Pinehurst No. 2, a renowned North Carolina layout designed by Donald Ross and recently restored by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, will host its fourth U.S. Open in June. With past winners including Payne Stewart, Michael Campbell, and Martin Kaymer, the course is famous for its turtle-backed greens and challenging layout. Ranked as the No. 1 public-access course in North Carolina and the No. 3 resort course in the U.S. by Golfweek’s Best, Pinehurst No. 2 is a top classic course in the country.
The 2011 restoration by Coore and Crenshaw aimed to take the course back to its original design by Ross, with a reduction in water usage and the removal of irrigated turf that served as rough. The fairways were widened and now have native sandy and scrubby areas, and ultradwarf Bermuda grass greens were introduced for better heat tolerance. These changes aim to both honor the history of the course and reduce water consumption, in line with the goals of the USGA at Pinehurst and beyond.
For the 2023 U.S. Open, Pinehurst No. 2 will play at 7,543 yards with a par of 70. The resort course usually plays at par 72, but two par 5s will be played as par 4s for the Open. Each hole at Pinehurst No. 2 is unique and challenging, with varying lengths and levels of difficulty, providing a true test of skill for players. The introduction of the new greens is expected to make the course even firmer and bouncier during the tournament.
The USGA’s John Mummert has provided detailed statistics for each hole at Pinehurst No. 2, including yardage, par, and average difficulty ranking based on the 2014 U.S. Open. From the demanding Hole No. 2 at 500 yards and a par 4 to the tricky Hole No. 6 with a par 3, each hole offers its own set of challenges for players. The course’s layout and design make for an exciting and competitive playing field for professionals vying for the U.S. Open title.
The legacy of Pinehurst No. 2 is highlighted by the victory of Payne Stewart in the 1999 U.S. Open, commemorated by a statue behind the clubhouse. With a rich history and tradition of hosting major championships, the course continues to be a favorite among golfers. The upcoming U.S. Open promises to showcase the beauty and challenge of Pinehurst No. 2, as players from around the world compete on this iconic course. With its recent restoration and improvements, Pinehurst No. 2 is set to provide a memorable and thrilling experience for both players and spectators alike during the 2023 U.S. Open.
