Our U.S. Open hot takes + fun facts from media day
Fore! Raleigh Mag took to the green at Pinehurst Resort for the U.S. Open media day May 6 ahead of the 124th U.S. Open championship in June—its fourth year at Pinehurst No. 2 (see also: 1999, 2005, 2014) and 38th in NC.
Our MO on the green? Sinking putts and taking names (!). We spent the day hitting the links at the famous Donald Ross-designed Pinehurst Course No. 2, which opened in 1907 and was later restored in March 2011.
During the exclusive event, we feasted our eyes on the 18-inch-tall 8.5-pound U.S. Open trophy, met last year’s winner Wyndham Clark, and heard from the USGA president and CEO (and other USGA reps) and the CEO of Pinehurst. Talk about a great day—by par!
We also got schooled on the course and the U.S. Open—already scheduled to return to Pinehurst No. 2 in 2029, 2035, 2041 & 2047! Here, our top takeaways and fun facts. May the course be with you!
⛳️ The first U.S. Open took place in 1895.
🏠 The USGA recently made Pinehurst an anchor site for their office, making this year’s championship the first they’re hosting from “home.”
🏌️ Anyone can enter the championship, whether you’re a professional or amateur golfer, with the final qualifying round taking place in June. All those who make it receive at least $8,500.
🐅 Fifteen-time major champ Tiger Woods will be competing in this year’s U.S. Open!
💸 While the 2024 purse has yet to be announced, 2023’s was $20 million, and the winner took home $3.6 million (!).
🌱 This year’s course saw some slight changes: The greens were changed to championship Bermuda greens; hole 13 was narrowed to be more difficult; tees were leveled; and mounds more wire glass was planted.
🛠️ Through 2029, ~$1 million is committed to the local community college’s gap skilled labor program, which will foster jobs keeping up with the golf course, maintaining the landscaping and more.
HOW TO WATCH
The 2024 U.S. Open broadcast schedule is as follows:
Thursday: 6:30am–5pm USA; 5–8pm Peacock
Friday: 6:30am–1pm Peacock; 1–7pm NBC; 7–8pm Peacock
Saturday: 10am–noon USA; noon–8pm NBC
Sunday: 9am–noon USA; noon–7pm NBC
PLAN A VISIT
Planning on taking a swing at or getting away to Pinehurst for the U.S. Open—or just because? We rounded up where to eat, stay, play and what to do when you’re not taking your shot (or watching). See all of our recs here.
