Previewing the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open Favorites at Erin Hills
The 2025 U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills promises a thrilling spectacle featuring some of the strongest contenders the LPGA Tour has seen in years. As the second women’s major of the year, held from May 29 to June 1, this event draws the world’s elite talent to battle over one of the most challenging courses in championship golf. A deep dive into recent performances, player stats, and betting odds reveals a competitive field with a handful of favorites edging ahead.
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Top Contenders Leading the Field
Nelly Korda: The World No. 1 in Pursuit of Major Supremacy
Nelly Korda arrives at Erin Hills as the world’s top-ranked player, sporting a scoring average of 68.88, narrowly ahead of her closest rival, Jeeno Thitikul, who averages 68.89. Korda’s balanced game is a key advantage; she ranks sixth in driving distance and eleventh in greens in regulation, reflecting both power and precision. Despite a slight weakness around the greens in terms of chipping—one small area requiring fine-tuning—her driving and iron play are rock solid, supported by effective putting.
Korda’s form is trending upwards as seen in her recent five-tournament winning streak early in the 2024 season, including capturing the Chevron Championship. Statistically, she fits the profile of a fierce competitor on the Erin Hills layout, ranking second on the LPGA Tour in strokes gained total (2.40) and off the tee (1.03), while finishing ninth in tee-to-green performance (1.59). At +800 odds, she is a top pick to claim another major.
Jeeno Thitikul: The Rising Star and Slight Betting Favorite
Jeeno Thitikul has emerged as a serious force on the LPGA Tour, currently holding the slight betting favorite status (+900) over Korda despite being second-ranked in the world. Her consistency is evident with six top-10 finishes this season and a victory at the recent Mizuho Americas Open. Notably, she leads the LPGA in total strokes gained per round (2.87) and ranks second in scoring average (68.89), reflecting steady excellence.
Thitikul is grouped with other emerging talents and experienced players in featured first-round tee times, highlighting her as a player to watch. However, she, like many others, is yet to find significant success at the U.S. Women’s Open specifically, showing the unpredictable nature of this major.
Other Key Players in the Mix
– Lydia Ko (New Zealand): Ranked No. 3 globally and offering competitive odds, Ko combines tactical prowess and a calm demeanor. While without a recent major win this season, she remains a contender.
– Yuka Saso and A Lim Kim: Both past major champions, these players bring experience and composure to a field known for its depth.
– Haeran Ryu and Jin Young Ko: These S. Korean stars cannot be discounted, each bringing a distinctive competing edge with winning potential.
– Lilia Vu and Rose Zhang: Young American stars included in featured groups who could leverage familiarity with Erin Hills conditions.
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Course Challenges: Erin Hills and Key Skills in Focus
Erin Hills stretches to 6,829 yards, marking it as the second-longest course in the history of the U.S. Women’s Open. The length inherently favors players with distance off the tee, making driving ability an essential weapon. However, Erin Hills is also renowned for demanding precision in approach shots and solid short game skills, particularly chipping and putting, as rough and undulating greens test every stroke.
Two crucial skills highlighted for this tournament are:
– Long Driving Capability: Given the length and layout, players who can consistently drive long and accurate gains will have easier iron shots.
– Around-the-Green Play: Many contenders, despite driving prowess, will need to sharpen their chipping and pitching to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
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Trends and Observations in the Betting Market and Past Tournaments
The U.S. Women’s Open has a track record of unpredictability, with no repeat champion since Karrie Webb in 2000-01 and 21 different champions in 23 editions. This pattern underscores both the difficulty of the course and the level playing field.
Current betting markets reflect this uncertainty but favor players with consistent stroke gains and recent victories. Korda and Thitikul head these markets, but others like Lydia Ko, Hae Ran Ryu, and Jin Young Ko maintain enticing odds that indicate a competitive tournament environment.
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Conclusion: Anticipating a Fierce Showdown at Erin Hills
The 2025 U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills is set to be a captivating contest between rising stars and established champions. Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul emerge as the standout favorites, thanks to their extraordinary form, statistical dominance, and complementing skill sets suited to the demanding Erin Hills layout. Their ability to combine power off the tee with precise iron play, while managing the tricky green complex, will likely determine the champion.
However, the depth of this field, including seasoned major winners and young talents alike, makes it anyone’s tournament to win. The unique challenges of Erin Hills—with its length and tough conditions—could also open the door for dark horses who demonstrate patience and sharp short-game execution.
In sum, bettors and spectators should expect a riveting display of skill, strategy, and mental toughness as the world’s best vie for one of golf’s most coveted titles. Erin Hills stands ready to test champions new and old, promising an unforgettable U.S. Women’s Open.
