With carnage already evident in the first few days of the US Open, we take a look at the lightning fast greens and just how that magic number is come by.
Jeffrey MayJeff_DiarioASUpdate: Jun 13th, 2024 16:20 EDT0
JARED C. TILTONAFP
Pinehurst No. 2 is renowned for its challenging greens, which are known for their speed and undulating surfaces. The speed of the greens at Pinehurst No. 2 can vary depending on the season and the maintenance practices leading up to a tournament. However, during major championships and tournaments, these greens are typically kept at a very fast pace. Reports indicate that they often reach speeds of around 11 to 13 on the Stimpmeter, a tool used to measure green speed. This high speed, combined with the greens’ complex contours, demands precise putting and can turn a seemingly straightforward putt into a formidable challenge.
The Influence of Pinehurst No. 2′s Course Design
The course design of Pinehurst No. 2 significantly influences the perception and difficulty of the greens. Designed by the legendary architect Donald Ross, the greens are characterized by their turtleback shape, which causes balls to roll off the edges if not struck with perfect accuracy. This design magnifies the effect of green speed, as a putt slightly off the mark can easily roll beyond the hole, leaving a difficult comeback putt. The course maintenance team at Pinehurst is adept at preparing the greens to be fast and true, often making adjustments to meet the exacting standards of professional tournaments. The fast greens are a testament to the meticulous care and attention given to preserve the course’s legacy as one of the most challenging in the world.
Those two early bogeys? Forget 'em!Hideki Matsuyama 🇯🇵 back to even at Pinehurst. pic.twitter.com/YHtaLOsvGx
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 13, 2024
Determining Green Speed: The Stimpmeter
The speed of golf greens, such as those at Pinehurst No. 2, is measured using a device called the Stimpmeter. This tool was developed by Edward Stimpson in 1935 and has since become a standard in the golfing world for assessing green speed. The process involves rolling a golf ball down a V-shaped groove from a fixed height onto a flat section of the green. The distance the ball travels in feet is then measured. This procedure is repeated several times in multiple directions to account for inconsistencies, and the average distance is calculated to determine the green speed. For instance, if a ball travels an average distance of 12 feet, the green speed is recorded as 12 on the Stimpmeter.
