Pinehurst

1995 US Open Champion Payne Stewart

Pinehurst Country Club (#2)

1995 & 2005 U.S. Open

Course: 18 Hole Private/Resort

Architect: Donald Ross

Founded: 1907

Location: Pinehurst, NC

Website: http://www.pinehurst.com/
Date Last Played: December of 2009
Score: 80

Islam has Mecca.  Catholics have the Vatican.  Christians and Jews have Jerusalem. Golfers have Pinehurst.

If you have not been to Pinehurst, go.  It is as simple as that.  Take your son, daughter, father, mother, friend, or even that guy you don't like because he always beats you (that's what I did).  Whoever you go with I can guarantee that you will enjoy your "Pinehurst" experience. 

Here is a shocking note...Pinehurst #2 was designed by...that's right...Donald Ross.  I'm not certain where any of the great golf course architects live or lived, but I do know where he lived. When Donald Ross choose to live off of the #2 Course at Pinehurst he was making a statement.  This was his masterpiece.  His Mona Lisa.  Legend tells of him sitting on a patio watching golfers be tormented by his bowl shaped greens.  He would tinker with the course on a regular basis after watching how different players approached holes in different ways.  He was always looking to improve.  Never settling.  And since then the owners of "the deuce" have continued that legacy.  All of the courses at the facility are constantly being renovated, futzed with, and delicately modernized.  In fact, courses #4, #7, & #8 were all closed during my visit to Pinehurst for maintenance.  And even as I write this blog, the #2 course is being revitalized for an upcoming U.S. Open and get this: there will be NO MANICURED ROUGH!  Love it!

The #2 course at Pinehurst and the U.S. Open have an unforgettable bond: The late, great Payne Stewart.  At was on the 18th hole where Mr. Stewart sunk the longest putt made to win a U.S. Open Championship (which was for par...the last person to make a birdie on the 72nd hole to win would be Mr. Robert T. Jones Jr. in 1926 at Scioto).

With that grand memory in mind, it was hard not to think about playing #18 while standing on the driving range.  Maybe not quite the same as the 18th at Pebble, but similar.  So lets talk about the rest of the course first.  At least I'll try to.

Notable Holes: The Opening two holes are a bit memorable as it was drizzling quite a bit on our way down the fairway...well the rough.  With wayward drives and tough conditions, my day got off to a double bogey, bogey start.  The second hole is touted as being the "best 2nd hole" in the world.  I really cannot confirm nor deny this statement as I really don't pay all that much attention to 2nd holes.  It was good.  Tough green.  But best in the world?  Who knows.

Me and some chop on the 4th tee

On to the 4th.  This par 5 shocked me a bit as I was not expecting much change in elevation at the Hurst.  It is a very fine hole and an excellent place for a picture (notice the full waterproofs on us as it hadn't quite cleared yet).  I made birdie on the 4th which set me up perfectly for the 5th hole.  One of the hardest Par 4's in the world, when caddies are asked what is the best way to play the 5th hole they say "birdie number 4".  Done.  Why the birdie?  Because you will bogey the 5th if not worse.  And if you don't, you will the next time you play it.  

Here is my one problem with Pinehurst.  I really can't remember any other holes distinctly.  Don't get me wrong.  I remember them....kinda sorta.  But I think I may have been a little to focused on the 18th to remember the rest.  I believe that is one of the reasons that the current renovation is taking place.  Pinehurst #2 became to much of a golf factory than a historic golf course.  

View from #16 of #17 green.

Unfortunately my next notable hole is 17... I know... pretty weak.  The 17th is a fantastic little par 3 with great bunkering.  I found myself two down in the match on the tee and proceeded to pure my iron right into the front right bunker.  That fine shot would result in a double bogey 5 and a 3 & 1 loss.  But who cares.  We're finally playing 18!!!! 

We had been playing the "back tees" all day, which really were not set all the way back.  Normally we would march back anyway, but with the conditions as wet as they were and the temperature as low as it was, we figured the USGA would have bumped us up a bit.  On the 18th however, we teed it up from the tips.  After a good drive, I absolutely crushed my 3 wood and barely made it to the front edge of the green.  After a fantastic lag putt, I had about a 6 foot putt left for par which I proceeded to drizzle into the center of the cup.  I fine ending to a great day on the deuce.  

