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. Woods made a birdie on the par-5 10th hole, converting an 11-foot birdie and then making crucial par saves from similar distances on Nos. 12 and 13. However, his momentum started to wane with a missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th. His first missed fairway on the 16th hole led to his first dropped shot. A miscalculated second putt on No. 17 compounded his troubles, yet Woods still 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. As the round progressed, Woods drifted down the leaderboard, ending up in a tie for 87th, just a stroke off the projected cutline.
Despite these setbacks, Woods made a crucial birdie on the par-5 5th and ticklish par saves from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th. He also sank an impressive 17-footer on No. 7. However, the pressure on the putter cost Woods another shot on the par-4 8th. His overall play was hindered by inconsistencies throughout his round.
Inconsistent Performance
Woods 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. Woods will need to see significant improvement in his approach shots to claw his way back into the tournament.
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. Woods's irons must start cooperating if he hopes to make a comeback.
A Rocky Start but Not the End
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, Woods remains within striking distance.
Quotes from the Day
During his challenging round, Woods’s performance was exemplified by quotes such as, "Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole," and, "When his second putt on the par-3 17th fell by the wayside, Woods put his second square on the scorecard." A brighter moment came with, "A birdie on the par-5 5th came courtesy of a towering 4-iron from the middle of the fairway." Unfortunately, the pressure on the putter later cost Woods, as depicted by, "The pressure on the putter cost Woods one last shot on the par-4 8th."
The day had its highs and lows, with Woods's conservative tactics requiring precise execution. Improvement in his approach shots and better coordination with his irons are critical if Woods is to find his footing in the tournament.
With his extensive experience and proven track record of overcoming adversity, fans and experts alike remain hopeful for a comeback. Woods's journey at the 2024 U.S. Open is far from over, and the golfing world will be watching closely as he attempts to regain his form and make a push up the leaderboard in the coming rounds.