The U.S. Open returns to Pinehurst No.2 for the first time in ten years – and excitement is certainly building ahead of the third major championship of the year.
Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Wyndham Clark have already been spotted honing their skills at the North Carolina track as preparation ramps up ahead of Thursday’s first round.
World number one Scottie Scheffler is set to arrive at Pinehurst as he looks to land his sixth title of 2024 after winning Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament last week.
Unsurprisingly, the 27-year-old is the overwhelming favourite to land his first U.S. Open title.
However, despite his relentless form, there are still some questions that he must answer to place himself firmly in contention heading into Sunday’s final round.
Here, The Golfing Gazette looks at three big questions the world number one has to contend with to become the U.S. Open champion.
Scottie Scheffler’s first look at Pinehurst No.2
The 2024 U.S. Open will be Scheffler’s first taste of Pinehurst No.2 in major conditions, and his lack of experience around the North Carolina track could be an issue.
Without knowing the course inside out, the American could find himself in some difficult areas – and missing the fairway this week could prove fatal to any chances of winning the U.S. Open.
Scheffler must use his practice rounds correctly and hope Ted Scott can quickly get to grips with where he can and can’t hit ahead of Thursday’s first round.
Scheffler’s under par streak has gone
Scheffler has now recorded three over-par rounds in his last two tournaments, something that’s unusual for the American.
It might sound outlandish, but Scheffler hasn’t been anywhere near his best in his recent showings at the Charles Schwab and the Memorial.
Compared to his victories at The Players, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, The Masters and the RBC Heritage, the world number one has looked slightly more vulnerable.
Of course, the fact he still won the Memorial is a massive positive, but chinks in his armour are beginning to show – and Pinehurst won’t allow Scheffler to get away with anything less than his absolute best.
Putting concern for Scheffler at Memorial
Scheffler has massively improved his putting in 2024, but his final round at Memorial has raised concern.
The American made 49 feet worth of putts on Sunday. During rounds one, two and three, he made 101, 86 and 77 feet, respectively; his final round was a significant drop-off.
Furthermore, Scheffler’s 1.91 putts per green in regulation during his final round was considerably higher than his first three rounds.
Of course, it could have just been an off day for the 27-year-old, but a repeat showing at Pinehurst could prove highly damaging.
Indeed, this is a question that needs answering this week.
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