The U.S. Open returns to a bastion of American golf on June 13: Pinehurst No.2.
The North Carolina course has played host to three U.S. Open championships in the past and was the venue for Payne Stewart’s remarkable win in 1999.
Another memorable championship took place ten years ago as Martin Kaymer ran away with the lead, securing an eight-shot victory over Rickie Fowler and Erik Compton.
And the class of 2024 could pay heed to what the German said after his victory.
Martin Kaymer’s comments after 2014 U.S. Open triumph
If the German had been removed from the 2014 field, an intense battle would’ve ensued at the famous course.
His procession to the 2014 U.S. Open title was one of the most dominant performances in the championship’s history. Speaking to the New York Times back in 2014, Rickie Fowler said this about the German, “Martin was playing his own golf tournament today.”
Keegan Bradley also heaped praise on the now-LIV Golf player. He told The Guardian [2014]: “If you got him in a Ryder Cup match or coming down the end of a tournament, he’s probably a guy you would rather not face.”
Kaymer, at no point, looked like he was relinquishing his lead, and he highlighted two critical reasons behind his victory.
“I didn’t make many mistakes at the start of the tournament, and that gave me a very nice cushion for the weekend,” Kaymer told the New York Times.
Kaymer also suggested his attack-minded nature worked in his favour.
“Even when I didn’t playing perfectly on Saturday,” he added. “I kept it together, and I did not play conservative. I was still trying to extend the lead. I did the same today, even though I knew I had that edge.”
Martin Kaymer’s comments could be important ahead of the 2024 U.S. Open
Limiting mistakes will be a massive part of whoever manages to seal the 2024 U.S. Open.
Finding the right parts of the greens and avoiding Pinehurst’s fierce run-off areas will be hugely important; unfortunately for the rest of the field, Scottie Scheffler’s game could be well suited.
The two-time Masters champion’s microscopic accuracy, coupled with his ability to limit mistakes, could prove to be the deciding factor in the year’s third major.
Another consideration centres around who’s willing to stay front-footed in their approach, much like Kaymer did in 2014.
Pinehurst’s difficulties are apparent, but there could still be chances to score well, and when those opportunities present themselves, they must be grasped with both hands.
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