Early Momentum Fades for Tiger Woods at 2024 U.S. Open
At the outset of the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, Tiger Woods displayed a glimpse of his vintage form, briefly grasping the tournament lead. With an early birdie on the par-5 10th hole, Woods gave golfing fans a reason to be hopeful. He converted an 11-foot putt on the 10th, and maintained his composure with crucial par saves from similar distances on the 12th and 13th holes.
However, the early surge did not last. A missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th set the tone for what was to come. Woods's first missed fairway of the round came on the 16th hole, leading to his first dropped shot. Matters worsened with a miscalculated second putt on the 17th, compounding his troubles. Nonetheless, he remained within earshot of the lead, completing his turn in an even-par 36.
Struggles on the Front Nine
The front nine proved unforgiving for Woods. His putter, which had helped him save par earlier, began to betray him. Over a grueling seven-hole stretch, Woods carded five bogeys, watching helplessly as he drifted down the leaderboard into a tie for 87th, just a stroke off the projected cutline.
Flashes of Brilliance
Despite his struggles, Woods showed flashes of his legendary skill. A crucial birdie on the par-5 5th was a high point, set up by a towering 4-iron from the middle of the fairway. He followed this with impressive par saves, including a ticklish 8-footer on the intimidating par-3 6th, and nailed a 17-foot putt on the 7th hole.
But the pressure on the putter cost Woods dearly again on the par-4 8th, resulting in yet another bogey. Inconsistencies marred his overall play; Woods hit 12 of 14 fairways but managed to reach only 10 greens in regulation.
Assessment and Tactical Approach
Woods gave himself just one birdie chance across the par-4s and bogeyed six of his last twelve holes. To claw his way back into the tournament, he will need to see significant improvement in his approach shots. While Woods demonstrated a tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2, often playing conservatively and aiming for the fat sides of greens, these tactics require precision and better execution.
The Path Ahead
Woods's performance may have had a rocky start at the 2024 U.S. Open, but his tournament journey 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.
As the competition continues, all eyes will be on Woods to see if he can harness his experience and find that elusive consistency. The 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 demands both finesse and resilience—qualities that Woods has exemplified throughout his storied career.
Quotes:
"Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole," a commentator observed, highlighting the challenges he faced on the green.
"When his second putt on the par-3 17th fell by the wayside, Woods put his second square on the scorecard," another noted, describing the miscalculated putt that compounded his troubles.
"A birdie on the par-5 5th came courtesy of a towering 4 iron from the middle of the fairway," a moment that showcased Woods's skill still remains despite a challenging round.
"The pressure on the putter cost Woods one last shot on the par-4 8th," encapsulating the struggle Woods faced with his putter throughout the day.
Woods will be looking to draw on these moments of brilliance and learn from his mistakes as he heads into the next rounds. The journey at Pinehurst No. 2 continues, and Tiger Woods's story is far from finished. With many holes left to play, the opportunity to climb back up the leaderboard and change the narrative still lies ahead.