US Open chaos expected as Tiger Woods and co face 'insane' task after stars taken aback

US Open defending champion Wyndham Clark branded the Pinehurst greens as 'borderline' unplayable, while legend Tiger Woods warned of a 'war of attrition'. And amateur star Brendan Valdes is gearing up to tackle what he calls the 'most insane' greens ever.

Valdes, an Auburn college golf star, missed the cut at the 2023 US Open in Los Angeles, but he's back with added determination for the 2024 major at Pinehurst No. 2.

However, he's under no illusions about the daunting task ahead on the Donald Ross-designed course, which represents one of the toughest challenges in golf.

The famous turtleback greens are set to pose a formidable challenge to the world's top golfers. Valdes himself has been bracing for what he anticipates to be incredibly tough greens.

Speaking exclusively to Mirror Sport, Valdes shared his insights: "I heard about a week ago that these greens were the firmest organisers had seen in a long time," adding, "They're going to be really fast. I think they're going to be the most insane I've ever experienced, but I think it will be a really good test."

For Valdes, this isn't his first rodeo at Pinehurst in North Carolina, yet this year's tournament promises to be a whole new ball game.

"I've played out here a good bit but obviously not in the conditions it's going to be this week," Valdes said. "Of course, being a fan of the game of golf and the history that is out here is very cool, but you have to put that to the wayside a little bit."

Valdes was hitting balls on the practice range near to where Woods, a three-time US Open champion, was fine-tuning his game ahead of the third major of the year.

A crucial figre in both Auburn's SEC and NCAA Championship runs, the amateur is still getting to grips with going head-to-head against the best players in the world.

And as he battles it out with the world's best, Valdes has been asking questions and probing stars to ensure he is as prepared as possible to tackle the US Open. But Valdes is looking to pull off the impossible - hoisting the trophy currently in the hands of Clark.

"Truthfully, nobody out here in the field is going to just be aiming to make the cut," the 21-year-old said. "If you're out there, your goal is to win. I might not be expected to do so but why not try?".