The US Open returns to North Carolina today (Thursday) with Pinehurst No.2 hosting the second major of the season following an extensive renovation.

In fact the North Carolina resort will stage two Majors in as many weeks with the Ladies US Open taking place just days after the men, with all eyes on Lucy Li, who at just 11-years-old will become the youngest golfer to ever compete in the event.

The Pinehurst No.2 layout went through a renovation in 2011 by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw who restored the native sandy areas prevalent during the 1930s and 1940s to the course, which has hosted this event twice before, both providing some outstanding golf and entertainment.

Rory McIlroy is favourite with the bookies but this US Open is one of the most open major tournaments in recent years.

The best players in the world will descend on North Carolina this week to tackle the infamously tough Pinehurst No.2 but only one will be adding a major trophy to their list of accomplishments come Sunday.   Rory was inside the top-10 in the four tournaments preceding his win at Wentworth which suggests the Northern Irishman will be there or thereabouts this week.

Justin Rose won the US Open in emphatic style last year but consecutive wins at the event is a rarity and the Englishman comes off a missed cut at Memorial.

Adam Scott, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson all have majors to their names, with Lefty looking to complete the Grand Slam, and they will use their experience to plot their way around the testing track.

This week’s tip: Rory McIlroy 12/1 outright Aaron Baddeley 200/1 each way Chipping From a Tight Lie One of the shots that many amateurs dread is having to chip when the ball is sitting on a really tight lie.

As we head towards the height of summer there is an increased chance of facing these shots.

A simple method to introduce in order to deal with these situations is to amend the set up position slightly by standing closer to the ball than normal.

As you do this you will find that you have to grip further down your club (almost to the metal is fine).

You will also notice, and should, allow the heel of the club to come off the ground slightly which makes it harder to chunk the shot.

Keep the club face square at address and use your normal technique and you should find that these shots will become a little less dreaded as they once were.

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Check our US Open Specials at www.thegolfcabin.co.uk Liam Mc Cool, PGA Club Professional Enniskillen Golf Club, Castlecoole 028 66325250 Golf Lesson Vouchers available