Early Momentum Fades for Tiger Woods at 2024 U.S. Open
Early Surge and Initial Success
The 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 saw Tiger Woods initially showing glimpses of his legendary form. In the early stages, Woods briefly touched the lead, igniting hopes for a dominant performance. He started with a birdie on the par-5 10th hole, converting an impressive 11-foot birdie putt. Crucial par saves followed on Nos. 12 and 13, anchoring his early run and keeping him in the mix.
However, a missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th signaled the start of a challenging day. 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 this, Woods remained within earshot of the lead, making the turn in an even-par 36.
Front Nine Struggles
The front nine proved to be less forgiving for Woods. His putter, a crucial weapon in his arsenal, began to betray him. Over a grueling seven-hole stretch, Woods carded five bogeys, causing him to drift down the leaderboard. By the end of the front nine, he was tied for 87th, just a stroke off the projected cutline.
Despite these struggles, Woods did manage to deliver some moments of brilliance. A crucial birdie on the par-5 5th, aided by a towering 4-iron from the middle of the fairway, provided a glimmer of hope. Ticklish par saves from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th and an impressive 17-footer on No. 7 showcased his potential to claw back.
Inconsistency and Tactical Adjustments
Ultimately, inconsistencies in Woods’s overall play hindered his performance. Although he hit 12 of 14 fairways, he only managed to land 10 greens in regulation. His opportunities were limited, with just one birdie chance across the par-4s. The six bogeys over his last 12 holes were telling of the struggles he faced throughout his round.
Woods demonstrated a tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2, often opting for conservative plays and aiming for the fat sides of greens. These tactics, however, require precise execution—an area where Woods’s irons must improve if he hopes to remain competitive. Better precision and execution will be key for him to climb back up the leaderboard.
Looking Ahead
While Woods may have had a rocky start at the 2024 U.S. Open, his performance is far from over. Known for his resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity, Woods has consistently shown that he can overcome poor starts. With a focused approach and slight tweaks to his game, he remains within striking distance.
Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet may have failed to threaten the hole, and his second putt on the par-3 17th may have caused additional frustration, yet his birdie on the par-5 5th courtesy of a towering 4 iron was a testament to his potential. The pressure on his putter cost him one last shot on the par-4 8th, illustrating the fine margins that define success and struggle in golf.
As the tournament progresses, the key for Woods will be to find greater consistency with his approach shots. Should his irons start cooperating, he could very well fuel a comeback that the golfing world has come to expect from him. For now, all eyes remain on Woods as he navigates the challenges of Pinehurst No. 2, seeking to turn early momentum into a sustained run towards the top of the leaderboard.