As the U.S. Open progresses into Round 2, Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay are tied at the top of the leaderboard.
This round focuses on a historic golf rivalry reminiscent of Tiger vs. Phil, and offers enticing odds on a low round from a LIV player.
Round 1 Recap
McIlroy and Cantlay Leading
Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay are tied for first after an impressive -5 performance in Thursday’s Round 1. Pinehurst No. 2 is known for getting progressively tougher, with greens firming up as the tournament continues.
Best U.S. Open Round 2 Picks
Bryson DeChambeau - Lowest Round 2 LIV Score (+400)
DeChambeau was the top LIV golfer in Round 1, and there’s no reason to doubt a repeat performance on Friday.
Key Stats for DeChambeau:
- Strokes Gained Around the Green: Top 10
- Strokes Gained Off the Tee: Top 10
- Total Strokes Gained: Top 10
- Driving Distance: Top 10
- Greens in Regulation Percentage: Top 10
Despite losing strokes while putting, DeChambeau’s overall performance was stellar. If his putting improves, expect even better results.
Pick: Bryson DeChambeau — Lowest Round 2 LIV Score (+400 at BetOnline)
Tiger Woods to Beat Phil Mickelson in Round 2 (-130)
Although both players are nearing the end of their careers, Tiger Woods is favored to outperform Phil Mickelson in Round 2. Woods had a relatively competitive round on Thursday, placing T93 at +4, while Mickelson struggled significantly, landing at T149 with a +9 score.
| Metric | Tiger Woods | Phil Mickelson |
| Strokes Gained Putting | Higher | Lower |
| Strokes Gained Approach | Higher | Lower |
| Strokes Gained Off the Tee | Higher | Lower |
| Driving Distance | Higher | Lower |
| Driving Accuracy | Higher | Lower |
| Greens in Regulation | Higher | Lower |
Pick: Tiger Woods to Beat Phil Mickelson in Round 2 (-130 at BetOnline)
Byeong-Hun An to Beat Sahith Theegala (-120)
The value in backing Byeong-Hun An over Sahith Theegala at -120 is too good to pass up. Theegala struggled in Round 1, particularly with his short game and driving accuracy.
Key Factors:
- Pinehurst No. 2 demands accuracy off the tee due to its rustic rough and challenging green structures.
- Byeong-Hun An outperformed Theegala in strokes gained around the green, off the tee, total strokes gained, driving distance, and driving accuracy in Round 1.
Pick: Byeong-Hun An to Beat Sahith Theegala (-120 at BetOnline)
Latest U.S. Open Winner Odds (Rd 2)
Here are the latest odds for the top contenders:
| Player | Odds |
| Rory McIlroy | +240 |
| Scottie Scheffler | +600 |
| Ludvig Aberg | +700 |
| Bryson DeChambeau | +750 |
| Patrick Cantlay | +900 |
| Xander Schauffele | +1,600 |
| Collin Morikawa | +2,200 |
| Brooks Koepka | +2,500 |
| Tony Finau | +3,000 |
As Round 2 unfolds, these picks and predictions provide a strategic approach to betting on the U.S. Open, highlighting key rivalries and potential standout performances.