US OPEN GOLF
How fast are the greens at Pinehurst No. 2? How the stimp number is determined in golf?
With carnage already evident in the first few days of the US Open, we take a look at the lightning fast greens and just how that magic number is come by.
Pinehurst No. 2 is renowned for its challenging greens, which are known for their speed and undulating surfaces. The speed of the greens at Pinehurst No. 2 can vary depending on the season and the maintenance practices leading up to a tournament. However, during major championships and tournaments, these greens are typically kept at a very fast pace. Reports indicate that they often reach speeds of around 11 to 13 on the Stimpmeter, a tool used to measure green speed. This high speed, combined with the greens’ complex contours, demands precise putting and can turn a seemingly straightforward putt into a formidable challenge.
The Influence of Pinehurst No. 2′s Course Design
The course design of Pinehurst No. 2 significantly influences the perception and difficulty of the greens. Designed by the legendary architect Donald Ross, the greens are characterized by their turtleback shape, which causes balls to roll off the edges if not struck with perfect accuracy. This design magnifies the effect of green speed, as a putt slightly off the mark can easily roll beyond the hole, leaving a difficult comeback putt. The course maintenance team at Pinehurst is adept at preparing the greens to be fast and true, often making adjustments to meet the exacting standards of professional tournaments. The fast greens are a testament to the meticulous care and attention given to preserve the course’s legacy as one of the most challenging in the world.
Determining Green Speed: The Stimpmeter
The speed of golf greens, such as those at Pinehurst No. 2, is measured using a device called the Stimpmeter. This tool was developed by Edward Stimpson in 1935 and has since become a standard in the golfing world for assessing green speed. The process involves rolling a golf ball down a V-shaped groove from a fixed height onto a flat section of the green. The distance the ball travels in feet is then measured. This procedure is repeated several times in multiple directions to account for inconsistencies, and the average distance is calculated to determine the green speed. For instance, if a ball travels an average distance of 12 feet, the green speed is recorded as 12 on the Stimpmeter.
The Role of Green Speed in Golf Strategy
The speed of the greens, measured by the Stimpmeter, plays a critical role in a golfer’s strategy and performance. Faster greens, such as those found at Pinehurst No. 2, require more precise control over the speed and direction of putts. Players must account for the increased likelihood of their ball rolling further past the hole on a missed putt, making lag putting and speed control vital. During tournaments, particularly on courses like Pinehurst No. 2, players often spend significant time on the practice greens to adjust to the specific speed of the course’s greens. This preparation is essential for successful navigation of the course, as even the slightest misjudgment on a fast green can lead to costly strokes.
The greens at Pinehurst No. 2 are a formidable test for any golfer, with their fast speeds and challenging contours demanding precision and strategy. The use of the Stimpmeter to measure these speeds ensures a standard approach to understanding and preparing for the unique challenges posed by each green.