Rich Beem has predicted one of Europe’s Ryder Cup stars to “pick apart” Pinehurst No.2 and win the 2024 US Open this week.
Scottie Scheffler, unsurprisingly, is the overwhelming favourite to land his third major title after winning the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village last week.
Elsewhere, Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy are well-fancied after both enjoying a profitable 2024 thus far.
Beem, however, has gone bold with his pre-tournament pick.
Rich Beem backs Shane Lowry to land major number two at Pinehurst
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Speaking on Sky Sports on Thursday lunchtime, Beem has backed Shane Lowry to land his second major championship in North Carolina this week.
He said: “I can’t wrap my head around anybody else but Shane Lowry. I look around what he does around the greens, and his short game prowess and the ability to conjure up shots and use his imagination to get the ball close from seemingly impossible places.”
Beem added: “I look at him but I just think he has got to be embracing the golf course and embracing the fact everyone is going to be going mental around these greens. He is just going to come in there and think I can pick apart this golf course with my golf game.”
Shane Lowry’s short game could flourish this week
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Lowry already has one win to his name in 2024 and tied for sixth in the PGA Championship at Valhalla last month.
However, last weekend’s 12-over nightmare at the Memorial Tournament must be quickly put to bed.
The Irishman’s touch around the greens could see him contend. Those who are imaginative and able to avoid any severe trouble will steal ground on the rest of the field.
In what isn’t a traditional US Open set-up, there’s every chance of Beem’s prediction on Lowry ringing true.
An outcome that would thrill European fans.
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