US Open Tips: Billy Horschel

Most of the talk in the build up to the US Open has been preoccupied with the course. Oakmont is one of the toughest (and best) around but in US Open terms that doesn’t make it out of the ordinary.

If you ignore the rain softened Congressional that Rory McIlory took apart, the average winning score over the past ten years has been -1.7, five of those winning scores have been level par or higher.

A stern examination awaits the golfers this week but that hasn’t fazed Billy Horschel in the past. In his last three US Opens, he’s finished T4-T23-T25 and he will be one of the few to relish the test.

Ranked inside the top-30 on tour for strokes gained off the tee and with approaches to the green, Horschel is a consummate ball-striker. Ranked fifth for apex height, he also has one of the highest ball flights on tour, which means his approach shots can land softly (and hold) on lightning fast greens.

The 29-year-old hasn’t set the season alight but he’s been super consistent and hasn’t missed a cut since late January. Recently results have improved with a T4 at the Texas Open three starts back and he also finished T17 at a firm and fast Augusta.

A three-time winner on tour, including the FedEx Cup he won’t be overawed when in contention and is overpriced at 100/1 (Coral) with 1/5 odds for a top-7 finish.