US Open Round 3 Odds and Betting Preview

• Patrick Reed leads the U.S. Open after 36-holes by one stroke over Bryson DeChambeau
• Only three players broke par in Round 2, after 21 shot in the 60’s in Round 1
• See the updated live odds at Winged Foot heading into Saturday’s third round

It took longer than expected, but Winged Foot finally showed its teeth. A day after 21 golfers broke par at the U.S. Open, only three players, Bryson DeChambeau, Hideki Matsuyama and Bubba Watson shot in the 60’s in Round 2.

Here are all the players under par through 36 holes at the 120th #USOpen.

1. @PReedGolf -4
2. @b_dechambeau -3
T3. @RCabreraBello -2
T3. @Harris_English -2
T3. @JustinThomas34 -2
6. @jaykokrak -1

— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) September 18, 2020

DeChambeau is the only player to break par in both rounds, but he along with everyone else still trails Patrick Reed. The 2018 Masters champ shot an even-par round of 70, and leads by one heading into Round 3.

Live U.S. Open Odds

Odds taken Sept. 18th

Big names who won’t be sticking around for the weekend include three-time U.S. Open champ Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson (RIP to the $45K ticket on Lefty to win), and reigning PGA Champ Collin Morikawa.

Reed Relishes the Villain Role

Reed teed off Thursday at +3500 in the US Open odds, and with all the pre-tournament talk about how only a handful of elite players could actually win this event, wouldn’t it be fitting if golf’s biggest villain spoiled the party.

Live look at Patrick Reed at Winged Foot 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/oXmGVIMYxa

— Rory McIlroy Tracker (@RMTracker) September 16, 2020

All jokes aside, Reed has played exceptional golf through two rounds, gaining in nearly all the key strokes gained metrics, and leading the field in strokes gained total. After gaining 5.08 shots on approach in Round 1, his irons cooled off on Friday, but his short game did not. He’s gained 5.13 strokes putting and another 2.01 around the green, making him one of only two players to gain at least 7 combined strokes with their short game.

All of Patrick Reed's experience playing in front of no fans is finally paying off.

— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) September 17, 2020

If you’re worried about how he’ll handle the pressure of leading a Major don’t be. Reed is a big game hunter, as evident by his trophy case. In addition to his Green Jacket, he’s also won two WGC’s, two FedEx Cup playoff events and the Tournament of Champions.

When the stakes are raised he tends to play his best golf, and with the course expected to play even more difficult this weekend, Reed’s elite short game will give him a leg up on the competition.

Bryson Bomb and Gouges His Way to Second

DeChambeau is attacking Winged Foot in an entirely different manner than Reed. Bryson is bombing it off the tee, averaging 332 yards per drive and leaving himself mostly wedges into these challenging greens. That strategy has propelled him into second place, but Bryson is far from an elite wedge player.

Nice way to end the day. Tough conditions today so happy to walk away -3 after round 2, and with an 🦅 on 18. Weekend ready @usopengolf pic.twitter.com/gLbLGVfnpv

— Bryson DeChambeau (@b_dechambeau) September 18, 2020

Since the restart he ranks 23rd in proximity from 75-100 yards and 53rd from 100-125 yards. If he can improve from those ranges over the weekend he’ll have an excellent chance to lift the trophy, because even when he misses the fairway his new bulked up frame has the strength to cut through the thick Winged Foot rough.

Live U.S. Open Value Picks

1. Webb Simpson (+4500): The former U.S. Open champ is lurking after back-to-back 71’s. Owner of one of the best short games on Tour, Simpson dialed up the ball striking on Friday, gaining a combined 2.28 strokes off-the-tee and on approach. He ranks T-5 in Fairways hit and T-4 in Greens in Regulation this week.
2. Bubba Watson (+7000): The two-time Masters champ is just five shots back after rounds of 72 and 69. One of the best drivers on Tour, he ranked third in strokes gained off-the-tee in Round 2, and leads the field in Greens in Regulation (80.56%).