Early Momentum Fades for Tiger Woods at 2024 U.S. Open
Early Surge
At the onset of the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, Tiger Woods sparked excitement as he briefly touched the lead. His early performance suggested that he might be in for a scintillating round. On the par-5 10th hole, Woods made an 11-foot birdie putt. Crucial par saves from similar distances on Nos. 12 and 13 kept his momentum going, but a missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th and his first dropped shot on the 16th hole began to hint at trouble. Woods’s miscalculated second putt on No. 17 compounded his struggles but he still managed to stay within earshot of the lead, making the turn at even-par 36.
Struggles on the Front Nine
The front nine proved to be less forgiving for Woods, where his putter began to betray him. Over a seven-hole stretch, he carded five bogeys, causing him to drift down the leaderboard to a tie for 87th, just a stroke off the projected cutline. Despite making a crucial birdie on the par-5 5th and saving par impressively from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th, Woods couldn’t maintain the consistency needed to stay competitive. An impressive 17-footer on No. 7 was offset by a dropped shot on the par-4 8th, demonstrating the pressure he faced with his putter.
Overall Performance
Woods's overall play was hindered by inconsistencies throughout his round. Despite hitting 12 of 14 fairways, he managed to hit only 10 greens in regulation, allowing himself just one birdie chance across the par-4s. This imbalance between his driving accuracy and greens in regulation contributed significantly to his struggles, as Woods bogeyed six of his last 12 holes. With his position precariously close to missing the cut, significant improvements in his approach shots will be crucial for him to claw his way back into the tournament.
Tactical Approach
Woods demonstrated a tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2. He often played conservatively, aiming for the fat sides of greens, but these tactics require better precision and execution. His irons must start cooperating to give him the birdie opportunities needed to stay competitive. While his start at the 2024 U.S. Open was rocky, 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 tweaking of his game, Woods remains within striking distance.
Quotes
"Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole." This statement encapsulates the frustrations Woods faced with his putter throughout the round. Additionally, "When his second putt on the par-3 17th fell by the wayside, Woods put his second square on the scorecard," highlights a moment that compounded his difficulties. However, his towering 4 iron from the middle of the fairway on the par-5 5th to make birdie stands out as a positive from the round. "The pressure on the putter cost Woods one last shot on the par-4 8th," further cements the narrative of the day.
While Woods's performance in the opening round of the 2024 U.S. Open showcased both promise and pitfalls, the 15-time major champion is no stranger to facing and overcoming challenges. As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see if Woods can adjust his game and make a surge back up the leaderboard. The key to his success lies in his ability to sharpen his iron play and rekindle the confidence with his putter, ultimately proving that even at this stage in his career, he remains a formidable competitor on golf’s grandest stage.