For the third time in five years, the state of California will play host to golf’s third major of the season. The US Open is heading for the North Course at the Los Angeles Country Club, and the world’s top players will be in attendance.
The venue is no stranger to pro golf, but this is the first time that this location has held a Major tournament. Four days of top-class action are in prospect, but who will come out on top?
The Favorites
The highest-placed players in the Official World Golf Rankings are most likely to get over the line. The sportsbooks tend to follow the OWGR system, so there are no surprises in terms of an expected winner.
The world number one, Scottie Scheffler, was a runner-up in the US Open last year, and he’s the favorite this time. Early US Open 2023 odds list Scheffler as the 15/2 market leader, while Jon Rahm is close behind at 8/1.
Rahm was the winner of the US Open when it was last played in California. The Spaniard edged out Louis Oosthuizen by one shot at Torrey Pines, San Diego in 2021. Other likely contenders for this year’s tournament include Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland and reigning Olympic champion Xander Schauffele.
The world’s best are all here, but what will they be faced with in LA?
The Course
The Los Angeles Country Club held the Los Angeles Open at various points between 1926 and 1940. More recently, in 2017, it was the venue for the Walker Cup which is the most prestigious team competition for amateur players.
With the exception of a handful of golfers from the 2017 competing teams, this will be an unfamiliar course for the vast majority of contenders. The 2023 US Open will be held on the North Course which is a par 70 measuring around 7,200 yards.
There are holes that will benefit the longer hitters, but accuracy will be vital all the way around. There are punishing bunkers in place, along with ravines and gorges to catch those who are especially wayward. The course is also hilly, which will provide a test of stamina over four long days of competition.
The Verdict
Scottie Scheffler is one of just a few golfers with prior knowledge of this Los Angeles course. The current world number one was part of the US team that beat GB and Ireland in the 2017 Walker Cup. He’s in top form with two wins already this year and a number of close calls along the way.
Collin Morikawa was another member of the 2017 Walker Cup side, and he could be one to watch in LA. His form is less consistent, but he’s already won two Majors.
Whatever happens, we are certain to have four days of thrilling sports action in prospect. Californian locations may have dominated the US Open in recent years, but there are good reasons why that is the case, and the stunning Los Angeles Golf Course will not disappoint.
