On Wednesday, Rory McIlroy spoke of how much fun he had prepping for the 118th US Open at courses such as National Golf Links of America, Friar’s Head Golf Club, and Garden City Golf Club.

Pinehurst is a perfect example of a thinking man’s course.

World number one Adam Scott may be the current golfing kingpin but the Australian is not quite master of all he surveys and certainly not when it comes to the US Open.

They call it the toughest test in golf, the US Open, and the class of 2014 are going to find in Pinehurst No 2 one of the most exacting examinations of their credentials as the second Major of the year gets under way in North Carolina today.

Graeme McDowell is digging in for another hard slog at the US Open as the 2010 champion prepares to par Pinehurst No. 2 "to death", starting tomorrow.