Donald full of praise for Pinehurst

The US Open may have the reputation as the most difficult major title to win, but Luke Donald believes this week’s tournament will be an exciting one for spectators.
The former world number is specifically looking forward to playing on a Pinehurst number two course that has very few areas of rough.
“I love the renovation and the fact that the USGA have been brave enough to play a US Open with no rough. It’s a genius move on their part,” Donald told BBC Radio 5 live.
“Having short-cut grass everywhere gives you so many more options. If you hit it in long rough you have one option and that’s grab the lob wedge [to hack the ball out].
“Here you have so many different options off the tee, around the greens. I love what they’ve done.”
Donald will play his first round with fellow Englishman Paul Casey and American Harris English, while defending champion Justin Rose starts his title defense alongside last year’s runner-up Phil Mickelson and US Amateur champion Matt Fitzpatrick.
Ulsterman Rory McIlroy will tee off with countryman Graeme McDowell as well as 2012 winner Webb Simpson in a group that features three former US Open champions.
World numbers one and three – Adam Scott and Bubba Watson – will play alongside former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel, while world number two Swede Henrik Stenson be partnered by American Matt Kuchar and England’s Lee Westwood.
Sergio Garcia’s bid for a major title starts alongside American Brandt Snedeker and Australia’s Jason Day, and three of the youngest players in the draw – Jordan Spieth, Hideki Matsuyama and Rickie Fowler – have been paired together.
Latest
-
Ryder Cup
New Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald motivated by ‘bitter’ memories of 2021 defeat
Stenson was stripped of the role for breaking his contract by joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
The task facing Luke Donald after replacing Henrik Stenson
Stenson was appointed on March 15 and said he was fully committed to a role before signing with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
Donald replaces Henrik Stenson after he was stripped of the role.
-
PGA Tour
Tony Finau claims second straight PGA Tour victory
The American won the 3M Open in his previous outing.
-
News
Henrik Stenson cushions Ryder Cup blow with £3.6m debut win in LIV Golf
The Swede was stripped of his role as Europe captain after joining the Saudi-backed breakaway tour.
-
News
Former Masters champion Bubba Watson becomes latest player to join LIV Golf
The left-hander is currently sidelined by a knee injury and is not expected to play until next season,
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald tipped to replace Henrik Stenson as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
The Swede lost the job 127 days after his appointment following his decision to join the LIV Golf series.
-
News
Max Homa: Tiger Woods now understands the respect he commands from his peers
Homa has made no secret of his admiration for Woods.
-
Ryder Cup
Bernard Gallacher fears Greg Norman is not the man for compromise with LIV Golf
Players who have resigned from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf will not be eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
LPGA Tour
Brooke Henderson takes two-shot lead into final round of Evian Championship
South Korea’s Ryu So-yeon climbed into outright second place on 15 under.