PINEHURST, NORTH CAROLINA | On a steamy afternoon when the clouds bloom and walking inside from the heat feels like diving into an ice bath, the quiet urgency of the U.S. Amateur Championship moves from swing to swing in the place where golf lives.
Pinehurst and the U.S. Amateur have been reunited this week, the third time the men’s championship has been played in the spot that Donald Ross called home for many years.
Labron Harris celebrates winning the U.S. Amateur Championship at Pinehurst in 1962. Photo: Courtesy USGA Museum
Labron Harris Jr., won here in 1962 and Danny Lee deconstructed No. 2 in 2008. This year, someone else will win the 119th playing of what was once the most prestigious golf event in this country. Winning it remains a career-defining achievement.
“It’s the pinnacle,” said Brandon Wu, the medalist in the stroke-play portion of the championship.
The U.S. Amateur is, at once, a throwback and a glimpse into the future. Therein lies its charm and magic.
There are no grandstands or gallery ropes. Spe...
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