Bump.
Hi Terry,
My best "F" word is fair. The other meaning.
My criticism has to do with the "native" rough areas. They are unique to modern tournament golf. I have trouble with the concept that professional players must contend with a unique style of rough for the national championship. The pros never hit out of wire grass or unmaintained sand, and every eight or nine years at Pinehurst they are required to do so any time they miss the fairway.
Furthermore, there's a big difference between the best and worst lies in the native areas. Therefore, the role of luck plays a considerable role in the player's performance. I can't say for sure whether the variability in luck is greater here at Pinehurst, but I think it probably is.
For us TV viewers, the course has a rather homogenous look. It's hard to know which hole you are watching, but by Sunday I'll begin to recognize them better.
The first page of the leaderboard has a lot of big hitters. Although the tournament historically favors the straight hitter, Pinehurst may favor the power player.
Finally, I like Akshay Bhatia, and hope he plays well today.