Nerve-Wracking Opening at Pinehurst for U.S. Open

Michael McGowan, starting the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, faced immediate challenges. His nerves led to unfortunate shots, resulting in a double bogey. With only four players finishing under par in past tournaments, the iconic course remained daunting. This year, top players like Tiger Woods, Brooks Koepka, and Scottie Scheffler aimed for triumph.

Michael McGowan had the honor of hitting the opening tee shot in the U.S. Open on Thursday. It didn't take long to realize what kind of test awaited at Pinehurst No. 2.

The tee shot, packed with hometown nerves, went left into the sand. His next shot followed suit. Then came his blast out of sand onto — and over — the notorious domed greens. Just like that, the 33-year-old qualifier had a double bogey on his card.

History at Pinehurst No. 2 — this is the fourth U.S. Open since 1999 — indicates a tough time even for the best. Only four players have finished under par in the previous three U.S. Opens.

Even with a new look of the sandy landscape dotted with troublesome native plants, the signature of Pinehurst No. 2 has long been the Donald Ross greens, which resemble saucers turned upside down.

“Pinehurst is no joke. This is a ball-striker's paradise. You have to hit it in the middle of the greens.'', said Bryson DeChambeau. Borrowing a line from Boo Weekley he added, “The center of the green never moves.” Tiger Woods, starting on the back nine, has never seen Pinehurst No. 2 with this sandy and rugged look. He tied for third in 1999 and was runner-up in 2005, missing the U.S. Open in 2014 while recovering from back surgeries.

The front nine featured the likes of two-time U.S. Open champion Brooks Koepka and two-time major winners Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa. Scottie Scheffler, world No. 1 player with five PGA Tour titles this year, played in the grouping of top three players in the world, alongside PGA champion Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy in the afternoon.

McGowan's start was not a surprise. It was more about the honor the USGA afforded him of kicking off this Open. He is the grandson of the late Peggy Kirk Bell, a former major champion who's in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

He didn't even have the worst of it. Matteo Manassero of Italy, back in the U.S. Open for the first time in eight years, struggled immensely. He went from one sandy area to another before ending in a bunker on the par-5 10th, leading to a triple bogey. More challenges were expected at Pinehurst No. 2.