PGA golfers complained last year at Shinnecock, and it’s a good bet the pros will be whining about some holes at Pinehurst No. 2 next week at the U.S. Open, the major tournament that seems to bring out the most sadistic tendencies among course-riggers.

The USGA caught a lot of heat for playing conditions last year at Shinnecock that were so difficult the greens needed to be watered during play to slow them enough to be playable. Retief Goosen (4-under) edged Phil Mickelson, the only other player in the field under par, by two strokes for his second U.S. Open win since 2001.

Goosen, playing for the first time at this week’s tune-up Booz Allen Classic in Bethesda, Md., said he foresees some doozies at Pinehurst.

“I think Shinnecock was a good setup but the weather caught hold of things,” Goosen said, referring to the intense heat on Long Island. “I’m sure next week there are going to be a few holes on the edge, but that’s just the way things are.”

This season, Goosen has been struggling. He switched back to his original Taylor Made irons and has four top 10 finishes.

“I think my golf at the moment is a little inconsistent,” Goosen said on a conference call yesterday from Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. “I feel like my swing is coming back a little bit.”

(p. 72 in metro)