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 seemed poised to make a significant impact. Engaging in a fierce competition, Woods managed to touch the lead momentarily, starting his round with a notable birdie on the par-5 10th hole. Converting an 11-foot birdie on the 10th, Woods made crucial par saves from similar distances on Nos. 12 and 13, displaying glimpses of his legendary prowess.
However, his early surge began to falter. A missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th hole marked the start of his struggles. His first missed fairway on the 16th hole led to his first dropped shot of the round, and a miscalculated second putt on No. 17 compounded his troubles. Despite these setbacks, Woods managed to make the turn in an even-par 36, staying within earshot of the lead.
Challenges on the Front Nine
Unfortunately, Woods's struggles continued on the front nine, which proved to be less forgiving. His putter began to betray him, and he carded five bogeys over a seven-hole stretch. This led to his drift down the leaderboard, eventually sitting in a tie for 87th place, just a stroke off the projected cutline.
Despite the difficulties, Woods made a crucial birdie on the par-5 5th, which came courtesy of a towering 4 iron shot from the middle of the fairway. He managed to keep hope alive with ticklish par saves from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th and an impressive 17-footer on No. 7. However, the pressure on his putter cost him another shot on the par-4 8th, as inconsistencies continued to mar his overall performance.
Inconsistencies and Tactical Approach
Throughout his round, Woods's play was hindered by inconsistencies. While he hit 12 of 14 fairways, he managed to hit only 10 greens in regulation. Woods gave himself just one birdie chance across the par-4s—a glaring indication of the struggles he faced with his approach shots. In total, Woods bogeyed six of his last 12 holes, signaling a need for improvement if he hopes to remain in contention.
Woods demonstrated a tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2, often playing conservatively and aiming for the fat sides of greens. While this conservative strategy can be effective, it requires better precision and execution than what Woods displayed during his round. The success of his future rounds will largely depend on whether his irons start cooperating, enabling him to claw his way back into the tournament.
A Rocky Start, But Far From Over
Despite the rocky start at the 2024 U.S. Open, Woods's performance is far from over. Throughout his career, Woods has shown an uncanny ability to bounce back from adversity, turning seemingly dire situations into remarkable comebacks. With a focused approach and slight tweaks to his game, Woods remains within striking distance, ready to capitalize on any opportunity to leap back up the leaderboard.
In his own words, "Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole." This sentiment reflected much of his round's missed opportunities. Another key moment came when "his second putt on the par-3 17th fell by the wayside," showcasing a recurring theme where pressure shots faltered at crucial times. Yet, his towering iron shot on the par-5 5th illustrated his capabilities, reminding everyone of the skill and precision he still possesses.
As the 2024 U.S. Open progresses, Tiger Woods faces the daunting task of navigating the challenging course at Pinehurst No. 2 with greater accuracy and decisiveness. With his experience and tactical acumen, Woods has the tools to overcome the early setbacks and mount a decisive comeback. Whether he can find the elusive combination of precision and execution remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: counting Woods out at this stage would be a mistake. His journey in the tournament is far from concluded, and fans worldwide will be keenly watching to see if Tiger can roar once more.