Open 2025 Sleeper Picks: Underrated Golfers with Winning Potential
As golf fans gear up for the 125th U.S. Open, all eyes are on Oakmont’s brutal fairways, lightning-fast greens, and the world’s best players. While stars like Scottie Scheffler dominate headlines, savvy bettors and fantasy players know the real value lies in the sleepers—those under-the-radar golfers who can deliver big results without the high price tag.
Whether you're betting outright, top 10, or top 20, these sleeper picks offer both form and upside for a course that demands precision and mental toughness.
Outright Winner Pick: Maverick McNealy (+10000)
If you're placing a small hedge against Scheffler's dominance, Maverick McNealy is a high-upside play. Fresh off a T5 finish at the Memorial Tournament, McNealy enters Oakmont with confidence and sharp ball-striking. He led the field in proximity to the hole and ranked second in conversion percentage inside 10 feet. That kind of precision on Oakmont’s Poa annua greens could be the X-factor. For a long shot, he offers tremendous potential.
Top 5 Pick: Viktor Hovland (+750)
Hovland has bounced back into form at just the right time. He recently won the Valspar Championship and followed it up with consistent showings. Although his short game still requires polishing, Oakmont's massive greens (averaging 8,500 sq. ft.) reduce the short-game pressure. Hovland is a grinder—exactly the kind of player who thrives in the demanding U.S. Open environment. At +750 for a top 5, he's well worth a bet.
Top 10 Pick: Denny McCarthy (+600)
McCarthy might not wow you off the tee, but his short game and putting are elite. With a T5 at The Genesis Invitational and T8 at the PGA Championship, he’s proven he can contend on tough setups. Currently 7th in Strokes Gained: Putting and 17th in Bogey Avoidance, McCarthy’s skill set matches Oakmont’s challenge. He’s built to survive the grind and sneak into the top 10.
Top 20 Picks: Consistent, Value-Rich Options
Aaron Rai (+220) – One of the most accurate drivers on Tour, Rai leads in fairways hit and ranks 19th in greens in regulation. That level of control is gold at Oakmont. With six top 20s this season, he’s a solid, safe-value play.
Nick Taylor (+280) – Current form is undeniable: T4 at the Memorial and T13 at the RBC Canadian Open. Although his major record is shaky, his stats scream sleeper: Top 20 in fairways hit, GIR, proximity, and par-4 scoring. If he can shake off his major jitters, Taylor could crack the top 20.
Why Sleepers Matter
Oakmont doesn’t care about name recognition—it rewards grit, accuracy, and mental toughness. These under-the-radar players bring those qualities in spades, and if you're building your DraftKings lineup or placing strategic bets, sleepers can make or break your edge.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your golf insights by diving into more sleeper strategies, betting tips, and DFS advice.
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