The 124th edition of the U.S. Open is rapidly approaching, and all attention is focused on the Pinehurst No. 2 Golf Course in North Carolina as it prepares to host the US Open for the fourth time in 25 years. This iconic venue, often referred to as the ‘Cradle of American Golf,’ holds a rich history and is poised to become a regular host for major golf tournaments in the coming years.
Established in 1907, Pinehurst No. 2 has been a fixture in the world of golf for over a century. Despite its long history, it was only in 1999 that the course hosted its first U.S. Open. Since then, it has become a mainstay for the event, setting a record for a course hosting four Opens in a 25-year span. Building on this legacy, Pinehurst was named one of the USGA’s anchor sites in 2020, ensuring that the tournament will return in 2029, 2035, 2041, and 2047.
One aspect that sets Pinehurst apart is its reputation for being an incredibly challenging golf course. In the three previous U.S. Opens, only four golfers finished under par, highlighting the difficulty of the course. The course’s greens, described by many as ‘upside down bowls’ or ‘turtle backs,’ pose a formidable challenge for players. With the high level of difficulty, Pinehurst promises to be a refreshing change from the record-breaking scores seen in recent major championships.
Notably, Pinehurst boasts only one water hazard on the entire course, making its difficulty even more remarkable. The dense roughs add to the challenge, with their random and unforgiving nature. USGA chief championship officer John Bodenhamer highlighted course architect Donald Ross’s belief in the “perfect rough” at Pinehurst, adding to the anxiety and fear for golfers who miss the fairway.
To top it off, Pinehurst No. 2’s length adds to its demanding nature, with a total length of 7,548 yards. The course features a mix of long and short holes, giving players little room for error. Despite its formidable challenges, the allure of Pinehurst is undeniable.
In addition, Pinehurst No. 2 has seen two memorable hole-in-ones, both on the ninth hole, indicative of its unique design. This particular hole is the shortest on the course and features a layout that can guide golfers towards achieving this impressive feat.
As anticipation builds for the 2024 US Open, Pinehurst’s storied history and unparalleled difficulty are sure to captivate golf fans around the world. With its rich legacy and promise of a challenging tournament, Pinehurst No. 2 is set to take centre stage as one of the most iconic venues in the world of golf.