Who are we backing for the 2018 majors?
US Open betting: Who to back at Shinnecock Hills
Course form is pretty irrelevant at Shinnecock Hills – 2004 was the last time the US Open was seen at this Long Island layout.
Everyone knows Dustin Johnson’s stellar record at this event and, if Jason Day can put some well-publicised injury and family concerns behind him then I’ve always felt the US Open could be where he picks up a second major title.
But, looking through the ante-post lists, Brandt Snedeker (100/1) leaps out as way too big a price.
A sternum injury blunted his campaign towards the back end of the season, but Sneds stilled managed to finish tied-9th at Oakmont. That was his third top 10 in four years and his fifth in total at the US Open.
He has missed the cut twice and they are the only times he has EVER failed to finish inside the top 20.
This is partly because of his phenomenal strength on the greens. What do you need to do to succeed at Shinnecock Hills? That’s right. You’ve got to putt great.
At this price, I’d lap up a win. But, realistically, I’m going to be on him in both the each-way and top 10 markets.
Who is Steve backing for the Open? His 2018 betting guide continues over the page…
Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
