Early Momentum Fades for Tiger Woods at the 2024 U.S. Open
At the start of the 2024 U.S. Open held at Pinehurst No. 2, Tiger Woods displayed a glimpse of the brilliance that has marked his illustrious career. Early on, he briefly touched the lead, thanks to a few spirited moments on the course.
Early Surge
Woods began his round with promising energy, securing a birdie on the par-5 10th hole. With an 11-foot putt on the 10th, he converted his first birdie of the round. His momentum continued as he executed crucial par saves from similar distances on Nos. 12 and 13, keeping his early surge alive.
However, Woods missed an opportunity on the short par-4 14th. His first missed fairway came on the 16th hole, leading to his first dropped shot. Compounding his troubles, a miscalculated second putt on No. 17 further dampened his progress. Despite these setbacks, Woods remained within earshot of the lead after making the turn in an even-par 36.
Front Nine Struggles
Unfortunately, the front nine proved to be less forgiving for Woods. His trusted putter began to betray him, leading to a string of five bogeys over a seven-hole stretch. This sequence of errors caused Woods to drift down the leaderboard, landing him in a tie for 87th place and just a stroke off the projected cutline.
Determined to claw back, Woods made a crucial birdie on the par-5 5th. His efforts included ticklish par saves from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th and an impressive 17-footer on No. 7. Yet, the pressure on the putter cost Woods another shot on the par-4 8th, contributing to the inconsistencies that plagued his round.
Inconsistencies and Missed Opportunities
Woods's overall play was hindered by inconsistencies throughout his round. Despite hitting 12 of 14 fairways, he only managed to hit 10 greens in regulation. This lack of precision left him with limited birdie opportunities, particularly across the par-4s. Woods ended up bogeying six of his last 12 holes, a critical factor that affected his position on the leaderboard.
Woods's demonstrated a tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2, often playing conservatively and aiming for the fat sides of greens. These tactics require better precision and execution, especially with his irons, which must start cooperating if he is to claw his way back into the tournament.
The Path Forward
Although Woods experienced a rocky start to the 2024 U.S. Open, his performance is far from over. History has shown Woods's resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. With a focused approach and slight tweaks to his game, Woods remains within striking distance.
Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole, highlighting the challenges he faced on the greens. When his second putt on the par-3 17th fell by the wayside, Woods marked another square on the scorecard. However, a birdie on the par-5 5th came courtesy of a towering 4 iron from the middle of the fairway, showcasing his unwavering potential.
The pressure on the putter cost Woods another shot on the par-4 8th, but he remains determined to improve. To remain competitive in this tournament, Woods will need to see significant improvement in his approach shots and precision with his irons.
As Tiger Woods moves into the next rounds of the U.S. Open, his fans and followers will be eagerly watching. Despite the early setbacks, his storied career suggests that he still has the capacity to bounce back and make a strong showing in the days to come. The world of golf knows better than to count Woods out too soon; his tactical approach and experience could well turn the tide in his favor.