PInehurst No. 2 First day of Competition

The temperature dropped a few degrees, the humidity dropped, and a slight breeze blew, making the day much better for the players, fans, and volunteers for the first day of competition. The number of fans attending seemed to nearly have doubled the number of the practice rounds. There were lines for nearly everything and the stands were packed, especially when someone “big” came through (Tiger, Ernie, Phil, VJ). Prior to the arrival at a hole for the big players, the entire fairway seemed to suddenly pack with people 3 or 4 deep. When they actually arrived, they were stacked about 8 deep all around.

Tiger started on the 10th, so he finished on 9, which is out in the middle of the course. My wife, oldest daughter, and I were walking up 8, and there was a steady stream of people, nearly 10 wide, coming from the vicinity of Tiger. They kept coming for a good 5 minutes. There must have been 10,000 people following Tiger, or at least it seemed like it.

Instead of following 1 player, I decided to sit in the stands and let the players come to me. My first stop at 7am at Pinehurst No. 2 was the green at hole 3. This was the 2nd easiest hole on the course today and is a 336 yard par 4. 95% or more of the players would use an iron and lay up about 90 - 100 yards out. Everyone in the first 5 groups layed up. Then Ryan Moore, the reigning Amateur Champion was already 2 over par, so he pulled out a Driver. From my vantage point and a good pair of binoculars, I could see what they were using, and would announce to the guys around me in the stands what was coming. Ryan sliced it deep into the woods, but luckily had a clear view of the green.

Amateur Matthew Every was next with a driver, and then Pro James Driscoll. Driscoll was lucky in that he hit a fan, which dropped his ball straight down and out of trouble. Some of the shorter hitters also used woods, but not really to reach the green. Tiger also pulled out the driver and went right also. He also was very lucky and hit something and bounced towards the green and into the rough. I think he left with a bogey.

The players which landed in the fairway of 3, would nearly always spin the ball back after landing. Those in the first cut of rough would have a little spin, which would cause the ball to stick on impact. Those in the rough had a tough time sticking it, and some went over and some short. The USGA got their wish in that those in the rough would be penalized.

I had left the 3rd stands to make a few phone calls and saw Ernie Els drive 50 yards past Justin Leonard on the 2nd. When I went back to 3, everything was packed because of Ernie and Tiger on the way. I watched Tiger from 6 deep. After Tiger left, I was able to reclaim a spot in the stands.

The other hole I spent a couple of hours watching was at the green of 10, the 607 yard par 5. Most players would take 3 to reach the green. With a left edge pin placement, nearly 20% of the players ended going over the green on their 2nd shot. A very narrow green from front to back, it caused many some trouble. Charles Howell III was the only player, that I saw, to reach the green, but he ran off the back and ended with a par.


Based on the Golf Channel and NBC coverage, the players all seemed to think the course was set-up fair. The USGA and the grounds crew have done a great job. Without any rain in the forecast, we’ll see how things are on Saturday and Sunday. On Friday I will sit in the stands next to 5 green, which also has a perfect view of the 3rd, but is in full sun. The temperature will continue to drop, so tomorrow will be another great day…..