Fowler and Baddeley better US Open bets than in-form Johnson

The likes of Lee Westwood and Luke Donald are among the players hoping to become first-time major winners at the US Open, but some punters may prefer to now back Dustin Johnson at 25/1 following his success in the FedEx St Jude Classic.

There is no doubting Johnson’s form heading to the second major of the year, as in only his second event since recovering from a back injury, he shot three successive rounds under-par to triumph by a stroke.

But there are doubts as to how well suited his game will be to the US Open course at The Olympic Club.

Johnson’s game is largely based around power and so obviously his chances are heightened at the longer courses where his bigger hitting becomes a major advantage.

Shot making and control seem more valuable attributes at The Olympic Club, where the course is difficult not because of its length, but because of the amount of doglegs.

Johnson’s driving distance will still offer an edge in terms of being able to use irons from the tee to boost fairway position, but his short game has been known to unravel in the past and this is another negative.

Therefore, it may be best to side with playing partner for the first two rounds Rickie Fowler at 33/1 in the US Open odds and his game seems much better suited to The Olympic Club, notably as he can work the ball both ways and is inventive in the type of shots he plays.

Meanwhile, the fact that he grew up in California may be to his advantage with the US Open taking place in San Francisco.

Aaron Baddeley is another player worth considering to win a first major at 100/1 in the US Open given his lofty position in the PGA Tour putting statistics this season.

Lucas Glover was a shock US Open winner in 2009 and if continuing to putt well, Baddeley could spring another surprise.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.