Five Things to Read and Watch Ahead of the 2024 US Open

Before the first player tees off at this week’s 2024 US Open, here are five essential reads and videos to get you prepared for the tournament.

The 2024 US Open at Pinehurst No. 2 is set to commence this week, marking the course’s fourth time hosting the championship. And it’s destined to be another typically brutal U.S. Open.

The last time the US Open was hosted at Pinehurst, in 2014, Martin Kaymer claimed the title by a whopping eight strokes and only three players finished the tournament under par.

This year’s event is significant for several reasons, including Adam Scott’s participation in his 92nd consecutive major tournament and the impressive recent form of the world’s number one golfer, Scottie Scheffler who goes into the tournament as a clear favourite.

Six Australians are in the field this week. Joining Adam Scott are Min Woo Lee (who has been catching up with Charlie Woods this week, see below), Cam Davis, Jason Scrivener, Jason Day and Cam Davis.

1. The architecture of Pinehurst No.2 
The USGA and Golf Digest have their hole-by-hole flyover videos but Fried Egg Golf’s preview and discussion about the architecture of Pinehurst No.2 with Bill Coore is the bomb. Grab a coffee, settle back and soak it all in.

2. Min Woo Lee chats to FoxSports, Geoff Ogilvy
Min Woo Lee’s form hasn’t been amazing of late but it has been consistent. Four consecutive similar finishes in his last four tournaments (T4, T26, T24, T22) mean he’s either close to a great finish or struggling to keep his swing in check. We’re favouring the former, as does Warren Smith, Paul Gow and Geoff Ogilvy who chatted to him on Fox Sports this week.

3. Tiger Woods’ son Charlie is his swing coach this week.
Tiger Woods is playing this week but it will be interesting to see how his body holds up. Predicted hot weather and long rounds due to the severe nature of Pinehurst No.2 mean it’ll be a test of patience and fitness for the US Open field this week, and you’d expect the older guys, the ones with failing bodies the first to falter.

Interestingly, his son Charlie is with him this week to be a part of the atmosphere and keep an eye on his father’s golf swing.

“He was very excited today to watch Max and Min Woo and watch them hit golf balls,” Woods continued.

“They’ve talked to him quite a bit, especially Min Woo and him. I think they’re closer in age than I am to anybody else. It’s great. It’s great for us to be able to share these moments together. As far as his responsibilities, it’s the same. I trust him with my swing and my game. He’s seen it more than anybody else in the world. He’s seen me hit more golf balls than anyone.”

4. Adam Scott to extend major streak to 92
Adam Scott’s record-breaking run of playing consecutive majors appeared to be finished at 91 when he lost a playoff to fellow Australian Can Davis at US Open qualifying last week. But the tragic death of Grayson Murray has meant that Adam Scott’s world ranking of 61 earns him a place in the field at Pinehurst No.2.

The top 60 players in the rankings are given starts at Pinehurst for the major which begins early Friday AEST. Although Scott was expected to drop from 60th to 61st in the rankings this week, he will still qualify No.61 due to the late Grayson Murray still being ranked.

Murray, who died on May 25, was No.61 this week, and given the rolling two-year formula, he could climb back into the top 60.

5. Check out Cam Smith’s preparation for the brutal U.S. Open at Pinehurst
New golf fan favourite Johnson Wagner chatted to Cam Smith as he played a hole during a practice round at Pinehurst No.2 this week for the Golf Channel. It’s a unique, different chat to the regular pre-tournament golf interviews we’re used to seeing that include Smith playing a few chip shots to the 16th green.

“There is a lot of eye candy going on. It looks so sick,” Smith said.