The U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 promises to be an unconventional test for golfers, challenging them to adapt to the unique conditions of the course. Designed by Donald Ross, the layout features domed greens, sandy scrub, and wiregrass, adding an element of randomness and intrigue to each shot. Players will need to embrace a survival mentality, prioritizing smart decision-making over aggressive play to navigate the demanding course.
The 2011 restoration by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw aimed to return No. 2 to its raw, sandy, and bouncy roots, emphasizing small-ball sensibilities and strategic play. Martin Kaymer’s victory in the 2014 U.S. Open highlighted the importance of using the putter from off the greens and minimizing mistakes to succeed at Pinehurst. The resort caddies at No. 2 often joke about “greens visited in regulation,” illustrating the challenge of keeping the ball on the crowned putting surfaces.
The classic ethos of the course, with its thin grass on the perimeters of the fairways, unpampered sand, and audacious greenside roll-offs, harks back to a bygone era of golf. Coore and Crenshaw’s restoration focused on reintegrating Ross’s original design elements, reducing manicured grass, and enhancing the natural features of the course. The 2014 U.S. Open showcased a baked-out version of No. 2, emphasizing the beauty of brown conditions and the resilience of both the course and the players.
This year’s U.S. Open features a greener course overall, but the conversion of the putting surfaces to Ultradwarf Bermuda grass introduces new challenges. The warm-season grass requires less water and promotes firmer, faster greens, leading to bigger bounces and more roll-offs. The course conditions, combined with the potential for dry and hot weather, emphasize the need for players to embrace Ross’s aesthetic and adapt to the unique playing conditions at Pinehurst.
The returning focus on Ross’s design principles and the natural features of the course signal a departure from the more manicured and water-dependent layout that had evolved over the years. Players must accept the challenge of Pinehurst No. 2, with its sandy expanses, natural bunker shapes, and endless opportunities for creative shot-making. The course demands respect and humility, requiring golfers to make strategic decisions and embrace a less aggressive approach to score well.
As the U.S. Open unfolds at Pinehurst No. 2, the spotlight will be on the players’ ability to adapt to the course’s unique challenges and embrace the inherent uncertainties of the layout. The emphasis on minimizing mistakes, utilizing the putter from off the greens, and strategically navigating the domed greens underscores the need for a strategic and patient approach to playing the course. Ultimately, the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 offers a return to classic sensibilities in golf, where resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking are paramount for success.
