Here are Steve Palmer’s US Open first-round tips:“Shortfield Favorites: 3-ball Bets for US Open Round 1”

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Where to Watch the US Open

Catch all the live action of the US Open on **Sky Sports Golf** starting at **11:30 AM** on Thursday! Make sure you don’t miss a moment of the excitement.

Top US Open Threeball Betting Tips

Tony Finau to win 6:58 PM threeball
**Stake:** 3pts at **7-5**
*Available at Betfair, Paddy Power*

Taylor Pendrith to win 12:07 PM threeball
**Stake:** 1pt at **6-4**
*Available at general bookmakers*

Doug Ghim to win 11:56 AM threeball
**Stake:** 1pt at **Evens**
*Available at bet365, Hills*

Insightful US Open First-Round Threeball Predictions

As the clock ticks down to the US Open, all eyes will be on **Scottie Scheffler**, the world number one. This late starter, teeing off at **6:25 PM UK/Ireland time**, aims to maintain his incredible form. Scheffler will share the grounds with Collin Morikawa and Viktor Hovland, standing tall with a best price of **5-6** to outscore them both. While he’s expected to shine, there are **more enticing options** on the first-round threeballs card.

Among the most promising bets is **Tony Finau**, holding strong odds of **7-5** to outscore Mackenzie Hughes and Chris Kirk. Armed with an impressive length advantage, **Finau** can navigate Oakmont’s challenges with finesse. He has the power to turn the course into his playground with remarkable drives, including a staggering **420-yard blast** at The Sentry earlier this year.

Given the pre-tournament rain, Oakmont’s fairways have softened, transforming the course into a true par-70. This change highlights the importance of **strong driving** to gain an early edge. Although **Finau** has faced personal hurdles this year, his recent performances are a sign of resurgence—a **15th place** finish at the Truist Championship followed by a **19th in the US PGA** should ignite confidence among his supporters.

With a history of success in the US Open—fifth in 2018, eighth in 2020, and third last year—Finau’s strong Major performances underscore his potential. His best result of the year at a US Open venue—a tie for fifth at the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines—bolsters his appeal as a leading contender.

Contrastingly, Hughes has struggled with his ball-striking in Major tournaments, making only **nine cuts in 21 starts**. Kirk’s form is equally troubling, with **12 missed cuts in his last 23 Majors** and four out of five cuts missed on the PGA Tour recently.

Another name to watch is **Taylor Pendrith**, who has been making waves with his impressive performances. After finishing **fifth in the US PGA Championship**, he could make a significant impact against Tom Kim and JJ Spaun in the first round. Kim has recently fallen out of the top 50, struggling significantly since losing his caddy to Ludvig Aberg, which could further hinder his chances. Meanwhile, Spaun, albeit a threat, has missed the cut in both his last outing and his previous US Open appearance.

Don’t overlook **Doug Ghim**, who is poised to capitalize in his 11:56 AM matchup against Alvaro Ortiz and Chandler Blanchet. With **consistency** shown through missing only four cuts over 14 PGA Tour starts this season, **Ghim’s** stable performance positions him as a solid investment in this threeball. In contrast, Ortiz and Blanchet have displayed inconsistency, especially as Korn Ferry Tour players.


Explore more on the US Open:

Steve Palmer’s US Open outright predictions

US Open 2025: Racing Post’s guide to all 156 players in the Oakmont field


Commercial notice: This article contains affiliate links. Offers are handpicked based on our experts’ experiences. Creating an account via these links generates revenue for the Racing Post, allowing us to continue delivering award-winning coverage of horseracing and sports betting.

For those seeking even deeper golf insights, look out for Palmer’s extra pointers every Wednesday in the Racing Post newspaper.

Alongside his tips, you’ll gain expert commentary and price comparisons for all players in our comprehensive PGA Tour and DP Tour guides, including unique attribute indicators tailored to fit each player’s style against the weekly conditions.

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