Another Major Championship, which means we take a dive into some props and extra bets. Everyone knows more eyes will be on golf this week, meaning more people will be gambling and looking for ways to make a buck. LACC will provide a unique test both tee to green and to the eyes of the casual fan. Let’s take a look at some sports books and find some props for this week.
2023 US Open: Props and Best Bets
Top LIV Player: Cam Smith +450
I tweeted out early in the week; I cannot think of a better of a better course for Cam Smith. At LACC, the fairways will be much more “forgiving” than a majority of US Open venues. If Cam has a fault in his game, it is driving accuracy. If this golf course plays the way I think it will, Cam can tap into his elite iron and around-the-green skill set to set him apart from the LIV pack.
Top South American: Emiliano Grillo +350
Grillo is third in the odds for this listing. He is beyond two Chileans, Mito Pereira and Joaquin Niemann. It is extremely interesting to see as these two have been on the LIV Tour circuit for about a year, and although they both have top 20s in recent majors, I am willing to take +350 on a proven PGA Tour player who won just a few weeks ago.
Top Korean: Si Woo Kim +250
Si Woo is on an amazing run at the moment, with two top-four finishes in his last four starts. From a pure stroke gained standpoint, Si Woo has gained over a half stroke more per round than favorite Sungjae Im, who has struggled a bit of late. Tom Kim is also +250, and he has missed his last two cuts and is losing about a stroke per round to Si Woo over that time period. Play the hot man Si Woo Kim to be the top Korean in this 2023 US Open field.
Top Frenchman: Paul Barjon +800
With just five French players in this field and not one of them really turning heads, Barjon is worth a shot at eight to one. Although it is a small sample size, Barjon rates out as one of the better approach players in the 6K range and is one of my favorite plays at the bottom of the slate. When Pauly B was a full-time PGA Tour member, the approach was his best skill set. Bent grass is also his best putting surface, another tidbit to add to the case.
Top Irishman: Rory McIlroy -165
Some juice here as Rory is grouped with four other players, but it basically boils down to Rory McIlroy against Shane Lowry. At -165, this is a no-brainer, as that should be closer to around -300. Lay the juice, and have Rory cash you a ticket.
