One Year After LIV Golf & PGA Tour Pros Slammed USGA’s Actions, Will 2024 U.S. Open Restore Past Glory?

The Los Angeles Country Club experienced the wrath of the golfers last year. In 2023, the USGA received heavy criticism from both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf pros for choosing a site such as LACC. There were just many complaints from pros and fans alike that made the LACC sort of a villain for the U.S. Open. The first thing that the spectators didn’t like was how easy LACC was proving to be for players, as Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele shot historically low rounds of 8 under 62 on Thursday.

However, the rain-softened LACC later showed its true face when the wetness dried, and it became a nightmare for the players. Bryson DeChambeau called it “diabolical,” while Brooks Koepka outright declared that “he was not a huge fan of this place.” The chorus for LACC’s criticism grew when Norwegian pro Viktor Hovland backed the golfer’s grievance to the USGA. The 6-time PGA Tour winner also expressed that he was not a big fan of LACC and said, “I don’t think there’s any great holes. I think there’s a few bad holes.” 

The then-defending champion, Matt Fitzpatrick, also had a similar complaint. The Englishman stated that there were many blind tee shots, which resulted in the ball stuck in the rough despite a good shot. Fitzpatrick said that it was not his “cup of tea.” Additionally, the 1-time major winner was critical of the atmosphere of the LACC too. Fitzpatrick criticized the USGA, saying it was “very poor” as there was a lack of excitement and fans on the course.

Tom Kim, too, came forward to opine that he was looking forward to a zealous cheer from the crowd that was missing at LACC. Fitzpatrick reasoned that the low count of fans was due to many LACC club members buying the tickets. Another reason for low footfall at LACC is the hilly terrain and logistic issues (traffic), which may have restrained the fans from reaching the 2023 venue. After many complaints from golfers and spectators, the 2024 U.S. Open will be played at Pinehurst No. 2. A venue that holds the potential to make this major a very tough one, given its rich history.

Pinehurst No. 2 and its rich history

Situated in central North Carolina, Pinehurst No. 2 was the second creation of Donald J. Ross after Pinehurst No. 1. The golf course has a strike difference from LACC, which became a hassle for spectators. Unlike the rocky terrain, Pinehurst has a gently rolling topography and sandhills that are easy to walk on.

Secondly, Pinehurst No. 2 has been called the “number one course” by legendary golfers like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Sam Snead, and many more. The venue, which is palpable for both fans and golfers, has hosted tournaments like the 1936 PGA Championship, the 1951 Ryder Cup, and the U.S. Open in 1995, 2005, and 2014. The first-ever U.S. Open held at Pinehurst No. 2 was the most historic of the three.

In 1995, Payne Stewart won the U.S. Open by draining a 15-foot par putt on the 18th hole and defeating Phil Mickelson by one stroke. Stewart celebrated his victory with a memorable pose, which remains a statue at Pinehurst in his memory. This year, the statue will be moved from the back of 18th Green to the entrance of Pinehurst No. 2 for fans’ enjoyment. Notably, Stewart died in a tragic plane crash five months after taking the third major title, and since then, his winning anniversary has been celebrated at Pinehurst, this season being the 25th.

Given the historical aspect of Pinehurst and the U.S. Open, fans will expect to flock to watch the 124th edition this year. Moreover, unlike last year, when the tickets were limited to 22,000, this year, approximately 240,000 patrons are expected to visit Pinehurst No. 2. Ultimately, the golfers will get loud cheers and better terrain, and the fans will have more space to enjoy the 124th U.S. Open. Undoubtedly, Pinehurst No. 2 will not disappoint the spectators or the golfers!