Men, women to play successive Opens at Pinehurst #2 in 2014
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Bill Jempty | Monday, June 15, 2009 |
On the surface I like this idea, because the US Women’s Open is too often played on courses I don’t think should be hosting the biggest tournament in Women’s golf.
This might be as close as golf gets to a doubleheader.
The USGA said Monday the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open will be held over consecutive weeks in 2014 at Pinehurst No. 2, the first time in golf that women have a chance to share the stage with the men.
“It’s a big opportunity,” said USGA executive director David Fay, who came up with the idea. “I really do think this will generate some buzz for women’s golf and the Women’s Open. And I think a lot of people will take advantage.”
The U.S. Open already was scheduled to return to Pinehurst in 2014 for the third time in 15 years. The Women’s Open has been held three times at nearby Pine Needles since 1996, but never at the fabled No. 2 course at Pinehurst.
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Holding back-to-back championships on the same course should save time and money. The USGA already will have tents in place for corporate hospitality, concessions and the media. The ropes already will line the fairway. And there will be no need to tear down, transport and rebuild grandstands and scoreboards.
Here’s the problem I have with back to back opens. What kind of condition will Pinehurst be in after 156 men just spent seven days playing and practicing there. Will the women golfers be playing out of divots? Will the greens be up to quality or showing signs of wear and tear? I think these are legitimate concerns.
I’d love to see the women play the Open at Pinehurst(Or Pebble Beach too) but I think it would be better if they did so in a different year than the men do.
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