GOLF’s Course Ratings Panel consists of highly respected and well-traveled course evaluators in the golfing community. These experienced panelists are eager to share their unvarnished opinions on various courses, including the challenging greens at Pinehurst No. 2. One panelist, Paul Rudovsky, highlights the difficulty of the fall-offs on all sides of the greens, along with the narrowness of some greens, making positioning crucial for approach shots. With firm and fast conditions, keeping tee shots from running through the fairway becomes a tough task.
Michael Robin, a panelist since 2023, notes that the greens at Pinehurst No. 2 appear larger from the fairway than they actually are. The usable square footage to keep a shot on the green is reduced due to the fall-offs, posing a challenge for players approaching the green. Strategic play is essential on this course, requiring players to plan their shots backward from the hole location to set up their approach angles. Will Davenport and Pete Phipps, panelists since 2020 and 2021 respectively, emphasize the importance of effectively managing trajectory and pace on shots due to the steep grades around the greens.
Another unique feature of Pinehurst No. 2, as pointed out by Thomas Brown, is the mowing strategy for the week. Unlike traditional U.S. Open venues, where there is thick rough surrounding the greens, Pinehurst allows balls to roll off into waste areas or deep surrounds with tight lies. This provides players with multiple options on how to approach their next shot, adding an element of unpredictability to the game. The course superintendent, John Jeffreys, plays a crucial role in maintaining the native sand and wiregrass areas to ensure a challenging yet fair playing experience.
As the focus shifts to the upcoming U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, players will need to adapt their strategies to overcome the unique challenges posed by the course. The combination of tight approach angles, fall-offs on the greens, and firm and fast conditions will test the skills of even the most seasoned golfers. Effective course management, precise shot selection, and a strategic mindset will be key to navigating Pinehurst successfully and posting competitive scores.
With the greens at Pinehurst No. 2 being a focal point of discussion among golfers and course evaluators, the intricacies of these putting surfaces add an extra layer of complexity to the game. Players will need to be precise in their approach shots, mindful of the runoffs and fall-offs surrounding the greens, and confident in their ability to read and execute putts on these challenging surfaces. The U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 promises to be a test of skill, patience, and strategic acumen for players vying for the prestigious title. As the tournament unfolds, viewers can expect to see thrilling moments, surprising twists, and exceptional displays of golfing prowess on this iconic course.
