The 2024 U.S. Open tees off from the storied Pinehurst No. 2 course this week in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The course, notorious for its raised (or “turtle back”) greens, last hosted the U.S. Open in 2014. The unique greens force golfers to be extremely specific about their approach shots — if the ball doesn’t land in the middle of the green, it will roll off the side and force a challenging uphill putt or chip.
During the 2014 U.S. Open, Martin Kaymer dominated the field, leading wire-to-wire to finish with a score of -9, placing him a full eight strokes ahead of the runners-up. It’s important to note just how difficult this course is — by the end of the second round in 2014, just 13 golfers were under par, and by the tournament’s end that number had narrowed down to three — Kaymer, Rickie Fowler, and Erik Compton. The cut in 2014 was set at +5.
Pinehurst No. 2 also hosted the U.S. Open in 1999 and was home to an instant classic after Payne Stewart prevailed in a legendary battle in the final round over Phil Mickelson. Stewart and Mickelson were neck-and-neck throughout Sunday. Mickelson’s wife was home in Arizona about to go into labor, and the tournament ran the risk of heading toward a Monday playoff before Stewart gained the lead on the 17th hole, and sank a 15-foot putt on the 18th hole to win the major. He died just a few short months later in a plane crash on his way to the Tour Championship.
Donald Ross designed the course in 1907 after being brought to Pinehurst by its founder and commissioned to build the first four courses on the property. Before coming to Pinehurst, Ross had never designed a golf course. The course was restored in 2011 by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, following Ross’ initial designs and intentions.
The 2024 U.S. Open tees off on Thursday, June 13.