I've seen repeated mention in these posts that Pinehurst has been in basically full tee sheet mode....no way folks. They are recovering slowly, just like most of the rest of the industry, from the plummet. I've been there twice in the last two years and got that direct read from folks that work there; business was off significantly.
The restoration work, as others have cited, looks superb, but tender as one would expect. The wire grass grow-in will be interesting to observe, as it could get down-right nasty to deal with for recovery shots when it reaches maturity.
Still can't understand the back-to-back majors on one track. At that time of year, the men's presentation will no doubt be tempered, unless they really wanted a toasted, burnt out track for the ladies. Having seen or participated in several U.S. Opens close-up, conditions are generally dire for the first few days after the event. They have allowed a small window for recovery, but I don't think I'd want to be a gal competing that following week. I actually asked Mike Davis about the challenges for that scenario and he admitted that they will be considerable. Here's hoping that the weather breaks right and the USGA can pull off two solid events.