Scottie Scheffler, the reigning Masters champion and world's No. 1 golfer, expressed his displeasure with the absurdly difficult greens at Pinehurst No. 2 during the second round of the U.S. Open.
Scottie Scheffler, the reigning Masters champion and world's No. 1 golfer, endured a challenging day on the greens at Pinehurst No. 2 during the second round of the U.S. Open on Friday. The greens at the historic course have come under fire for their absurdly difficult conditions, and Scheffler was among the victims of their unforgiving nature.
On the par-three 15th hole, Scheffler faced a crucial 17-foot putt to save par. The putt initially appeared to be on line, but it inexplicably veered offline at the last moment. Scheffler's frustration boiled over as he flung his putter into the air, where it performed a 540-degree spin before landing hard on the green.
Pinehurst No. 2 Greens Drive Scottie Scheffler to Frustration
Scheffler's frustrations continued throughout the round. He made par on his first five holes but bogeyed the 17th and double-bogeyed the fifth hole. Despite his struggles, he managed to avoid adding to his scorecard, finishing with a 4-over 74.
However, Scheffler's fate at the U.S. Open now rests in the hands of others. He is currently outside the projected cut line by one stroke, meaning he will need some help from those on the course to make the weekend.
Pinehurst No. 2 Greens Drive Scottie Scheffler to Frustration
Scheffler's struggles at Pinehurst No. 2 are a surprising turn of events, given his dominant form this season. He has already secured five wins, including the Players and the Memorial, and was the overwhelming favorite to win the third major of the year.
The difficult greens at Pinehurst No. 2 have been a major talking point throughout the tournament. Many players have expressed their discontent with the conditions, which have made it extremely difficult to control the ball and score.
Pinehurst No. 2 Greens Drive Scottie Scheffler to Frustration
The greens have been described as "unfair," "unpredictable," and "ludicrous." Some players have even suggested that they are not fit for a major championship.
The U.S. Golf Association, which organizes the U.S. Open, has defended the greens, claiming that they are in line with the traditional setup of the tournament. However, the greens have sparked a heated debate about the future of the sport and the role of technology in shaping the game.
As the weekend approaches, Scheffler will need to find a way to overcome the challenges of Pinehurst No. 2 if he wants to remain in contention at the U.S. Open. The greens will undoubtedly continue to be a factor, but Scheffler will need to focus on his mental game and execute his shots with precision if he wants to make a run at the championship.
