by Jeff Skinner
It was a tough day at Pinehurst as player after player commented on how more difficult the course played today. Pinehurst No.2 had more bite today with difficult pin placements and a firm and fast setup that got firmer and faster by the minute.
Only two players were able to finish their rounds under par. Rickie Fowler and Erik Compton both carded three under par 67’s. There were only five rounds at even par and leader Martin Kaymer who scorched Pinehurst No.2 with a record back to back 65’s struggled to a two over 72.
The good news for Kaymer is that he still holds a substantial five stroke lead over Fowler and Compton. The bad news is he still has to come back tomorrow and play one more round and Sunday at the U.S. Open can be brutal.
Kaymer may only have himself to blame for the tough setup, “Unfortunately, the USGA listened to me yesterday at the press conference when I said — or when I talked about that the USGA can put the pins in tough conditions and make the golf course very tough, and certainly they did. And so therefore, if you shoot anything around par, or 1- or 2-over par, it’s a decent round.”
Kaymer recognizes what Sunday will bring, “I’m looking forward to see how I feel, how I react to certain situations. Anything can happen. I can lead by seven or eight shots after nine holes. I can be down to all square. So it will be an exciting round. For me, personally, it will be interesting how I handle it.” He’s not the only one.
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