Pinehurst’s greens may seem large on paper, but in reality, their effective size is much smaller due to the significant slopes present. These slopes, with gradients over four percent, make it challenging for players to keep their ball on the green. Mathematically, this results in players having a target area as small as 14 yards wide, making hitting the green a difficult task. Even 2020 U.S. Open Champion Bryson DeChambeau was surprised by the small effective size of the greens, noting that some areas are just eight yards wide.
The small and oddly shaped greens at Pinehurst mean that players will need to have a high up-and-down percentage to succeed. Historically, the field average for U.S. Opens at Pinehurst has been just above 50 percent, but DeChambeau suggests that the winner this week will need an 80 percent up-and-down rate. This high percentage requires mastery of short shots around the green and strategic aiming to miss in the right spots. Aiming away from pins and focusing on the flattest portions of the greens can help players avoid big numbers and increase their chances of success.
One key strategy for success at Pinehurst is to aim for the south pole, or the best place to miss on the green. By committing to shots aimed away from the pin and towards the flattest portions of the green, players can avoid short-side misses and set themselves up for easier putts. This approach helps prevent big numbers on the scorecard and allows players to capitalize on birdie opportunities when they arise. Ultimately, the key to success at Pinehurst lies in making smart target decisions and letting birdies happen naturally.
The challenging greens at Pinehurst are a significant factor in determining the winner of this week’s tournament. Players will need to excel in short-game skills such as putting, chipping, and bump-and-runs to navigate the tricky slopes and small target areas. A high up-and-down percentage will be crucial for success, as players will inevitably miss a lot of greens due to their deceptive size and complex slopes. By mastering the art of aiming in the right spots and adapting their game to the unique challenges of Pinehurst’s greens, players can increase their chances of coming out on top.
