It’s U.S. Open week, and the spotlight is on Pinehurst #2, renowned as one of the most iconic courses in golf. In his Tuesday press conference, Rory McIlroy shared thoughts that seemed to subtly critique the Memorial Tournament, held at Muirfield Village Golf Club and hosted by Jack Nicklaus.
McIlroy’s comments began innocuously enough, focusing on the distinctive challenges Pinehurst presents. However, his remarks quickly took a turn that could be interpreted as critical of the course setup at the Memorial.
Reflecting on last week’s tournament, McIlroy said, “Looking back at the Memorial, when players missed the fairway or a green, they often had just one shot option. This made the gameplay somewhat one-dimensional and, frankly, not very exciting. Pinehurst, on the other hand, demands a wider range of skills and creativity. Players will have the chance to showcase different types of shots.”
He continued, “I’ve seen videos of players using a variety of clubs—fairway woods, lob wedges, even putters—from the sandy areas and wire grass. If you get a decent lie, you can attempt a recovery shot. That’s far more thrilling for viewers than watching players struggle to escape from thick rough repeatedly. I hope this week’s tournament showcases that kind of excitement.”
McIlroy’s observations are valid. The Memorial Tournament, which was exceptionally challenging, saw Scottie Scheffler winning with a score of just -8, and he even shot a +2 round of 74 on Sunday. While tough courses make for compelling viewing, a layout that restricts players to a single type of recovery shot can stifle creativity and diminish the excitement for both players and fans.
As for the U.S. Open predictions, it seems to be Scottie Scheffler’s tournament to lose. The real question is, who will finish second?