The 17-Major Model's Wildest U.S. Open Call: Jon Rahm Is Out of the Top 5

Alright Seattle, let's talk some serious golf for a sec, because the 2026 U.S. Open is about to tee off, and this wild computer model that absolutely *cleans up* on major predictions just dropped some bombshells. This proprietary SportsLine model, built by DFS pro Mike McClure, has nailed a whopping 17 majors, including the last five Masters in a row! Its latest forecast for Shinnecock Hills? It's calling for Jon Rahm, a heavy favorite and former champ, to stumble hard, and a long shot to absolutely explode onto the leaderboard.

The Rahm Shockwave

Okay, so here's the deal: Jon Rahm, the guy sitting as the third favorite at +1300 odds, is getting the cold shoulder from this super-accurate SportsLine model. They ran the U.S. Open 10,000 times, and Rahm ain't sniffing the top 5. He snagged the U.S. Open title in 2021, but since then, his best finish at this event hasn't been better than T-7. Yeah, he was T-2 at the PGA Championship last month, but the model points out that was his first top-five in a major since 2023. This isn't just a casual prediction, folks, this is the model telling us to actively *fade* one of golf's biggest names. A favorite to struggle? That’s what makes this so wild!

Cameron Young's Unexpected Surge

But wait, there's more! While one favorite is getting the axe, the model is pumping up another guy you might not expect: Cameron Young. This dude, sitting at +2200 odds, has never won a major, but SportsLine says he's a legit top-5 contender. Why? The numbers don't lie. Young has TWO wins and SIX top-10 finishes already this year, including a T-3 performance at the Masters. His strong driving metrics are off the charts, exactly what you need to conquer Shinnecock Hills. The model is screaming to *back* Young for a win or a top-5 finish, especially with Scheffler (+550) chasing the Career Grand Slam and McIlroy (+1200) and Schauffele (+1800) also in the mix. This model isn't just calling a surprise, it's telling us to rethink our approach to the leaderboard! So, get ready, Seattle! The 2026 U.S. Open kicks off this Thursday, June 18, over at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y. We've seen Rory McIlroy dominate the Masters and Aaron Rai snag the PGA Championship already this year, and J.J. Spaun is looking to defend his U.S. Open title. Brooks Koepka even won it last time it was at Shinnecock Hills in 2018 at 1 over. There are so many storylines, but honestly, after hearing these wild predictions from a model with such a crazy track record, all eyes are gonna be on Rahm to see if he proves it wrong, and Young to see if he proves it right. This is gonna be epic, you won't want to miss a single shot! Let's get hyped for some major golf action!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.