U.S. Open 2019: 5 dark horses to win at Pebble Beach

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PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 11: Brandt Snedeker of the United States plays a shot from the 18th tee during a practice round prior to the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links on June 11, 2019 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) /

5. Brandt Snedeker (50-1)

Brandt Snedeker is surely not a player that anyone would have circled as a big name on the PGA Tour landscape. Having said that, he’s a player that has proven to be dangerous whenever he’s on his game. As of late, it’s safe to say that the 38-year old has indeed been playing some fantastic golf.

In his last three tournaments, Snedeker has finished tied for 16th at the PGA Championship, tied for 19th at the Charles Schwab Challenge and then tied for fourth at the RBC Canadian Open last week. His T4 showing in Canada also included a blistering 60 in the second round, proving that Snedeker can go exceptionally low whenever he’s dialed in.

If there’s one concern with Snedeker at the 2019 U.S. Open, it’s with his driving accuracy, which is pivotal at Pebble Beach given the notoriously tough rough there. He’s ranked just 86th on the PGA Tour in driving accuracy this season, which is obviously less than ideal. Having said that, he’s been lethal with the short game, ranking second on tour in Strokes Gained: Around the Green and eighth in Strokes Gained: Putting.

While this dark horse pick 100 percent hinges on Snedeker driving a bit more accurately — something he’s done lately — his ability to save shots around the green out of tough situations and then putt extremely well should serve him well. If things break right and his recent form continues, Snedeker has every chance to be in the mix for the third major of the season.

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