Tiger Woods Sends Blunt 10-Word Warning to U.S. Open Field Before First Round
In 2005, Tiger Woods competed at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, finishing as the runner-up, just two strokes behind Michael Campbell, who clinched the title. Unfortunately, Woods had to withdraw from the 2014 U.S. Open at the same venue due to an injury. However, this week he is back at Pinehurst No. 2,…
In 2005, Tiger Woods competed at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, finishing as the runner-up, just two strokes behind Michael Campbell, who clinched the title. Unfortunately, Woods had to withdraw from the 2014 U.S. Open at the same venue due to an injury. However, this week he is back at Pinehurst No. 2, anticipating similarly challenging conditions reminiscent of his near victory more than 15 years ago.
Speaking about the notoriously difficult green complexes at Pinehurst No. 2, Woods remarked on Wednesday that he expects to see some of the top players in golf struggling to navigate the course’s challenges. “I foresee just like in ’05 watching guys play ping-pong [around the greens],” Woods said, highlighting the tricky nature of the greens.
Pinehurst No. 2 is infamous for its severe, inverted-bowl-shaped greens, which are expected to test even the world’s best golfers. These greens will force players to think twice about how to approach chip shots and even putts. The low, grainy areas surrounding these green complexes were skillfully managed by Martin Kaymer in 2014, who frequently opted to use his putter, leading him to an 8-shot victory at the last U.S. Open held at this historic North Carolina course.
Given the course’s demanding nature, it wouldn’t be surprising if this year’s U.S. Open champion turns out to be the golfer who excels around the greens at Pinehurst No. 2.
