Scottie Scheffler enters the 2026 U.S. Open as the betting favorite for a major-record 15th consecutive tournament, yet his +445 odds at DraftKings represent a significant shift from last year's +275 line. The world No. 1's longer price reflects bettor hesitation despite his consistent major presence.

Recent major championships have rewarded long-shot gamblers. Wyndham Clark and J.J. Spaun both captured the U.S. Open at 100-1 or higher in 2023 and 2025 respectively, while Aaron Rai shocked everyone at 290-1 during this year's PGA Championship. This trend has bettors eyeing value elsewhere, with Tommy Fleetwood (22-1) and Matt Fitzpatrick (23-1) drawing early interest.

Weather conditions could further complicate matters at Shinnecock Hills, where winds exceeding 20 mph are forecast early in the tournament. Brooks Koepka, the 2018 champion at this venue, sits at 36-1 despite withdrawing from last week's RBC Canadian Open with a hand injury. Bookmakers report Scheffler isn't attracting typical action levels, suggesting the public remains wary of his relatively elevated odds.

The betting market's caution toward Scheffler reveals how recent unpredictable winners have reshaped major championship gambling strategies. Even the favorite's price has become a calculated risk rather than a sure thing.