The days leading up to the U.S. Open at Pinehurst are filled with stress and anxiety for players, as they are all concerned about the challenging greens. The unique aspect of this year’s tournament is the fear of putting balls off the green, rather than the typical worries about club selection on Pinehurst’s domed surfaces. Players, including Tiger Woods and Viktor Hovland, have expressed their concerns about the difficulty of keeping the ball on the green with tricky hole locations.
PGA champion Xander Schauffele acknowledges that getting on the green is only half the battle at Pinehurst, as players must also navigate the severe slopes and tricky pin placements. Top PGA tour putting coach, Ralph Bauer, explains that the USGA’s willingness to place hole locations on three percent slopes adds to the challenge for players. The severe slopes at Pinehurst make it difficult for players to control the speed and direction of their putts, leading to the risk of putting balls off the green.
During the 2014 U.S. Open at Pinehurst, players faced challenges on greens with severe slopes and tricky pin placements. Hole locations near drop-offs and red portions of the green made it easy for players to roll the ball off the green with errant putts. To avoid this outcome, players will aim for the highest line possible and die the ball at the hole to minimize roll-out. This strategy may seem conservative, but it is essential for players to prevent their balls from running off the green.
Defending champion Wyndham Clark highlights the importance of playing defensively on Pinehurst’s greens, as players must adjust their putting strategies to account for the severe slopes and challenging pin placements. By taking a higher line and focusing on dieing the ball at the hole, players can increase their chances of keeping the ball on the green and avoiding the risk of putting balls off. Despite the challenges presented by Pinehurst’s greens, players will adapt their strategies to navigate the course effectively during the U.S. Open.
