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, giving fans a thrilling start. Woods made a birdie on the par-5 10th hole and converted an 11-foot birdie on the 10th. He also made crucial par saves from similar distances on Nos. 12 and 13, showing a glimpse of his past brilliance.
However, a missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th hole seemed to foreshadow 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. Despite these setbacks, Woods remained within earshot of the lead after making the turn in an even-par 36.
Struggles on the Front Nine
The front nine turned out to be less forgiving. Woods's putter began to betray him, leading to five bogeys over a seven-hole stretch. This sequence caused him to drift down the leaderboard, eventually sitting in a tie for 87th, just a stroke off the projected cutline.
Still, there were moments of resilience. Woods made a crucial birdie on the par-5 5th and executed ticklish par saves from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th. An impressive 17-footer on No. 7 offered a glimmer of hope, but the pressure on the putter cost Woods another shot on the par-4 8th.
Inconsistencies and Iron Play
Woods's overall play was hindered by inconsistencies throughout his round. Although he hit 12 of 14 fairways, he managed to hit only 10 greens in regulation. This discrepancy was crucial, as Woods gave himself just one birdie chance across the par-4s. Over the course of his round, Woods bogeyed six of his last 12 holes.
His approach shots left much to be desired. Woods demonstrated a tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2, often playing conservatively and aiming for the fat sides of greens. However, these tactics require better precision and execution. To claw his way back into the tournament, Woods's irons must start cooperating.
Remaining Hope
Despite the rocky start at the 2024 U.S. Open, Woods's performance is far from over. His storied career is replete with instances of bouncing back from adversity. With a focused approach and some slight tweaks to his game, Woods remains within striking distance.
Quote: "Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole."
Quote: "When his second putt on the par-3 17th fell by the wayside, Woods put his second square on the scorecard."
Quote: "A birdie on the par-5 5th came courtesy of a towering 4 iron from the middle of the fairway."
Quote: "The pressure on the putter cost Woods one last shot on the par-4 8th."
As Woods heads into the next rounds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can make the necessary adjustments. A player of his caliber, with his legendary resilience, certainly can't be counted out just yet.