The walk up the 18th on the #2 Course

Other memories from Pinehurst include the locker room, where the lockers boasted the names of all the winners of the historic North/South Amateur Tournament.  We also played the #3 course, one of the classic courses at Pinehurst.  Although a bit on the short side, it was the perfect length for an afternoon round after doing battle with the big boy in the morning.  The Resort at Pinehurst was also very accommodating.  There were some great displays of memorabilia from past championships.  The last thing (rather person) I would like to mention would be our caddie.  As we walked the hollowed grounds of the #2 course, he shared with us great stories and pointed out notable spots on the course (like the place where John Daily picked up after 6 putting).    He also shared with us a great story about Ben Hogan and the original "Hogan's Alley".  You'll have to go play to find out the story behind that one.  Taking a caddie is a must anytime you are playing a top notch facility like Pinehurst.  Walking is the way the courses (and the game) were meant to be played and it can really enhance the experience.  

In closing, go play Pinehurst #2.  I had said that is one course that I probably would not go play again, but after seeing the pictures of the renovation it is definitely on my replay list.  I can't wait for a rematch...and to watch the "Deuce" pull out its fangs for the U.S. Open once again.

Fairways & Greens,

Joe

2010 U.S. Open Review

Site: Pebble Beach Golf Links

Location: Pebble Beach, CA

Champion: Graeme McDowell

Score: Level Par

Pebble Beach, you never disappoint...well not entirely.  It actually wasn't the course that moderately disappointed me.  It was the big names that lacked luster.  I was hoping for a Watson, a Nicklaus, or a Kite like performance from the big boys.  Instead I got to watch Dustin Johnson be put on suicide watch after 4 holes.  

The USGA tried to set the course up for some dramatics.  Tees up.  Holes cut in "go" positions.  Even the announcers were chirping about how the course was being "tricked up" for scoring.  Au contraire mon frere.  I believe the USGA (as always..well maybe not always) was in complete control of the set up, but they did try to make it fun.  The fact of the matter is that you could probably push the tees up to the fronts on every hole during a U.S. Open and players would still fail to go low. 

The USGA may have made an interesting discovery this year at Pebble.  Yardage is overrated.  Torrey played 30,572 in 2008 and the winning score was 1 under par.  Compare that to Pebble's 28,260 yards (actually a few less then that with the set up) and level par champion.  That's 2,312 yards shorter and a shot harder.

I hope, nay, PRAY that the USGA recognized this and begins to consider bringing back some of the classic courses back into the rotation.  I think it's nice that they are into public golf courses but they must be careful not to ignore history.  The most enjoyable thing about watching the U.S. Open this year was the fact that it was at Pebble.  I like to watch tournaments at the venues that I know.  Guilty.  Why do you think we love to watch the Masters every year?  I know Augusta better then most of the courses I've played a dozen times.

No offense, but who can tell me where Erin Hills is (site of the 2017 U.S. Open)?!?  I guess eventually I'm going to wander there and tee it up, but I'm not really excited about it.   I am excited about one day playing Chicago Golf Club which will more than likely NEVER host another U.S. Open.  Which is a bit sad.  The USGA must be careful not to water down its list of venues. 

Speaking of U.S. Open venues...how about those Pebble Beach Golf Links!?  The course looked ridiculous (in a good way).  After watching the Open, I didn't just want to go play there again, I want to move there.  I'll caddy, shag balls, build the little fires in the fireplaces at The Lodge.  ANYTHING!

Pebble Beach looked ruggedly perfect.  The play however, was mostly just rugged.  Good players were missing shots in places that they shouldn't even know were part of the golf course.  And it baffles me that players hit their ball in that big lateral hazard on the west side of the course.  I avoided it so I would assume they should be able to do the same.

But alas I was not playing in a national championship.  Not that I wouldn't have loved to play.  I did try to qualify for this years championship throwing my hard earned money into the worlds largest pot for the first time.  It was actually looking good for me at my local qualifier as I was 2 under through 2.  But a short birdie put on the 4th that burned the lip, a poor wedge shot on the 6th, and a wayward 4 iron on the 7th hole proved to be my undoing (may that 4 iron rest in peace).   Next year.  Next year.

So to close the book (or at least my blog) on this years U.S. Open I say congratulations to Mr. McDowell, but more so to Pebble Beach for another fine showing.  See you in 2019 (hopefully sooner!).

