Justin Thomas woke up early at Pinehurst No. 2 and faced challenges on the third hole during the U.S. Open. His errant tee shot landed in a native area near a fence that divides the course from the houses lining it. Behind the third green is the home of Donald Ross, the famous golf architect who designed the course. Ross built his house in 1925, and it stands as a testament to his dedication to the course he helped create. The course became his muse, and he continued to improve it long after its completion. The U.S. Open being played at Pinehurst is a fitting tribute to Ross and his legacy.
Sam Bennett experienced the challenges of the third hole with a birdie try that ended in a tricky chip and a bogey. The third hole exemplifies Ross’ design philosophy of creating greens that tempt and tease players, accepting some shots while rejecting others. The pin placement on Thursday added to the difficulty, with a slope leading to an unknown backside of the green that unnerved players. Dustin Johnson and Jason Day struggled with shots near the sandy footpath behind the green, while Cameron Davis had to get creative to save bogey after an unusual situation.
Despite the challenges of the third hole, some players managed to birdie it, showcasing Ross’ ability to test the best golfers fairly. The goal of Ross’ design was to reward good shots and punish bad ones, keeping chance in play and creating a war of attrition on the course. Bryson DeChambeau and Akshay Bhatia were among the few players who birdied the hole, highlighting the varying outcomes players can face on the same course. DeChambeau emphasized mental exhaustion in navigating the course and focusing on hitting safer parts of the greens instead of going for flags.
For Justin Thomas, his early struggles on the third hole were indicative of a tough round ahead. Despite the challenges, he remained focused and returned to the driving range after his round in an effort to improve. Donald Ross’ presence is still felt at Pinehurst No. 2, with his house serving as a reminder of his dedication to the course. Watching the U.S. Open from Ross’ back lawn brings a sense of history and reverence for the man who shaped the course and left a lasting legacy in the world of golf architecture.
