A Quick Glance at Pinehurst No. 2 History
1999 U.S. Open
Payne Stewart beat Phil Mickelson on the 72nd hole with a 15-foot par putt. That runner-up finish began Phil’s current streak of six runner-up finishes at major championships. The next day, Phil’s wife gave birth to their first child, Amanda. No more than four months later, Payne Stewart was killed in an airplane crash. This statue (above) of Payne posing after he made the winning putt in 1999, is located behind the 18th green at Pinehurst Resort.
2005 U.S. Open
Michael Campbell won his sole major championship after a final stretch collapse by Tiger Woods. Campbell started the day four back of round four leader,Retief Goosen, who ended up shooting a surprising 82. Since this major victory, Campbell has become an oddity. He has won only one tournament since, and has been a rare sight on all professional golf tours.
2014 Men’s U.S. Open
The No. 2 course at Pinehurst Resort has been updated by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore to look more Donald Ross-like. There is no rough, but the fairways have been widened by 50%. The course will play over 7,400 yards. The back-to-back event with the women’s tournament will allow the USGA to stay in one place which cuts costs.
2014 Women’s U.S. Open
Maintenance will be a key. Inclement weather could make the second week more interesting than it needs to be. The ladies will play from shorter tees, obviously. The fairways will be full of sanded divots. Yet, the greens will play softer. In case of a Monday playoff for the men, the women may not be able to start their practice round until the playoff ends.
Major Tournaments Hosted at Pinehurst No. 2
1951
1999
2005
2008
2014
2014
Ryder Cup
U.S. Open
U.S. Open
U.S. Amateur
U.S. Open
U.S. Women’s Open
United States
Payne Stewart
Michael Campbell
Danny Lee
June 12-15
June 19-22
N/A
$625,000
$1,170,000
N/A
$1,440,000
$58,000
Alan Unruh
Alan Unruh is a Class “A” member of the PGA of America, and holds PGA Certifications in General Management, Golf Operations and Player Development. With these certifications, he is among the 1% of PGA members that hold multiple PGA Certifications. He has a profound passion for the game of golf along with extensive experience and knowledge regarding planning and strategy for golf operations, rules of golf, tournament operations and golf swing fundamentals. Alan has also played a crucial role helping manage multiple high profile tournaments throughout his career including the USGA Women’s U.S. Open, PGA and LPGA Tour events, and multiple NCAA and AJGA events.