Green Jr. On Pinehurst's Latest Big Changes

Ron Green Jr. got a look at the latest tinkering to Pinehurst in advance of next year's U.S. Open and likes what he saw of what figures to be a fascinating change of the 4th into a par-4, and the famous 5th into a par-5 as Donald Ross once envisioned.

Thanks to read DTF for this:

The fourth hole will have more right to left movement from the new tee, located between the right side of the sixth tee and the back of the third green. Bunkers left and right frame a fairway that cants noticeably from left to right. The putting surface is among the most receptive on the course known for its turtleback greens complexes.

The view from the new fifth tee is striking. Set back where the old World Golf Hall of Fame was located years ago, it’s raised enough to afford a view to the green. It also brings back into play a cross bunker approximately 300 yards from the tee.

Most players will lay up with their second shots and face a difficult approach to one of the most dangerous greens on the course protected by a deep bunker and a new waste area on the left.

“I put Curtis (Strange) on this (fifth) tee and he said this is enough to sell me right here,” Padgett said. “This arguably could be the best tee shot on this course."