Pinehurst No. 2, designed by Donald Ross, is highly praised and considered one of the best courses in North Carolina. It has been ranked as the top public-access course in the state and among the best resort courses and classic courses in the U.S. However, not everyone is a fan of this renowned course. Mark Calcavecchia, a major champion with multiple wins on the PGA Tour and Champions Tour, recently expressed his criticism of Pinehurst No. 2 on social media. He described the course as overrated and stated his preference for the nearby Pine Needles course, which has hosted several U.S. Women’s Opens.
Calcavecchia, who claimed his only major title at the 1989 Open Championship, is known for his candid opinions. Despite his successful career, he believes that Pinehurst No. 2 does not live up to its reputation. The golfer’s tweet sparked a discussion among fans and golf enthusiasts, with some agreeing with his assessment and others defending the course’s prestige.
Pine Needles, located just a short distance from Pinehurst No. 2, has a rich history of hosting major golf events, including the U.S. Women’s Open multiple times. Calcavecchia’s endorsement of this course highlights the diversity of opinions in the golfing community. While some players may prefer the classic layout and challenges of Pinehurst No. 2, others find more enjoyment and satisfaction in the design of Pine Needles.
As a veteran of the sport with numerous professional starts, Calcavecchia’s perspective carries weight and adds an interesting angle to the ongoing discussions about golf course rankings and preferences. His openness to sharing his views, even if they are controversial, contributes to the diversity of opinions within the golfing world.
Ultimately, the debate surrounding the merits of Pinehurst No. 2 versus Pine Needles reflects the subjective nature of golf course evaluations. Each player has their own preferences and playing style, which can influence their perception of a particular course. While Pinehurst No. 2 may have received widespread acclaim, Calcavecchia’s critique serves as a reminder that not all golfers share the same sentiment towards this iconic layout.