Early Momentum Fades for Tiger Woods at 2024 U.S. Open
Early Surge
At the beginning of the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, Tiger Woods briefly touched the lead, demonstrating flashes of the brilliance that has defined his illustrious career. Woods made an impressive start with a birdie on the par-5 10th hole, making use of an 11-foot birdie to start his round on a positive note. He carried this momentum forward, making crucial par saves from similar distances on Nos. 12 and 13.
However, on the short par-4 14th, Woods experienced a missed opportunity that foreshadowed the struggles to come. His first missed fairway on the 16th hole led to his first dropped shot of the round, and a miscalculated second putt on No. 17 only compounded his troubles. Despite these hiccups, Woods still remained within earshot of the lead after making the turn in an even-par 36.
Struggles on the Front Nine
The front nine, historically known to be more challenging, turned out to be less forgiving for Woods. His putter, which had been a reliable ally earlier in the round, began to betray him. Over a seven-hole stretch, Woods carded five bogeys, causing him to drift down the leaderboard into a tie for 87th place, sitting just a stroke off the projected cutline.
Despite these setbacks, Woods made a crucial birdie on the par-5 5th and managed ticklish par saves from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th. He followed this with an impressive 17-footer on No. 7. Nevertheless, the pressure on the putter cost Woods another shot on the par-4 8th, highlighting the inconsistencies that plagued his round.
Inconsistencies and Tactical Approach
Woods's overall play was hindered by inconsistencies throughout his round. While he hit an impressive 12 of 14 fairways, he managed to hit only 10 greens in regulation. Additionally, Woods gave himself just one birdie chance across the par-4s and bogeyed six of his last 12 holes. These statistics underscore the areas where Woods will need to see significant improvement if he hopes to climb back into contention.
Woods demonstrated a tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2, often playing conservatively and aiming for the fat sides of greens. This strategy requires better precision and execution, particularly with his irons, if he is to claw his way back into the tournament.
Looking Ahead
Despite a rocky start at the 2024 U.S. Open, Woods's performance is far from over. He has shown time and again his ability to bounce back from adversity. With a focused approach and slight tweaks to his game, Woods remains within striking distance. His storied career is a testament to his resilience and ability to perform under pressure, making it unwise to count him out just yet.
In the words of an onlooker, "Woods’s birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole," encapsulating the missed opportunities that Woods experienced during the round. Another observed, "When his second putt on the par-3 17th fell by the wayside, Woods put his second square on the scorecard," highlighting the costly errors that marred his otherwise strategic play.
There were bright spots as well. A birdie on the par-5 5th came courtesy of a towering 4 iron from the middle of the fairway, a shot that showcased Woods's still-formidable skill. However, as one more quote notes, "The pressure on the putter cost Woods one last shot on the par-4 8th," summing up the critical area that needs improvement.
As Tiger Woods prepares for the next rounds of the 2024 U.S. Open, fans and critics alike will watch closely, eager to see if one of golf's greatest can turn early struggles into a triumphant comeback. Woods's ability to adapt and overcome obstacles has been proven time and again, and this tournament will be yet another opportunity to witness his enduring legacy in the sport.