Go Low - U.S. Open Preview, Scottie vs. Rory Showdown?, Best Bets & Mailbag

What’s up, my people—GoLow is back after a short break, and it’s a big week. The U.S. Open’s here, the wind’s up, the rough is mean, and I’m fired up to talk the course, the contenders, and a few bets; hit the DMs at Golopod for mailbag questions.

You asked what kind of U.S. Open we’re getting. Expect a throwback test where par matters, the breeze bites, and fast greens demand flight control and patience; when it plays like this, ball strikers and steady minds rise while chaos trims the field.

How do I see the Scotty–Rory storyline? I’d love both near the lead, but in gnarly wind Scotty can get edgy, and the question is how fast he resets; Rory’s figured out this championship the last few years and feels more likely to be right there Sunday.

Who are the thoroughbreds built for this grind? Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele live in the top ten at this event, with Rahm’s calm and Xander’s Week-in, Week-out quality; one of them should be in the thick of it.

Who am I betting? I’m on Rory to win at approximately eleven to one, with Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick for top tens; as a long shot, I like Gary Woodland for a top ten or top twenty because he flights it low and handles tough setups.

What about Bryson’s roller coaster? He’s juggling a lot off the course and has missed the last two major cuts, so a miss-the-cut ticket isn’t crazy even though he’s compelling when he’s on.

Thoughts on Garrick Higgo firing his caddie over a late tee time? Golfers are wired to protect their own lane, but tee times live with the player; modern guys churn caddies faster than ever, and it’s too easy to point the finger.

How do we get the juice back for the next Ryder Cup? Europe’s cohesion and depth are real, and outside of Scottie we need a reset in identity and form or we’re getting steamrolled again.

Do I prefer carnage or birdie-fests? I want variety; a brutal test is great theater, and a shootout with stars trading birdies is fun too—it’s four days of entertainment, not a lifetime contract.

Is Bryson’s collapse better TV than his wins? Winning is awesome, but his meltdowns are magnetic and relatable because we’ve all chunked and three‑putted; his emotions make both the highs and lows must‑watch.

What about Phil as a person amid the recent headlines? I’ve heard mixed personal reviews, the legal and club drama is ugly, and if those stories stick he’s likely burned bridges with tours and TV; clubs don’t tolerate mistreating staff, period.

What penalties should LIV players face if they want back? The tour will want certain names like Rahm and Hatton, but returning means truly wanting out and accepting fines and limits like Koepka did; I’m not convinced Bryson even wants to return.

How would I shape the schedule? Keep the early West Coast anchors, then chase primetime summer golf on the West Coast when hoops and hockey are done; weather drives choices, and we should also fast-track elite amateurs into top events.

Great questions as always. Slide into the DMs at Golopod with more, enjoy the grind this week, and we’ll talk soon.