Early Momentum Fades for Tiger Woods at 2024 U.S. Open
At the start of the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, Tiger Woods seemed poised for a resurgence. An early birdie on the par-5 10th hole had him briefly touching the lead, showing flashes of his legendary form.
Woods made a smooth 11-foot birdie putt on the 10th and followed it up with crucial par saves of similar lengths on holes 12 and 13. However, his momentum was interrupted by a missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th, where an errant shot left him short of capitalizing on the hole’s accessibility.
Challenges on the Back Nine
Unfortunately for Woods, the round took a downturn starting at the 16th hole. A missed fairway there culminated in his first dropped shot of the day. His troubles compounded on the par-3 17th when he miscalculated a second putt, leading to yet another bogey.
Despite these setbacks, Woods remained within striking distance, making the turn at an even-par 36. However, his struggles on the front nine proved to be even less forgiving. His putting, once a strength, began to betray him.
During a seven-hole stretch, Woods recorded five bogeys, causing him to drift down the leaderboard. By the end of his round, he was tied for 87th, just a stroke off the projected cutline. The front nine highlighted Woods' inconsistencies and left him with significant ground to make up.
Notable Moments
Woods still had notable moments in his challenging round. A crucial birdie on the par-5 5th hole, thanks to a towering 4-iron from the middle of the fairway, gave him a brief moment of optimism. He also showcased his tenacity with ticklish par saves, such as an 8-footer on the intimidating par-3 6th and an impressive 17-footer on No. 7. However, the par-4 8th hole caught him off guard, where additional pressure on the putter cost him another shot.
Inconsistency and the Way Forward
Throughout the round, Woods's overall play was hindered by a lack of consistency. While hitting an impressive 12 of 14 fairways, he managed only 10 greens in regulation. Moreover, he gave himself just one genuine birdie chance across the par-4s.
These stats led to a frustrating end to his day, with Woods bogeying six of his last 12 holes. For Woods to remain competitive, significant improvement in his approach shots is essential. His tactical approach at Pinehurst No. 2, which revolves around playing conservatively and aiming for the safer sides of greens, requires better precision and execution.
Looking Ahead
Despite the rocky start at the 2024 U.S. Open, it is far from over for Tiger Woods. His career is replete with instances of bouncing back from adversity. With a focused approach and slight tweaks to his game, Woods remains within striking distance of turning his fortunes around.
Woods's ability to adjust and his determination have kept him in the conversation for decades, and this event offers another platform for a possible comeback. With the right adjustments to his irons and consistent execution, Woods could still make a significant impact as the tournament progresses.
Quotes from the Round
A reflection of Woods' day includes moments like, "Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole," showcasing missed opportunities. On the 17th hole, "When his second putt on the par-3 17th fell by the wayside, Woods put his second square on the scorecard."
Yet, flashes of brilliance were still present, as noted by, "A birdie on the par-5 5th came courtesy of a towering 4 iron from the middle of the fairway." Ultimately, "The pressure on the putter cost Woods one last shot on the par-4 8th," encapsulating the day's challenges.
The 2024 U.S. Open continues to unfold, and all eyes remain on how Tiger Woods will navigate through the rest of the tournament. His performance on opening day has set the stage for what promises to be a gripping saga of determination and skill.