The 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst Golf Club is known for its challenging course built on the sand hills of North Carolina. The unique topography of the course causes water to drain quickly, leading to hot fairways that allow the ball to keep rolling. To help golfers navigate these conditions, a daily Ground Game series has been launched to offer tips on using the ground to their advantage.
For shorter hitters looking to maximize their distance on the firm fairways of Pinehurst, creating a draw with a driver or 3-wood can be beneficial. A draw shot shape allows the ball to roll further down the fairway compared to a fade. To achieve this shot, golfers can practice from a narrow stance and make slow half swings with the intention of rolling their right forearm over their left through impact. This rotation closes the clubface in relation to the swing path and helps produce the desired draw.
Once golfers have practiced the draw shot shape from a narrow stance, they can then transition back to their normal stance and try to recreate the same feel when hitting tee shots. The goal is to produce a sweeping draw that sends the ball rolling down the firm fairways of Pinehurst. By developing this shot shape, shorter hitters can take advantage of the course conditions and maximize their distance off the tee.
In addition to creating a draw shot shape, golfers can also benefit from understanding how to navigate the baked-out slopes at Pinehurst. With the fairways getting hot and the ball rolling uncontrollably, knowing how to use the ground to your advantage becomes crucial. By learning techniques to control the trajectory and spin of their shots, golfers can better manage the challenging conditions at Pinehurst and improve their overall performance on the course.
As golfers prepare for the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst, honing their skills in utilizing the ground game will be essential to success. By practicing shot shapes like the draw and learning how to navigate the unique course conditions, players can gain a competitive edge and optimize their performance on the challenging sand hills of North Carolina. Through the daily Ground Game series, golfers can access valuable tips and strategies to help them navigate the course at Pinehurst and improve their overall game.