Fairways & Greens,

Joe  

Scioto

Scioto Country Club
1926 U.S. Open

Course: 18 Hole Private
Architect: Donald Ross
Founded: 1916
Location: Columbus, OH
Website: http://www.sciotocc.com/
Date Last Played: Fall of 2008
Score: 79

I have a confession to make.  I think I'm in love with Donald Ross....designed courses.  Sorry, it got a little weird there for a second.  Mr. Ross designed over 400 golf courses on which over 100 U.S. national championship have been contested.  Coincidentaly, of the eight U.S. Open courses that I have played, Mr. Ross designed 4 of them.  Not to gush about Mr. Ross any further, but he also played in 8 U.S. Open Championship finishing in the top 10 five times.  Not bad for a humble golf pro.

Scioto Country Club was established in 1916 and has since then played host to 5 major championships including the 1926 U.S. Open Championship won by Mr. Bobby Jones.  This was a very significant win in Open Championship history as Mr. Jones became the first golfer to hold both open championship titles (U.S. and "British") in the same year.

The golf course is one of the best in the state of Ohio which is a big deal when you consider it's up against the likes of Canterbury, Inverness, The Golf Club, Muirfield Village, The Country Club of Pepper Pike, Brookside Country Club, Firestone, Double Eagle, Camargo, NCR, Kirtland, Sand Ridge....I could go on.  Seriously, I could.  Situated in the suburbs of Columbus (which I try not to hold Scioto's geographic location agains it...Go Blue!), it is surrounded by beautiful homes that look like they were built at the same time as the course.  Expert stone and wood work make them almost as captivating as the holes that they overlook.    

Before we tee off, I must mention a few things about the clubhouse. Other than boasting an amazing collection of Jack Nicklaus memorabilia, they have something else to offer golfers to make their day a little more special.  The men's locker room sports its very own barber shop.  I really enjoy things like these as I truly believe they  make a club more memorable for guests.  The key is finding the right niche for the right club.  To Scioto: "Well played".  Another "cute" thing was at the Starter's Shack where they had an amazing collection of pictures of birds.  I don't remember the story behind these pictures as I was more concerend with finding a second golf ball after I pull-hooked my first tee shot. 

Notable Holes:  Hole #1  There is not really anything spectacular about this hole, but I did love the little "turtle backs" (which I named) in the bunker off of the first green (pictured above left).  Hole #2  Ranked in the top 500 golf holes by Golf Digest will generally get you into my "Notable Holes" selection.  The real reason I'm mentioning this hole is that it gives you a glimps into what you are instore for and let's just say you start to feel "giddy". 

Hole #4  I specimin of Donald Ross Design, this 188 yard par three should be removed and put into a glass case for safe keeping.  Holes 5 through 7 are each great in their own way, but I'm far too excited to talk about hole #8 to worry about those.  Hole #8  You have an interesting choice on the tee at the eigth.  You can play it as a par 5 from 509 yards or a par 4 from 494 yards (as they do during championships).  I made par, but I'm not telling what tee I played.  The couple extra yards do come into play as the green is completely surrounded by water.  One must be sure of their second shot if going for the green in two.

The 8th Green.

Hole #13 is next up on the list mainly for it's tee shot.  At the time I was draw-biased driver of the golf ball.  With trees and OB guarding right, I was forced to attempt a fade which turned into about a 120 yard double-cross, snap hook.  I still made 5. 

Hole #17  A tantalizing par three that fits my eye perfectly as the green is very receptive to my afore mentioned draw.  This hole has some historic value as it is the one instance where the "trade" could have been made.  The "trade" is when you trade positions with your oppenent in match play and either gain or lose a stroke depending on the situation.  Example:  My opponent is the the bunker with a bad lie and I'm 40 feet away on the green not feeling good about my stroke.  The "Trade" would position me in the bunker and would lie zero while my opponent would lie one from where my ball was.  Very rarely does the trade actually make sense, but this was the one instance it did.  Poorly played Mr. McKinley.

 

Hole #18

The hole is almost as notable as the BOMB I dropped from the back of the green for Birdie.

 

I did fail to mention one of my favorite characterstics that Scioto has to offer.  The hazard that runs through the course is defined by a rock/brick wall that gives it a great clean look.  You can tell that a lot of time and money went into this project and I believe it was well worth it.  Scioto Country Club is a true gem and deserves whatever accolades that it has acquired over the years.  Although the U.S. Open will more than likely never find its way back here, I hope I do soon.

Fairways and Greens,

Joe