The past two weeks have shown us an up close and personal look at the newly redesigned Pinehurst No. 2 and for the first time the same course has hosted both the men and ladies in back-to-back majors. Giving us some of the best moments from the U.S. Open and the U.S. Women’s Open. Here’s a look at GolfOnline’s Top 7 to remember from Pinehurst No. 2.
1. The Ladies Checking Out the Guy’s for Course Tips
Definitely not something you see everyday- the top golfers on the PGA and LPGA sharing the same course. Pinehurst’s role in hosting the first back-to-back majors for the men and ladies Tours meant the likes of Michelle Wie and Stacy Lewis could get a first hand look at what they’d be facing the following week. With some of the men even going as far as sharing tips and yardage books with their female counterparts. The USGA’s attempt to bring more focus to the incredible female golfers playing today seems to have resonated, especially with some of the top PGA players.
“It's cool to run into the girls,” Rory McIlroy said. “I would like to see it happen more often. I think it's a good thing. I think it's a good thing for women's golf to give them a little bit more exposure.”
2. Martin Kaymer’s 4-Round Lead
The men’s U.S. Open tournament seemed settled before it had ever really began. With Germany’s Martin Kaymer retaining the lead throughout the event’s four rounds. A feat only ever achieved by eight other golfers in history, Kaymer blew away the competition to secure his first U.S. Open victory and his second major win.“No one was catching Kaymer this week,” said Erik Compton, who finished T2 along with Rickie Fowler. “I was playing for second. I think we all were playing for second.”
3. Erik Compton’s Unlikely Rise to the Front
He might not have won the U.S. Open but that doesn’t make Norwegian-American Erik Compton’s Pinehurst story any less incredible. The two-time (yes, you read that right) heart transplant recipient gained entry to the event after a qualifier in Ohio.
It was only his second time playing at the major but Compton’s cool and calm demeanor served him well as he came in 3-strokes under par on Saturday. Putting him into the final round just 5-shots behind Martin Kaymer.
With no one able to match Kaymer’s pace, the battle for second was fierce with Compton and Rickie Fowler ultimately sharing the spot. But the 34-year-old was quick to put pressure on the greens into perspective. Stating, “I've been through a lot in my life. A lot more adrenaline pressure situations than hitting a tee shot on 18.”
4. Rickie Fowler Pays Homage to Payne Stuart
Known on the PGA Tour for his vibrant dress sense, Rickie Fowler turned it up a notch for round 1 on Thursday, paying homage to one of his golfing idols, Payne Stewart. Fowler told reporters, “This week you can't help but think about Payne Stewart and his win at the '99 U.S. Open. I thought wearing the knickers, a look he was so famous for, would be a nice way to honour and remember such a huge golf icon, and someone I've always admired and looked up to.”
5. Lucy Li’s Post First Round Press Conference
Whether or not you were for an 11-year-old competing at this year’s U.S. Women’s Open, no one can deny Lucy Li is an amazing talent and took the opportunity for all it was worth. Even more amazing was her first round outfit choice closely followed by the young golfer’s decision to conduct her interview with reporters on Thursday while eating an ice cream. She might not have made the cut but we like this girl and can’t wait to see what her future in golf entails!
6. Juli Inkster - Showing the Youngsters how it’s Done
Just shy of her 54th birthday, LPGA veteran Juli Inkster went to task at Pinehurst, proving to the younger generation that age is just a number. The Hall of Famer made her final U.S. Women’s Open appearance last week and quickly became one of the major story lines after shooting a 4-under 66 on Saturday, the lowest score of the tournament up to that point. While Inkster’s final round wasn’t the swan song many were hoping for, the golfer felt honoured and happy after completing the event T15.
“It's been really a fun week,” Inkster said. Quickly adding, “and that's what I'll remember.”
7. Michelle Wie Scores First Major at Pinehurst No. 2
She was considered the ultimate golfing prodigy, turning pro just before her 16th birthday. But for 24-year-old Michelle Wie major success has always eluded her. That is until Sunday. Wie took charge at Pinehurst, finishing the event two-strokes ahead of world number 1, Stacy Lewis. Winning her first U.S. Women’s Open, albeit with a little help from her friends!
