Early Momentum Fades for Tiger Woods at 2024 U.S. Open
At the outset of the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, Tiger Woods rekindled hopes of a resurgent performance as he briefly ascended to the top of the leaderboard. An early birdie on the par-5 10th hole showcased his potential, stirring excitement among golfers and fans alike.
Woods began his round on the back nine with a promising start. He confidently rolled in an 11-foot birdie putt on the 10th hole and maintained his composure by making crucial par saves from similar distances on the 12th and 13th holes. These solid plays kept him in contention during the initial stages of the round.
Setbacks and Missed Opportunities
However, the momentum was short-lived. Woods encountered a missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th and soon found trouble off the tee on the 16th hole. His first missed fairway of the day led to his first dropped shot. Compounding his difficulties, a miscalculated second putt on the 17th hole added to his woes, causing further slippage on the leaderboard.
Despite these hiccups, Woods remained within striking distance after completing his back nine in an even-par 36. Turning to the front nine, fans and analysts hoped for a resurgence, yet the legendary golfer faced an unforgiving stretch.
Struggles on the Front Nine
Woods's putter began to betray him early on the front nine, and the next few holes turned into a nightmare. The 15-time major champion carded five bogeys over a brutal seven-hole stretch. As a result, Woods drifted down the leaderboard, eventually finding himself in a tie for 87th place, just a stroke off the projected cut line.
Despite this rough patch, Woods continued to battle. A crucial birdie on the par-5 5th hole and impressive par saves from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th exhibited flashes of his trademark resilience. Adding to his brief comeback, Woods sank a stunning 17-footer on the 7th hole. Yet, the pressure on the putter reared its head again, costing him another shot on the par-4 8th hole.
Inconsistencies in Play
Overall, Woods's performance was hindered by inconsistencies throughout the round. While he impressively hit 12 of 14 fairways, his approach shots faltered, leading to a mere 10 greens-in-regulation. This inconsistency was evident as Woods afforded himself just one birdie opportunity across the par-4s. His struggles on the front nine culminated in bogeying six of his final 12 holes, a statistic that underscored his difficulties on the course.
To claw his way back into the tournament, Woods needs significant improvements in his approach shots. His tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2, often playing conservatively and aiming for the safe sides of greens, demands better precision and execution. His irons must start cooperating if he is to make a run at the field.
The Road Ahead
Despite a rocky start at the 2024 U.S. Open, Woods's performance is far from over. Throughout his career, Woods has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to bounce back from adversity. With a focused approach and slight tweaks to his game, he remains within striking distance.
Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet on the back nine may have failed to threaten the hole, and his second putt on the par-3 17th may have slipped past, but there were moments of brilliance that can inspire confidence. His towering 4 iron from the middle of the fairway leading to a birdie on the par-5 5th and his gutsy 17-foot putt on the 7th hole are testament to his enduring skill.
Moving forward, Woods needs to harness these moments of excellence and build upon them. If his irons can start finding their mark and his putter returns to form, Woods has a fighting chance to put himself back in contention at Pinehurst No. 2. The journey ahead requires precision and resilience, qualities that have defined Woods's illustrious career.
As the 2024 U.S. Open progresses, all eyes remain on Woods. The story of his tournament is one of early momentum, mid-round struggles, and the potential for a dramatic comeback. Whether he can turn the tide and conjure up another iconic performance is a question that will unfold in the coming days, underlining the unpredictable and thrilling nature of golf.