The U.S. Open now sits at Shinnecock Hills, where defending champ J.J. Spaun faces a field that includes world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who needs a win to claim the career Grand Slam. Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai closed the first two majors, while Scheffler’s recent 11‑start drought has sparked debate among pundits for fans and analysts alike everywhere today.

Betting guru Pamela Maldonado targets long‑iron specialists, naming Jon Rahm as the favorite to win at +1050 odds. Rahm’s compact swing and distance give him an edge on Shinnecock’s demanding, wind‑swept greens. Maldonado warns that a +1 winning score, seen in 2018, is unlikely, yet the course still demands precision from tee to green for any player chasing a title.

Other analysts favor Scheffler, citing his patience and iron play, but many doubt his ability to dominate Shinnecock’s tricky layout. McIlroy, who has missed only one U.S. Open cut since 2018, could stay in contention if his tee shots find the fairways. The event will decide who can thrive under the course’s wind‑laden, high‑ball‑flight conditions for the championship’s final leaderboard.