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, reminding everyone of his unparalleled skill and tenacity. Woods made a birdie on the par-5 10th hole, converting an 11-foot birdie putt and making crucial par saves from similar distances on Nos. 12 and 13. Unfortunately, a missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th hinted at the challenges ahead. His first missed fairway on the 16th hole led to his first dropped shot, and a miscalculated second putt on No. 17 compounded his troubles. Despite these setbacks, Woods remained within earshot of the lead after making the turn in an even-par 36.
Struggles on the Front Nine
The back-to-back par saves initially suggested a promising round, but the front nine proved less forgiving. Woods’s putter began to betray him, and he carded five bogeys over a seven-hole stretch. This string of bogeys saw Woods drift down the leaderboard, sitting in a tie for 87th place and just a stroke off the projected cutline. Trying to regroup, Woods made a crucial birdie on the par-5 5th, followed by impressive par saves from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th, and a remarkable 17-footer on No. 7. Nevertheless, the pressure on his putter cost Woods another shot on the par-4 8th, and inconsistencies in his game continued to hinder his progress.
Inconsistencies and Tactical Play
Woods hit 12 of 14 fairways, yet managed to hit only 10 greens in regulation. He gave himself just one birdie chance across the par-4s and bogeyed six of his last 12 holes. This inconsistency in his overall play demanded significant improvement, especially in his approach shots. Adopting a tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2, Woods often played conservatively and aimed for the fat sides of greens. However, these tactics fell short without the needed precision and execution. His irons must begin to cooperate if he is to claw his way back into the tournament.
The Path Forward
Although Woods may have had a rocky start at the 2024 U.S. Open, his performance is far from over. Time and again, Woods has shown his ability to bounce back from adversity. With a focused approach and slight tweaks to his game, Woods remains within striking distance of making a meaningful impact. He will need to see significant improvement in his approach shots and overall execution on the greens. His tactical acumen and conservative play can still prove fruitful if aligned with better precision.
Quotes
Commenting on the missed opportunities, Woods stated, "Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole." In a similar vein, when his second putt on the par-3 17th fell by the wayside, it was noted, "Woods put his second square on the scorecard." Reflecting on one of his highlights of the round, it was observed, "A birdie on the par-5 5th came courtesy of a towering 4 iron from the middle of the fairway." Nevertheless, the pressure remained palpable, as another statement encapsulated, "The pressure on the putter cost Woods one last shot on the par-4 8th."
Conclusion
Tiger Woods's challenge at the 2024 U.S. Open is far from over. With the right adjustments and a continued focus on precision and execution, Woods can still navigate his way back into contention. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely, hopeful for a legendary comeback that only Woods can deliver.