 |
| 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
