First Look At Pinehurst
No. 2 is in incredible shape on U.S. Open eve, but approaching weather may soften things. Plus, Tiger is solid in a late nine (with swing video to prove it), No. 2 By The Numbers and some Reads.
The 124th U.S. Open is here and Pinehurst No. 2 looks incredible.
More mature and lush than in 2014 when the sandy native areas were still maturing, the course has benefitted from time, brilliant care, no play in almost a month and some recent rains. Leading into the last U.S. Open, Pinehurst experienced only one torrential storm in early May dropping 3.75 inches that served as more of a washout than a nourishing rinse. This led to a firm, fast but inconsistent course. Aesthetically, there is no comparison to what you’ll see this week.
While the course might be a touch softer going into the week than last time, Sunday showed how No. 2 only needs some sun and breeze to dry things. Forecasted rain for Sunday evening—and looking ominous on the radar as I sent The Quad to the printing press—could change things a bit depending on how much rain drops on No. 2.
Sunday’s practice day was closed to the public and saw some golfers with a surprising number walking with a wedge and putter. It started out partly-to-mostly cloudy through mid-afternoon, then No. 2 experienced much-needed sunny skies evening the temperature around 90 degrees. A late-day mowing picked up some clippings and the difference in speed and firmness was significant.
Overall, No. 2 is in such idyllic condition that the winning score seems guaranteed to be in the high single digits or low double digits. (Wyndham Clark, who played Sunday, finished -10 last year at L.A. North). Note: this is a complimentary statement about the design and conditioning. Keep those hate emails to yourselves, Par Protectors Society of North America.
As you’ll see in the videos below, the native areas will be a big topic of discussion as will the bunker style. Here’s a look at the natives and 8th fairway landing area.
The rustic bunkers are maintained with Melbourne-style raking:
A look at the huge-yet-tiny 7th green:
Tiger Gets In A Late Nine
