Wyndham Clark voiced concerns about Pinehurst No. 2’s firm greens, highlighting their treacherous nature and challenges for players before the upcoming US Open that he won last year
US Open champion Wyndham Clark shared views with other golfers about the firm greens at Pinehurst, describing them as “borderline.” Clark noted that the extreme firmness of the greens presents a significant challenge, making them treacherous for even the most skilled players.
During his media day appearance for the upcoming US Open, which will take place from June 13 to 16, Clark expressed his concerns about the firm greens at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina. Clark mentioned that during his practice rounds, he and his playing partners faced significant difficulties with the greens, noting that some uphill putts rolled 6 or 7 feet past the hole.
He also highlighted the challenges of reading the greens and the impact of the grain on putts, which added to the overall difficulty of navigating the course. “They are extremely fast. If they get any firmer and faster, the greens, I mean, they’d be borderline. They already are borderline,” he explained.
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“As far as practicing, the biggest thing is where you leave yourself on the greens,” he continued. “Today I went with my caddy and we were really charting to certain pins. Not like you’re ever trying to miss the green, but we were airing toward the easier up and downs. You also have to play a lot of break on the ground. It’s really a lot of practice and we’re going to focus on [the greens] a lot like we did today to get ready.”
Pinehurst No. 2 is one of architect Donald Ross’s masterpieces among the 400 golf courses he designed. Opened in 1907, its layout features Ross’s signature intricacies, including strategic sand bunkers and turtleback greens. The greens, known for their round and saucer-shaped design, pose a tough challenge, often denying approach shots without precision. The course prioritized strategy, touch, and finesse over sheer power, demanding precise shot-making from players.
In 2010, Pinehurst No. 2 underwent a significant restoration, unbinding the Bermudagrass rough established in the 1970s. Instead, native hardpan sand, accented by wiregrass clusters and scattered pine needles, now decorates the instantly-spotted landscape.
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The reduction in irrigation, confined to single rows in the fairways, has transformed Pinehurst No. 2 into a course renowned for its firm and fast conditions, elevating its reputation for strategic excellence. A thread on Reddit’s golf community echoed this sentiment, with golfers describing the greens as some of the most challenging they’ve ever encountered.
One golfer recounted, “They are incredibly tough. I doubled the 1st hole on #2 after hitting my 2nd shot to 20ft.” Another commenter noted, “This course was the first course I played where I finally realized pros play an entirely different game.” The testimonials only added to the demanding nature of Pinehurst No. 2 and the level of skill required to navigate its layout successfully.
Another golf enthusiast shared a personal anecdote, recalling golf icon Johnny Miller’s remark about the toughest putting courses he had ever encountered: Augusta, Pinehurst No. 2, and Oakland Hills. During the 1974 World Open, Miller famously executed what he described as his “best shot under pressure” on the course’s challenging 16-hole.
