Early Momentum Fades for Tiger Woods at 2024 U.S. Open
At the start of the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, Tiger Woods showed a flash of brilliance by briefly touching the lead, an early surge that had fans both hopeful and nostalgic. Woods made a birdie on the par-5 10th hole, converting an 11-foot putt and holding onto crucial par saves from similar distances on Nos. 12 and 13. Nonetheless, his initial momentum began to wane as the round progressed.
Initial Struggles
Woods had a missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th, a moment that hinted at the struggles to come. His first missed fairway on the 16th hole led to his first dropped shot, and a miscalculated second putt on No. 17 compounded his troubles. Though he managed to make the turn in an even-par 36, keeping himself within earshot of the lead, the front nine proved to be far less forgiving.
Challenges on the Front Nine
Woods's putter began to betray him on his front nine, leading to five bogeys over a seven-hole stretch. This inconsistency dropped him down the leaderboard, falling into a tie for 87th place and just a stroke off the projected cutline. However, Woods did show moments of resilience, making a crucial birdie on the par-5 5th and ticklish par saves from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th. He even managed an impressive 17-footer on No. 7, but the pressure on his putter cost him another shot on the par-4 8th.
Hit-or-Miss Precision
Throughout his round, Woods's overall play was hindered by inconsistencies. While he impressively hit 12 of 14 fairways, he managed to hit only 10 greens in regulation. This imbalance meant that he gave himself just one significant birdie chance across the par-4s, bogeying six of his last 12 holes. Clearly, Tiger will need to see significant improvement in his approach shots if he wants to claw his way back into the tournament.
Tactical Play
Despite these setbacks, Woods demonstrated a tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2. Often playing conservatively, he aimed for the fat sides of greens, a strategy that requires better precision and execution. This approach is not new for Woods, but both his irons and putter must start cooperating if he intends to make a meaningful comeback.
Fighting Spirit
Although Woods had a rocky start at the 2024 U.S. Open, his performance is far from definitive. Time and again, Tiger has shown his ability to bounce back from adversity. With a focused approach and slight tweaks to his game, he remains within striking distance. The key lies in his ability to execute his tactical plans with greater precision, especially around the greens.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Tiger Woods to see if he can summon the performance required to make the weekend cut and possibly contend for the title. While his early momentum faded, his fighting spirit and storied career suggest that writing him off would be premature.
Quotes from the Day
"Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole."
"When his second putt on the par-3 17th fell by the wayside, Woods put his second square on the scorecard."
"A birdie on the par-5 5th came courtesy of a towering 4 iron from the middle of the fairway."
"The pressure on the putter cost Woods one last shot on the par-4 8th."
The next few rounds will be critical for Woods. Whether he can adapt and recalibrate will determine his fate at this year's U.S. Open. Given his track record, there's always a chance for a surprising turnaround, but it will require everything the golfing legend can muster.