The U.S. Open at Pinehurst No.2 is just days away – and excitement is building ahead of what will be the toughest test on the 2024 golfing calendar.
No.2’s sloped fairways and greens will test the world’s best golfers to the absolute limit next week, and if you’re looking for low scores, birdies and eagles, the North Carolina track isn’t for you.
During the U.S. Open’s three previous visits to Pinehurst No.2, only one player has managed to break one-under-par after 72 holes, coming during Martin Kaymer’s remarkable nine-under victory in 2014.
A tough test will no doubt ensue next week, and it will be intriguing to see how Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Rory McIlroy fare in Pinehurst’s fierce set-up.
Rory McIlroy will love the Pinehurst weather report ahead of the U.S. Open
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The USGA will be hopeful that the rain will stay away in the lead-up to the tournament. Looking to dry the course out and making it as fast as possible will be the organiser’s goal.
However, with Pinehurst set for rainfall on Wednesday, some players will be delighted with the course softening up.
McIlroy, for example, will be thrilled with the softer conditions. The Northern Irishman’s ability to launch his ball higher and further than pretty much anyone could give him an advantage during Thursday’s first round.
It could be a case of taking dead aim at most pins for the Northern Irishman and looking to land the ball as close as he can to where it’s pitched to avoid Pinehurst’s fierce run-off areas.
The 35-year-old has demonstrated his ability to thrive in soft conditions throughout his career, and looking to take advantage of a potentially more lenient Pinehurst during the first round is a must if he wants to compete.
Tiger Woods will be less than pleased with the incoming rain
One player who will be less than impressed with the incoming weather ahead of the year’s third major is Tiger Woods.
Clearly, the 15-time major winner isn’t the player he once was. Right now, the 48-year-old is finding it hard to match the ball-striking brilliance of McIlroy, Schauffele and Scheffler.
However, if Pinehurst plays tough, it does feel like it could suit Woods.
He’s still more than capable of playing stinging irons and woods off the tee – and his ability to scramble when required has never been in doubt.
But, if the forecast rings true, Woods could fall foul of the elite players taking advantage of the favourable conditions.
It’s not just the USGA who will be hopeful of the weather forecasters potentially getting their prediction wrong.
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