Early Momentum Fades for Tiger Woods at 2024 U.S. Open
At the beginning of the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, Tiger Woods briefly touched the lead, offering a glimmer of hope to his fans. Woods’s early surge was highlighted by a birdie on the par-5 10th hole, where he converted an 11-foot putt with clinical precision. Crucial par saves followed on Nos. 12 and 13, keeping his momentum alive.
However, Woods encountered his first missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th. This was the beginning of a series of minor missteps. 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 completed the back nine in an even-par 36, remaining within earshot of the leaders.
Front Nine Struggles
As Woods transitioned to the front nine, his game began to unravel. His putter, which had been an asset earlier, began to betray him. Over a frustrating seven-hole stretch, Woods carded five bogeys, drifting down the leaderboard to sit in a tie for 87th, just a stroke off the projected cutline.
Nevertheless, Woods managed to show flashes of brilliance. A crucial birdie on the par-5 5th came courtesy of a towering 4-iron from the middle of the fairway. He also made ticklish par saves from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th and sank an impressive 17-footer on No. 7. Yet, the pressure on his putter cost him another shot on the par-4 8th.
Inconsistencies and Tactical Approach
Overall, Woods's round was hindered by inconsistencies. While he hit an impressive 12 of 14 fairways, he only managed to hit 10 greens in regulation, giving himself just one birdie chance across the par-4s. As a result, Woods bogeyed six of his last 12 holes, which significantly affected his positioning on the leaderboard.
Woods employed a tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2, often playing conservatively and aiming for the fat sides of greens. While this strategy had its merits, it required better precision and execution than what he managed. For Woods to claw his way back into the tournament, his irons will need to start cooperating more consistently.
Time to Bounce Back
Tiger Woods may have had a rocky start at the 2024 U.S. Open, but his performance is far from over. Woods has shown time and again his ability to bounce back from adversity. With a focused approach and slight tweaks to his game, he remains within striking distance. His fans and competitors alike know that counting Woods out too early is a mistake.
In reflecting on his round, Woods had this to say: "Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole." Yet, there were moments of promise: "A birdie on the par-5 5th came courtesy of a towering 4 iron from the middle of the fairway." These flashes of brilliance remind us that Tiger Woods is still capable of turning things around.
Moving forward, Woods will need to see significant improvement in his approach shots if he hopes to contend. His tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2 can be effective if paired with better precision and execution. For now, Tiger Woods remains in the fight, ready to demonstrate once again why he is one of the greatest golfers of all time.