Early Momentum Fades for Tiger Woods at 2024 U.S. Open
The 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 saw Tiger Woods start with a promising surge, only for that momentum to fade away as the day progressed. The golf legend briefly touched the lead, but inconsistencies soon hindered his performance.
Early Surge
At the beginning of the tournament, Woods made a birdie on the par-5 10th hole, converting an impressive 11-foot putt. He followed this with crucial par saves from similar distances on Nos. 12 and 13. However, the short par-4 14th presented a missed opportunity that marked the beginning of his struggles.
Woods's first missed fairway on the 16th hole led to his first dropped shot, and a miscalculated second putt on No. 17 compounded his troubles. Despite these setbacks, Woods managed to make the turn in an even-par 36, keeping him within earshot of the lead.
Struggles on the Front Nine
As he moved to the front nine, Woods's putter began to betray him. Over a seven-hole stretch, he carded five bogeys, causing him to drift down the leaderboard and sitting in a tie for 87th, just a stroke off the projected cutline.
Amid these struggles, Woods had moments of brilliance. He made a crucial birdie on the par-5 5th, thanks to a towering 4-iron shot from the middle of the fairway. He also managed to save par from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th and sank an impressive 17-footer on No. 7. However, the pressure on the putter cost him yet another shot on the par-4 8th.
Inconsistencies and Tactics
Woods's overall play was marked by inconsistencies throughout his round. He hit 12 of 14 fairways but managed to hit only 10 greens in regulation. He gave himself just one birdie chance across the par-4s and bogeyed six of his last 12 holes. These statistics indicate a clear area that needs improvement if Woods is to claw his way back into contention.
Woods demonstrated a tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2, often playing conservatively and aiming for the fat sides of greens. While this approach is sound, it requires better precision and execution. For Woods, this means his irons must start cooperating.
Looking Forward
Despite the 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 adjustments to his game, Woods remains within striking distance.
Indeed, Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet on one occasion failed to threaten the hole, and his second putt on the par-3 17th fell by the wayside. However, a birdie on the par-5 5th came courtesy of a towering 4-iron from the middle of the fairway, showcasing his capability to shine under pressure. The day ended with the pressure on the putter costing Woods one last shot on the par-4 8th.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Woods to see if he can make the necessary adjustments and mount a comeback. With his tactical prowess and legendary resilience, there's every reason to believe that Tiger Woods can still make his mark on this U.S. Open.