The Los Angeles Country Club is making preparations to host the 2023 U.S. Open, the third major tournament of the PGA Tour season. The event is scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 15. Golf’s leading players, including the defending champion Matt Fitzpatrick, will compete fiercely for success in this highly esteemed tournament. Notably, Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and numerous other major champions will pose strong challenges as they aim to add another title to their list of accomplishments.
According to the latest odds from Caesars Sportsbook, Scheffler (7-1), Rahm (8-1), Brooks Koepka (9-1), and Rory McIlroy (10-1) are the favorites to win the 2023 U.S. Open.
This year’s U.S. Open is notable as it will be only the third active U.S. Open venue in Southern California, joining Riviera CC and Torrey Pines South course. The renowned golf course architect Gil Hanse played a significant role in recent golf majors and contributed to redesigning the Los Angeles Country Club North Course in 2010.
Walker Cup in 2017
Originally designed by George Thomas, the course’s transformation led to it hosting the Walker Cup in 2017, bringing it into the spotlight and ultimately securing its selection as the venue for the 2023 U.S. Open. The Los Angeles Country Club is widely regarded as a hidden gem in the golf world, and this year’s U.S. Open will mark the fifth significant event held at the club since 1930.
The North Course offers an expansive and lightly forested layout, showcasing elements of parklands and links-style terrain, all against the backdrop of the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Its design evokes a sense of the Brookline Golf Course, and its undulating topography adds challenge. The course plays as a par 71, stretching around 7,250 yards. However, potential modifications may be implemented before the 2023 U.S. Open to test the players further.
To excel at the Los Angeles Country Club, players must possess several key attributes, including total driving ability, strong scrambling and bunker skills, a resilient mentality, precise mid-iron distance control, and exceptional putting prowess.
2023 U.S. Open: Predictions and odds
As the U.S. Open 2023 approaches, the betting market is expected to change. However, the early odds align with the current world golf rankings. The leading contenders include Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm, and Scottie Scheffler, with no significant gaps between them. Dustin Johnson is an exciting player to watch out for, whose odds range from +2500 to +3300. Although he recently shifted to the LIV golf tour, Johnson’s performance at the U.S. Open could be an excellent opportunity for bettors to profit. He performed impressively in the driving and putting categories during the 2021 season, making him a strong contender.
Another option is Jordan Spieth, priced at +2500. Considering his strong form leading up to the U.S. Open 2023, it’s highly likely that Spieth’s odds will shorten significantly. His game seems well-suited to the Los Angeles Country Club, evidenced by his exceptional scrambling skills and impressive approach play ratings. Additionally, Spieth benefits from having more room off the tee on this course. Savvy bettors may want to take advantage of these favorable odds in the Futures major golf betting market before Spieth’s potential resurgence becomes widely recognized.
