Course Setup: “The USGA listened, unfortunately.”
That was Martin Kaymer's assessment of the course setup Saturday at Pinehurst where players felt the hole locations were pretty consistently as difficult as they could possibly be.
Ryan Lavner reports for GolfChannel.com.
But on Saturday, “I think they used the hardest pins they could possibly use on almost every hole,” Jordan Spieth (72) said.
Said Matt Kuchar (71): “In practice rounds you guess where you think the pins will be and you kind of say, ‘Well, that’s too severe; they won’t put them there.’ And sure enough, that’s where the pin is. It seems to be year after year, and you should know better by now.”
Jim Achenbach has more extensive comments from Kuchar, who many times said he felt the course was teetering on the edge of going over the top.
Kuchar on Sunday's final round: "It (the course) teeters on unplayable … They've got it at the edge, and I'm sure they'll push the edge. I'm hoping a few pin placements are a little kinder tomorrow after they saw what went on today, but I'm not sure I'll get my wish."
Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 08:25 PM
Reader Comments (12)
I think you're spot on. Nice observation.
And with that, I'm not sure I like the idea of having the women play the same course a week after the guys play it. Today wasn't much fun to watch. I don't like playing courses when the place the holes at hokey spots on the green, and watching guys have to hit shots and putts at hokey hole locations isn't fun, either. I'd rather see more reasonable hole locations with super fast greens – that's what the U.S. Open usually gives us – super fast greens. This weekend all we seem to have is greens rolling at average speed with undesirable hole locations. I thought it was telling when a veteran of Kenny Perry's stature stated on TV that they were the most severe hole locations he's ever played in a major.
I totally disagree. The USGA is clearly focused on this week's event. Do you think they would play the Women's Open, then the Men's? No way...
The fact that they are playing both Opens here is a total joke and the Women should be pissed. The course will be a train wreck by next week for sure. Where the USGA went wrong (with the new design), is that there is no penalty for missing the fairway. Everyone is given the chance to overcome a terrible drive.... ex: Kaymer on 5. He drives it in the shit and makes eagle. No way that happens at a real US Open. This is a joke..
Heard no player say conditions were unfair, but guys who don't bitch--Kuchar, Snedeker, Kaymar, Perry-- all made it clear. Hole locations were much harder, if not "on the edge".
One day its "easy"; the next it's hard. Where's the balance--one round to next?
Some is understandable.One goal is to get 156 players around the course for 2 days, then cut.
Sorry they listened to Kaymar..They probably looked at TV ratings, too.
If they are still listening, and that is doubted: Lead, follow, or get out of the way, not just in course sit-up. Be respected again. Love will come later..
But yes...back pins on those 500yarder par4's??!!! Those pros sure must be working out a lot eh?
Id like to see a classic 6-6-6 setup regarding difficult pins. Give em six easy and six sucker pins.
Pinehurst looks to be in bad shape - dead grass. What's the deal with that. It's not been a dry year in the east...
Why all the complaining? It seems some people just hate the USGA and will complain about everything they do. Also don't understand the "certainty" for some that the course will be "wrecked" for the women. Some of the chipping areas maybe a bit chewed up but we just don't know yet about the rest the course. It may be a perfect test for the women next week.