In Pinehurst, North Carolina, Justin Thomas faced a challenging start to his third day at the U.S. Open tournament. After a rough shot on the third hole, he found himself near a unique spot by a temporary fence that led to Donald Ross’ house. Ross, a legendary golf architect, built his home near the third green of Pinehurst No. 2, the famous course he designed.
Ross was known to watch players from his back lawn, observing how they navigated the course he had created. The third hole, like many others at Pinehurst, offered a mix of temptation and difficulty with its crowned green. Players had to carefully approach the pin placement, which added an element of uncertainty to their shots.
Throughout the day, players encountered various challenges on the third hole, with some managing to birdie it while others struggled to save par. The course was designed to test players fairly, rewarding good shots and punishing mistakes. This philosophy created a mental challenge for players like Bryson DeChambeau, who emphasized the importance of strategy and focus on hitting the right areas of the green.
Despite the difficulties faced by players like Thomas, who finished with a 7-over 77, the spirit of Donald Ross lives on at Pinehurst No. 2. His influence on the course and the tournament itself is a reminder of the enduring legacy of his work as a golf architect.
As the U.S. Open continues at Pinehurst, players will have to navigate Ross’ challenging designs and stay mentally sharp to succeed on the course. The blend of history, strategy, and skill makes the tournament a true test of the players’ abilities and a fitting tribute to the man behind the iconic course.