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 showed glimpses of his legendary form, briefly touching the lead. However, an early surge gave way to struggles, epitomizing a round filled with highs and lows.
Early Surge
Woods initially made a statement by converting an 11-foot birdie on the par-5 10th hole. Despite crucial par saves from similar distances on Nos. 12 and 13, a missed opportunity on the shorter par-4 14th and subsequent mistakes began to undermine his efforts.
His first missed fairway on the 16th hole led to his first dropped shot, and a miscalculated second putt on the challenging No. 17 compounded his troubles. Nonetheless, Woods made the turn in an even-par 36, keeping him within earshot of the lead at that point.
Front Nine Struggles
The front nine of Pinehurst No. 2 turned out to be far less forgiving. Bogeys began to creep into his scorecard, and Woods's putter started to betray him. Over a seven-hole stretch, he carded five bogeys, causing him to drift down the leaderboard to a tie for 87th place, just a stroke off the projected cutline.
Not all was gloomy, as Woods momentarily regained form with a crucial birdie on the par-5 5th hole. Ticklish par saves from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th and an impressive 17-footer on No. 7 hinted at some recovery. However, the inconsistency continued; the pressure on the putter cost Woods another shot on the par-4 8th.
Woods's overall play was marred by these inconsistencies throughout his round. Although he hit 12 of 14 fairways, he managed to hit only 10 greens in regulation. Unfortunately, he gave himself just one birdie chance across the par-4s, bogeying six of his last 12 holes. Significant improvement, particularly in approach shots, is crucial for Woods to claw his way back into the tournament.
Tactical Approach and Execution
Woods exhibited a tactical approach around the notoriously challenging Pinehurst No. 2. He opted for conservative plays, often aiming for the fat sides of greens. While these tactics can be effective, they require better precision and execution than Woods displayed in this round. His irons, in particular, need to start cooperating if he is to mount any sort of comeback.
Despite the rocky start and various struggles, one cannot overlook Woods's proven ability to bounce back from adversity. His performance is far from over, and he remains within striking distance with the right adjustments.
Looking Ahead
Quotes from various moments in his round encapsulate the day perfectly:
- "Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole."
- "When his second putt on the par-3 17th fell by the wayside, Woods put his second square on the scorecard."
- "A birdie on the par-5 5th came courtesy of a towering 4 iron from the middle of the fairway."
- "The pressure on the putter cost Woods one last shot on the par-4 8th."
With a focused approach and slight tweaks to his game, Woods remains within a fighting chance. It wouldn't be the first time the golfing legend has rebounded from a less-than-ideal start to make a significant impact. Fans and spectators can only wait and see if Woods will deliver another signature comeback at the 2024 U.S. Open.