Donald Ross, much like his mentor Old Tom Morris, steered clear of high-stakes gambling on the golf course. However, he was not opposed to high-pressure competition, evident in his most famous design, Pinehurst No. 2. Completed in 1907, Ross aimed to create a course that would challenge golfers of championship ability with every type of shot. The course was fair yet fierce, becoming a stage for prestigious events over the years.
Despite the evolution and changes to Pinehurst No. 2 over the years, a restoration by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in 2010 brought back the sandy wastes and strategic choices that had faded over time. This restoration revived the course’s Rossian roots and restored its status as a formidable tournament test. This was evident in the 2014 U.S. Open, where only three players finished under par for the week, cementing its reputation as a challenging course for top golfers.
True to Ross’ vision, Pinehurst No. 2 presents a challenge from start to finish, with every hole demanding precision and strategic play from golfers. In the 2014 U.S. Open, six holes stood out for punishing the field, with insights from Coore, Crenshaw, and Martin Kaymer, who provided valuable perspectives on these challenging holes.
The 2014 U.S. Open showcased the difficulty of certain holes, such as the 500-yard, par-4 2nd hole where precision off the tee was crucial. The 528-yard, par-4 4th hole tested golfers with its sandy dunes and contoured green, making approach shots challenging. The 216-yard, par-3 6th hole with its tricky turtleback green was deemed one of the toughest on the course, requiring precision and accuracy.
The 492-yard, par-4 8th hole presented its own set of challenges, with a serpentine fairway and a tabletop green requiring precise approach shots. The 478-yard, par-4 11th hole demanded accuracy off the tee and a strategic approach to a green with rumpled wings. The 536-yard, par-4 16th hole, described as both beautiful and challenging, tested golfers with its smallish and elusive green and sloping shoulders.
Overall, Pinehurst No. 2’s reputation as a challenging and fair course has been upheld through the years, with its recent restoration further enhancing its status as a top tournament venue. With the upcoming U.S. Open set to be held at Pinehurst No. 2, golf fans can expect to see top players tested on the same challenging layout that has challenged legends of the game in the past.
