Is Pinehurst No.2 “unfair” and “overrated”? A former PGA Tour legend and others deliver their harsh verdict

The world of golf is not happy with what is happening at Pinehurst No. 2! The first round of the US Open saw players struggle on a notoriously difficult course. Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay shared first place at 4 under par and were the only 2 golfers to have bogey-free rounds. However, world number 1 Scottie Scheffler did not start as he would have liked, struggling on the greens and ending the day T-30.

While the second round is underway, the PGA Tour on its X handle posted a subtitled video “Pinehurst shows its teeth early.” The clip featured Mark Hubbard on the second shot of his first hole. Despite its great accuracy and precision, the shot, which could have been an eagle, hit the flag stick and rolled down the slope, ultimately resulting in a bogey on the par 4.

This incident sparked a wave of reactions from fans, who were quick to share their thoughts on the difficulty of the course. I don’t describe the course as difficult but overrated, Marc Calcavecchiawinner of the 1989 Open Championship, published his reviews: “I’m willing to take abuse. I’m just going to spit it out!! Pinehurst is such a cool area with great courses. Number 2 is not one of them. The most overrated course in the world!! Let me have it!! But it’s true.”

However, Rory McIlroy expressed a contrasting view after the first round and praised the course “He kind of takes me back to links golf when I was a kid a little. The greens are a little steeper and there’s a little more movement on them. But There is possibilities. You can chip it. You can putt he. I would like if we have played more golf courses like this.» Showcasing the familiarity he has playing on these sloping courses.

While the majority of fans expressed concern about the challenges the course posed to players, reactions were mixed, reflecting a wider debate over Pinehurst No.2.

The golf world complains about the unfairness of the US Open course

Fans have expressed frustration with the tournament design, which prioritizes difficulty over rewarding good play. “A perfect example of why this is such a bad tournament. This shot does not deserve this result. And, “It’s just ridiculous. A shot this good deserves better,” This sums up the prevailing sentiment that Pinehurst No.2, or the U.S. Open, can be excessively tough. Mark Hubbard’s near-perfect shot, resulting in a bogey, further highlights this perception.

Many fans directed their discontent towards The USGA’s approach to course setup rather than the course itself. Like him commented, “It’s not Pinehurst showing his teeth. “It’s the @USGA’s insistence on making a course as difficult as possible, even if it penalizes an exceptional shot (like Hubbard’s).” “Cruel,” said another enthusiast and, “I don’t know what their goal is or what they are trying to prove with this course/setup. What is a test?“This highlights a concern that extremely difficult courses can diminish the spirit of the game and ultimately discourage golfers.

Another fan appreciated Calcavecchia’s courage to speak out and praised the course, “Thank you for having the courage to tell the truth. 👏 My last golf trip to Pinehurst included Tobacco Road, Mid Pines, Pine Needles and Southern Pines. What a wonderful region. A fan asked him what his best run was on the famous course, and Calcavecchia replied, “Prob in college. 68, I guess,” illustrating that course #2 is not really ideal for accommodating the major.

Golf course test Scottie Scheffler had some reaction when he swung his club after missing the putt on the 15th hole due to sloping terrain. “We saw Scottie arrested for less than that 🤣” Said a golf enthusiast with a bit of humor, the best player on the PGA Tour has currently been arrested in Valhalla for a simple misunderstanding with a police officer.

The golf world has different opinions on the level of difficulty the U.S. Open golf course poses. But the main thing to consider is who will pass through Pinehurst No. 2 CC. What do you think will come out at the top? Tell us in the comments.