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 putt. He continued his steady play, making crucial par saves from similar distances on Nos. 12 and 13. However, he missed an opportunity on the short par-4 14th, and his fortunes began to shift.
Turning Point
The turning point of Woods's round came on the 16th hole, where his first missed fairway led to his first dropped shot. Compounding his troubles, a miscalculated second putt on No. 17 saw him finish the back nine in an even-par 36. While Woods remained within earshot of the lead, the front nine proved to be far less forgiving.
Struggles on the Front Nine
Woods's putter began to betray him early on the front nine, leading to five bogeys over a seven-hole stretch. This series of mistakes caused him to drift down the leaderboard, ultimately sitting in a tie for 87th and just a stroke off the projected cutline. Woods did manage a crucial birdie on the par-5 5th, showing flashes of his skill with a towering 4 iron from the middle of the fairway. His ticklish par save from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th and an impressive 17-footer on No. 7 demonstrated his resilience. Nonetheless, the pressure on his putter cost him another shot on the par-4 8th.
Inconsistencies Plague Woods
Overall, Woods's play was hindered by inconsistencies throughout his round. While he impressively hit 12 of 14 fairways, he managed to hit only 10 greens in regulation. Crucially, he gave himself just one birdie chance across the par-4s and bogeyed six of his last 12 holes. To claw his way back into the tournament, Woods will need to see significant improvement in his approach shots.
Tactical Approach
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. His irons must start cooperating if he hopes to recover from his rocky start.
Bouncing Back
Despite the challenges, Woods's performance in the 2024 U.S. Open is far from over. Throughout his career, Woods has consistently shown his ability to bounce back from adversity. With a focused approach and slight tweaks to his game, he remains within striking distance.
Quotes
"Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole," remarked a commentator, highlighting some of the struggles Woods faced on the greens. Another critical moment came when "his second putt on the par-3 17th fell by the wayside, Woods put his second square on the scorecard." Despite these setbacks, there were bright moments, such as "a birdie on the par-5 5th, which came courtesy of a towering 4 iron from the middle of the fairway."
Conclusion
In a tournament as grueling as the U.S. Open, even seasoned pros like Tiger Woods are tested to their limits. While his early momentum faded, Woods's resolve remains unshaken. Whether he can make the necessary adjustments and climb back up the leaderboard is a question only time will answer. For now, fans and competitors alike will watch closely as Woods navigates the challenging terrain of Pinehurst No. 2.