The U.S. Open hasn't been kind to underdogs for the past decade. The last winner who was more than 100-1 was Lucas Glover at Bethpage in 2009.
Since then, Graeme McDowell's and Webb Simpson's wins in 2010 and 2012 at +6600 were the longest odds to claim this major. However, I think there are a few names way down the board that have the chance to pop up on the leaderboard and contend for the title.
Emiliano Grillo 140-1
Grillo was a late add to the field. He officially gained entry on Sunday after breaking into the top 60 in the world rankings by Sunday's deadline.
He's been riding a wave of solid play over the past couple of months, including a pair of third-place finishes at the Houston Open and Fort Worth Invitational.
Grillo is a great iron player and gains ground off the tee at most tournaments. The question mark in his game is the putter, but he'll be better on Shinnecock's greens with the Bentgrass-Poa mix being more to his liking.
He's worth a top 10 look at +1150
Tyrrell Hatton 170-1
Hatton isn't the longest hitter, but when the wind picks up, and the tour gets away from the Bermuda greens that give his short game trouble, he can compete.
He'll need to keep the driver in play and have a great week with the irons to make up for the lack of distance. But if Hatton's tee-to-green game is clicking, then his putter can get as hot as anyone.
It's a leap of faith backing talent rather than form. Hatton missed a few cuts in Europe and battled a wrist problem. But at this large of a number, I'll gamble and back him for a top 10 as well at +1300.
Russell Henley 200-1
Henley was available at 350-1 for a little while on Sportsbook, but that number is long gone. However, at his current 200-1 price on Bovada, he's a worthwhile bet.
He's a guy we know can win on tour and has a couple of solid results at the U.S. Open, including winning the low amateur in 2010 when he tied for 16th.
He also had a 15th-place finish at the Masters this year, so he's shown he can play well on the best courses.
I'd look at him in the top 20 range at +550.
