Organizers of this week's US Open at Pinehurst's Number Two course assure players that the setup will be "tough but fair," responding to concerns about the greens' difficulty. With only four players finishing under par in past US Opens at this North Carolina track, the challenge is well-known.
Defending champion Wyndham Clark expressed concern on Monday about the greens' pace being "borderline" too quick, while Tiger Woods and other players reported difficulties, including balls rolling off the green. Expectations for a challenging week were set, anticipating a "war of attrition."
John Bodenhamer of the USGA defended the setup, emphasizing their commitment to making the US Open a tough yet fair test. He highlighted the tournament's historical significance, aiming for players to experience the same challenges as golf legends of the past, fostering respect for the game's heritage.
Previous US Opens at Pinehurst have seen varied winning scores, from Martin Kaymer's nine-under in 2014 to Payne Stewart's one-under in 1999. Bodenhamer stressed that the focus isn't solely on the score but on testing every aspect of a player's game, echoing the sentiment that winning the US Open holds a special significance in golf history.
ADD A COMMENT :