Sports
Drama Unfolds at Pinehurst No. 2: Finau and Aberg Stumble on the 13th Hole
Tony Finau and Ludvig Aberg faced a formidable challenge on Saturday during the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, as they both struggled on the treacherous 13th hole. The intense heat added to the pressure as they teetered near the top of the leaderboard.
Starting the day with Finau trailing Aberg by two strokes, the duo encountered a nightmare at the seemingly straightforward par-4 13th. What followed was a series of missteps that led to a triple bogey for each, creating additional hurdles for their U.S. Open aspirations.
Their setbacks left them trailing leader Bryson DeChambeau, who managed a 3-under 67, seizing the lead at 7 under. While Aberg was five shots back after carding a 73, Finau found himself one stroke further behind following his round of 72.
Reflecting on the disastrous 13th hole, Finau highlighted the challenge posed by the tricky pin placement on the green, acknowledging the pivotal nature of the hole in the championship.
In a twist of fate, Finau and his childhood friend Rory McIlroy approached the 13th in contention, only to witness their golf balls evade the green and end up in unfavorable spots. While McIlroy managed to save par with a deft pitch, Finau found himself stuck in a ping-pong-like sequence of shots, ultimately carding a triple bogey.
After enduring the same fate, Aberg, who had been playing consistently till then, faltered on the 13th following a series of errors that culminated in a triple bogey. The difficulty of the hole was evident as two other contenders also struggled, underlining the challenge presented by Pinehurst No. 2.
Despite the setbacks, both Finau and Aberg remained resilient, knowing that anything can happen on the demanding course. Embracing the tough test presented by Pinehurst, McIlroy emphasized the focus required at a U.S. Open, displaying admiration for the challenge.
The turn of events at the 13th hole on Saturday showcased the unpredictable nature of the U.S. Open, with players grappling with the intricacies of Donald Ross-designed courses. As the final round looms, Finau, Aberg, and McIlroy find themselves in a battle of resilience and skill on the renowned Pinehurst No. 2.
