Pinehurst No. 2: The Contentious Course Wreaking Havoc at the U.S. Open

Pinehurst No. 2 has become the talk of the U.S. Open, with its treacherous greens leaving players exasperated, including world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

Pinehurst No. 2, renowned for its challenging layout, has emerged as a formidable adversary at this year's U.S. Open, with its greens creating unprecedented obstacles for the world's top golfers. Among the most vocal critics is reigning Masters champion Scottie Scheffler.

Scheffler's frustration reached its peak on the par-three 15th hole, where his 17-foot putt for par appeared to be tracking well until it inexplicably veered off course at the last moment. In a fit of exasperation, Scheffler hurled his putter into the air, prompting gasps from the crowd and a stern look from playing partner Max Homa.

Pinehurst No. 2: The Contentious Course Wreaking Havoc at the U.S. Open

The greens at Pinehurst No. 2 have been a source of contention throughout the tournament. Described as "ridiculous" and "unfair" by many players, the putting surfaces have been exceptionally bumpy and unpredictable, causing countless missed putts and frustrating even the most skilled golfers.

Scheffler, widely regarded as the world's top player, has been particularly affected by the conditions. Despite starting the round with five consecutive pars, he bogeyed the 17th and double-bogeyed the 5th, failing to record a single birdie in the entire round. His score of 4-over 74 has left him in danger of missing the cut.

Pinehurst No. 2: The Contentious Course Wreaking Havoc at the U.S. Open

The 26-year-old Texan is no stranger to adversity, having recently been arrested a few hours before his second round at the PGA Championship. However, the greens at Pinehurst No. 2 have proven to be a formidable challenge even for a player of his caliber.

Scheffler's struggles are not isolated. Numerous other players have expressed their dissatisfaction with the course conditions, including Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm. McIlroy described the greens as "embarrassing," while Rahm called them "a joke."

Pinehurst No. 2: The Contentious Course Wreaking Havoc at the U.S. Open

The USGA, the governing body of the U.S. Open, has defended the greens, claiming that they are simply "firm and fast" and that players need to adapt to the challenge. However, many players believe that the greens are simply too unpredictable and that they are unfairly punishing even the best putters in the world.

With the cut approaching, Scheffler and others will need to overcome the treacherous greens of Pinehurst No. 2 if they want to make the weekend. If the greens continue to behave as they have in the first two rounds, the 122nd U.S. Open could be one of the most challenging and controversial in recent history.