He has finished tied for eighth or better in seven of the last 11 Majors and comes off a dominant five-stroke victory at the Nordea Masters in Sweden.
And while Lee Westwood isn’t favored – that role is held perennially by Tiger Woods whether he deserves it or not – he is a favorite betting choice on the US Open odds menu this week.
The world No. 3 golfer has 35 wins around the globe and after a couple of close calls at the US Open, Westwood could conquer the Olympic Club. At 12/1 odds, according to sportsbooks such as 5Dimes, he’s a good bet.
“Maybe I’ll never win one. Maybe I will,” he told AP. “Keep working hard and trying to get myself into the position. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.''
Westwood tied for seventh the last time the U.S. Open was played here. He has four finishes in the Top 10 at the U.S. Open in 12 appearances.
His 12/1 betting line is matched by defending champion Rory McIlroy. He dominated a year ago but has struggled lately, missing several cuts.
But it’s the specter of Tiger Woods and the possibility he will return to form that keeps golf bettors throwing money behind him. Of late, that has been foolish money vacuumed up by the sportsbooks, but oddsmakers know Tiger’s form is improving and that makes him dangerous to their bottom line.
“He’s 6/1 at most shops and getting a lot of action, like he always does,” said Jack Randall of OddsShark.com. “Luke Donald and Phil Mickelson are also getting their share of support at the betting window.”
Tiger’s win at the Memorial a few weeks ago sent his line down to 6/1. It would have likely opened around 10/1 without that victory.
Donald is 14/1, while multi-winner Mickelson is 18/1. Jason Dufner and Dustin Johnson are the next betting choices, each at 25/1.
This tournament has seen some huge upsets and there are some players on the US Open odds board at 2000/1 or greater.