Pinehurst’s Diabolical Greens Are Set Terrorize U.S. Open Players This Weekend
@golfoncbs The ball just kept rolling 😮 #golf #golftiktok #usopen #golftok
The 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 is set to be a thrilling event, and one of the key factors that will test the mettle of the world’s top golfers is the notoriously challenging greens. Designed by the legendary Donald Ross, these greens are known for their speed, slope, and unpredictability, making them a true nightmare for even the most skilled players.
The Infamous 5th Green
One of the most daunting challenges at Pinehurst is the 5th green. This green is particularly treacherous due to its false front and pernicious slope. The perimeter of the putting surface dips into shallow gutters of shortgrass behind and to the right, while the left edge curls away down an incline. This means that shots that don’t make it all the way to the middle section of the green will either roll back off the front or to the left, leaving golfers with a difficult recovery.
Speed and Firmness
The greens at Pinehurst are also extremely fast and firm, which adds to their difficulty. According to professional golfer Clark, “If they get any firmer and faster, the greens, I mean, they’d be borderline. They already are borderline.” This speed and firmness will require golfers to be precise with their putts, as even the slightest miscalculation can result in a ball rolling far past the hole.
The Unpredictable Nature of Golf
Golf is inherently an unpredictable game, and the greens at Pinehurst are no exception. The course’s native areas and the bounces the balls encounter around the greens will undoubtedly present both fortunate and unfavorable circumstances for the competitors. This unpredictability is part of what makes the U.S. Open so captivating, as even the best golfers can fall victim to a bad bounce or an errant putt.
The Legacy of Donald Ross
The greens at Pinehurst No. 2 are a testament to the genius of Donald Ross, who designed the course over a century ago. Ross’s work at Pinehurst was a result of a chance encounter and a coin toss, which led him to leave Scotland and explore opportunities in the United States. His legacy lives on through the challenging and beautiful course he created, which continues to test the skills of golfers to this day.
The Pros’ Perspective
The professionals competing in the U.S. Open are well aware of the challenges that the Pinehurst greens pose. Golfers like Scheffler, Morikawa, McIlroy, Schauffele, Koepka, Zalatoris, and Åberg will need to be at the top of their game to navigate these treacherous greens and emerge victorious. Their odds of winning vary, but all of them have the skills and experience to overcome the obstacles that Pinehurst presents.
Conclusion
The greens at Pinehurst No. 2 are a true test of skill, strategy, and nerves. This weekend, the world’s best golfers will face off against these brutal greens, and only one will emerge victorious. As we watch the drama unfold, we can appreciate the beauty and challenge of this iconic course, and the unpredictable nature of the game we love.
