Volunteers have been told Pinehurst could do something very exciting on the seventh hole this week

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Pinehurst could be set to do something very exciting with the 426-yard par-four seventh hole at the U.S. Open.

The year’s toughest major is now underway in North Carolina as the world’s best look to land America’s most prestigious prize.

Scottie Scheffler is once again the overwhelming favourite after picking up his fifth victory of 2024 at last week’s Memorial Tournament.

Bryson DeChambeau, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa are also well-fancied heading into this week’s event.

Birdies promise to be at a premium this week, but the USGA could be set to gift an opportunity in the front nine this week.

USGA could make change to the par-four seventh

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Golf Digest’s Red Harrington has been at Pinehurst since the start of the week, and the journalist posted footage of Viktor Hovland playing the seventh hole from the front tee, which is roughly 330 yards from the front edge.

He wrote on X: “Viktor Hovland trying to drive the 426-yard par 4 7th!?! Viktor and his caddie walked up to the very front tee which is roughly 330 to the front edge of the green if you cut the corner.”

Harrington also claimed that volunteers have been told the tee box could be moved forward over the weekend.

“Volunteers said they’ve been told it could happen,” he added. “Would definitely add an interesting element to a hole most are hitting iron/wedge. I hope the USGA uses it!”

The seventh hole could prove crucial at Pinehurst No.2

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With birdies set to be at a premium this week, looking to take advantage of favourable holes is an absolute must.

For now, the seventh isn’t accessible, but if the USGA want to provide a scoring chance on the front nine on Saturday or Sunday, changing the position of the tee box is undoubtedly an option.

U.S. Opens, typically, are about making pars and avoiding mistakes, but picking up shots toward the back end of the tournament could be the difference come Sunday afternoon.

The 426-yard hole is certainly one to keep an eye on this week.