by Jeff Skinner
It’s finally here. It’s U. S. Open Week and the entire golf world will be focused on the tiny, golf crazy community of Pinehurst, North Carolina.
For the first time in U.S. Open both the men’s and women’s championship will be played over the same course in consecutive weeks. All the top men and women are here trying to get some time on the newly revamped Pinehurst No.2 course. This isn’t your daddy’s Pinehurst.
Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore have transformed Pinehurst to what it looked like when Donald Ross put the finishing touches on it back in the 30’s. And while the course has received rave reviews two weeks of championship golf will be a stern test.
Right now No.2 is the star of the show. And unless we have a very memorable winner, in both Opens it will be the course that we all remember.
Maybe if Phil Mickelson can find a way to finally win this thing he’ll be the memory. If Bubba goes back to back in majors and is half way to the Grand Slam maybe he’ll be the memory.
An Adam Scott second major or a Justin Rose defense of his title would certainly be memorable. But right now, before a ball is struck, before any putt is sunk or birdie made Pinehurst No. 2 is the star.
I have a feeling it is going to stay that way. Two majors on the same course, back to back; there’s never been anything like it.
Click here for a USGA slideshow of the Pinehurst No.2 restoration.
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