanced factors is crucial. Understanding how a player’s game aligns with the specific course is just as important as raw talent.

What Recent Form Tells Us

The 2025 major season has already offered plenty of surprises and storylines. Rory’s grand slam and Scheffler’s third major win have grabbed headlines, but the deeper field means the margin for error is slim. DeChambeau’s presence in the mix and Rahm’s return to contention add more variables for those analyzing the betting markets.

In the lead-up to Oakmont, staying on top of golf betting news and injury updates is essential. Bettors should also consider course history, as Oakmont’s unique design often plays differently than other major venues. Players with prior experience here could have a mental edge when things get tough.

Who Can Handle the Heat?

The 2025 U.S. Open is shaping up to be one of the most competitive golf events of the year. With multiple stars in form and Oakmont’s famously unforgiving setup, there’s no shortage of betting angles to explore. Whether focusing on favorites like Scheffler and McIlroy or eyeing value plays such as Morikawa or Aberg, having the right research can be pivotal.

As always, staying informed and understanding player-course fit will give bettors the best shot at navigating this high-stakes major.

And with the field this deep, the real challenge may not be picking a winner — it’s narrowing down the list of who could win.