The five hardest holes at Pinehurst this week have now been named ahead of the US Open

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Claude Harmon has named the five hardest holes at Pinehurst No.2, which could decide the 2024 U.S. Open.

The world’s best players have been plotting their way around the prestigious North Carolina course ahead of the third major of the year.

Practice rounds at Pinehurst have been interesting viewing, with several players testing out different types of shots, especially around the green complexes.

Justin Rose was spotted hitting a basket of range balls with his putter on the practice facilities, and Tiger Woods was seen using his longer irons to chip onto the putting surfaces.

Pinehurst promises to provide a stern test this week – and now the hardest holes have been named.

Claude Harmon names Pinehurst’s most testing holes

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Speaking on the Son of a Butch Podcast, Harmon has named the five holes that could decide the third major of the year.

He explained: “I think the hard holes out here, the ones to watch, are going to be two, six, eight, 11 and 16. If you can somehow for the week play those holes in even or one under for the week, you are going to pick up maybe a stroke and a half, maybe two strokes against the field.

“Everyone out here knows what the hard holes are. They know what the test is and where they are going to need to try and just hang on.”

The five holes that could decide the 2024 US Open

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Harmon has made five predictions on what holes to look out for, so let’s check them out.

The 504-yard par-four second promises to be one of the toughest holes on the course. A long hole early into proceedings could cause trouble for several players, particularly the green complex.

Six will also provide a stern test. The 228-yard par-three will demand a precise tee shot to avoid running into trouble around the green. The eighth is another long par four, which will have the world’s best scrambling to make par – and it’s a similar story on the lengthy 11th hole.

16 is a monstrous 530-yard par-four, which could be set for drama come Sunday evening. Hitting the fairway on the third hole from home will be non-negotiable in order to reach the green in two.