9/1 Koepka the model for Thomas

Justin Thomas hopes a little of Brooks Koepka’s major magic will rub off on him when he tees it up at this week’s US Open (Thomas 22/1 – Outright Betting).

The top players from around the world have now descended on the Californian coast as Pebble Beach plays host to the iconic tournament.

Rory McIlroy is the 15/2 favourite ahead of Koepka (9/1) and Dustin Johnson (also 9/1) after his return to winning form at last week’s Canadian Open.

However, it is Koepka who is the man of the moment, having won four of the last nine majors, including a second straight US PGA title at Bethpage last month (Koepka 7/1 – Top American – Price Boost).

The Florida resident won both the 2017 and 2018 US Opens and is ranked number one in the world heading into this week’s event.

Thomas has had to deal with injury this year and was forced to watch Koepka’s US PGA Championship victory on television, but he played in the Memorial Tournament and last week’s Canadian Open.

It remains to be seen if the 26-year-old has what it takes to win this week and it may be better to look at an each-way bet for the 2017 US PGA Championship, with Betfred paying out on eight places this week.

The golfing world has watched in awe as Koepka dominated the majors and Thomas is no different, admitting his Ryder Cup colleague is an inspiration.

“I feel like I’ve learned a lot watching Brooks at the PGA,” he said. “Everybody knows he’s very cool, calm, collected.

“He’s got one of the best swaggers out here, especially when he’s playing well. He’s obviously very confident and he’s been the most accomplished player the last two years, or whatever it might be, so that’s why he’s number one in the world.”

Odds subject to change.