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Pinehurst No. 2’s sixteenth gap is a protracted, daunting, and very difficult par-4 that measures a whopping 536 yards — so it’d certainly have a median golfer such as you or me shaking in our golf sneakers simply standing on the tee field.
However that’s simply one of many the explanation why we’re not taking part in on this week’s U.S. Open; this kind of take a look at is healthier left to the actual professionals.
So what makes No. 16 so tough? What’s the key to keep away from catastrophe there? And are there any suggestions that the U.S. Open subject ought to use to really rating low on it? Two professional commentators, Peter Kostis and Gary McCord, supply up their evaluation.
Take a look at what the 2 must say about Pinehurst No. 2’s sixteenth gap within the video above, which comes courtesy of their podcast, “Kostis & McCord: Off Their Rockers”, a GOLF Production.
Find out how to navigate the sixteenth gap at Pinehurst No. 2
As the 2 stand on the inexperienced of the sixteenth gap at Pinehurst No. 2, they will’t assist however snicker at simply how tough this gap seems — with Kostis offering some context by reminding viewers that it’s one of many longest par-4s in U.S. Open historical past.
However extra than simply the size of No. 16 is every little thing else on the opening, like a slim fairway that requires precision and the hazards up and down either side of mentioned fairway.
That’s why Kostis says that No. 16 will take a look at the desire of the U.S. Open subject, ensuring they make the fitting determination on this gap.
What’s the key to winning at Pinehurst? Former champ explains
“The primary signal of stress is poor decision-making, and the second signal is poor execution,” he tells McCord. “This [hole] epitomizes decision-making at Pinehurst and what the gamers are going to be going through.”
What concerning the gap’s size? Even when a participant pipes his drive between 300-320 yards, they nonetheless have tons of yardage left to even get to the inexperienced — and if he leaves that second shot brief, catastrophe can happen.
“Should you hit it 320 yards off the tee, you’ve nonetheless bought greater than 200 yards left, Kostis says. “And in case you don’t get it up there far sufficient [on your approach shot], watch what occurs.”
The video cuts to Kostis throwing a ball onto the inexperienced, verbally attempting to will it to carry the placing floor, however as a substitute watching it trickle down and down and down again in the direction of him.
The sort of result’s one thing the McCord says can pop right into a participant’s thoughts previous to hitting their strategy shot, after which describes what he’s fascinated with as a participant in that place.
“The very first thing I’m if I’m again there 200 yards is that I can’t get this ball over the inexperienced,” McCord provides. “If I do, the slightest miss on a chip [on my next shot] goes to finish up [back off the front of the green for a chip back up].”
As the 2 focus on the extent of problem and the pace of the greens, Kostis then walks in the direction of the again of the inexperienced to point out how intimidating a shot it’s for any participant who hits their strategy past the pin.
“Is that this a putt to make it, or are you simply [playing] protection,” McCord asks Kostis.
“I’m going to attempt to make it,” Kostis replies.
What exactly makes the greens at Pinehurst No. 2 so menacing?
After Kostis hits the putt and watches it rapidly roll throughout the inexperienced and down the entrance slope, he explains how almost each participant will discover themselves in that place no matter how they strategy No. 16.
“Right here’s the deal, you could be down there in two photographs otherwise you could be down there in three photographs,” he says. “However in the end, you’re going to be down there.”
Lastly, McCord dives deeper into what makes Pinehurst No. 2 such a tough course, saying it’s the igloo-like greens that may actually wreck scores.
“The entire attribute of Pinehurst No. 2 is that every one of those greens are mainly igloos with a pin proper on the highest,” he says. “Should you go off on the edges, or go off on the entrance, otherwise you roll off of the again, and it’s very tough to get the ball shut whereas pitching.”
You possibly can hearken to your complete episode from Kostis & McCord beneath.
