US OPEN '24: Facts and figures from the toughest test in golf

PINEHURST, N.C.: A hole-by-hole description of Pinehurst No. 2, site of the 124th U.S.U.S.U.S. Open to be played June 13-16. The course remains roughly the same from 2014 with one significant change. The greens have gone from bent grass to a “ultradwarf bermudagrass,” which thrives in summer warmth.

The opening hole has all the appearances of a birdie opportunity, provided the shots are precise. Most players will hit a long iron off the tee to keep it short of where the fairway narrows, leaving about 140 yards to the green. The left side is sandy with wire brush plants. It’s a vintage Donald Ross domed green, so the wedge or short iron has to be exact or it will roll away from the hole.

The landing area is generous, but the green is severe for the length of the hole and players will be using a mid-iron. The ideal drive is down the left side when the hole location is on the right side of the green. The putting surface has a pronounced hump in the front that will repel approach shots that are slightly short.