The renovated look of Pinehurst No. 2 received high praise from the field at this week’s U.S. Open, and the changes were a nod to more environmentally-conscious golf course design, with 40 acres of land removed from the maintenance budget.
While the adjustments made by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw took the course closer to Donald Ross’ original design, their work received one notable detractor over the weekend.
Donald Trump is not a fan of the renovated look of Pinehurst, expressing his distaste over the weekend on Twitter while proclaiming two of his golf course properties - Turnberry in Scotland and Trump National Doral in Miami - as “far superior” to the course that just hosted the season’s second major:
Turnberry in Scotland is a far superior golf course to Pinehurst - and it isn't even close! Likewise the Blue Monster at Doral.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 14, 2014
.@MattGinellaGC It's true Matt, the NEW "Blue Monster" is better than Pinehurst, so is Bedminster. Turnberry & Trump Aberdeen blow it away!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2014
I'd bet the horrible look of Pinehurst translates into poor television ratings. This is not what golf is about!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2014
Johnny Miller correctly very critical of greens at Pinehurst. Said they should be "redone"
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 15, 2014
Trump’s comments received some pointed criticism from several members of the golf media, including Golf Channel’s own Matt Ginella:
Maybe needs 1 of your waterfalls RT @realDonaldTrump: Bet horrible look of Pinehurst translates into poor TV ratings. Not what golf is about
— Steve DiMeglio (@Steve_DiMeglio) June 15, 2014
Touche. RT @Steve_DiMeglio Maybe needs 1 of your waterfalls @realDonaldTrump: Horrible look of Pinehurst ... Not what golf is about
— 1_15_41 🇺🇦 (@ScottMichaux) June 15, 2014
.@realDonaldTrump As a leader and a loud voice within an evolving industry, your position on Pinehurst is disappointing & irresponsible.
— Matt Ginella (@MattGinella) June 15, 2014
.@realDonaldTrump If you understood the game, you'd be buying TopGolf instead of force-feeding us more Trump Golf.
— Matt Ginella (@MattGinella) June 15, 2014