DraftKings Fantasy Golf Strategies – US Open

Whether you are entering one of a few dozen Fantasy Golf contests being offered by DraftKings or looking to bet the US Open, the following strategies should be useful. *Note that betting on this year’s US Open is available before and after each day’s play with updated odds.

DraftKings.com offered these strategies as part of their US Open PGA Cheat Sheet.  Both Fantasy players and sports bettors can benefit from this information as the winning player(s) will pay out whereas most wagering events require a full team effort and do not rely on a single individual.

First is obvious.  Look at which golfers have enjoyed success at past US Open events.

Phil Mickelson stands out here.  He has finished second at this event a record 6 times in some very heartbreaking ways.  He is always well prepared for this event and is likely to be in the mix in some way once again.  He is listed at 12-1 odds of winning this year.

Jason Day (20-1) and Lee Westood (field odds) have also enjoyed solid performances at past US Open events.

Geoff Ulrich of DraftKings.com also notes that statistics play a vital role when it comes to both Fantasy Golf strategies and betting strategies for the US Open.

While statistically analysis might prove tougher than normal this week due to the lack of playing history there are some key stats I am pinpointing.  The first is driving distance.  Both the wide open nature and length of this course suggest players who hit it long off the tee will have an advantage.  Past US Opens have also shown that long hitters generally carry some kind of an advantage at this event and I think that trend will continue to hold true.  Additionally, like any US Open I think hitting as many greens in regulation will be key.  Even though the greens at Chambers Bay are unusually large they are also going to be difficult to hold.  Slopes and undulations mean players must still hit quality shots to land their ball and hold the greens.  Like any US Open staying out of trouble will be key and I think the eventual winner will be someone already ranked highly in that area. 

Ulrich also suggests that this year’s winner will need to be a good scrambler.