Early Momentum Fades for Tiger Woods at 2024 U.S. Open
At the beginning of the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, golfing legend Tiger Woods showed promise by briefly touching the lead. Woods made a birdie on the par-5 10th hole, converting an 11-foot putt. Building on this early success, he saved par from similar distances on holes 12 and 13, maintaining momentum.
However, a missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th marked the beginning of his struggles. His first missed fairway on the 16th led to his first dropped shot. Unfortunately, a miscalculated second putt on the 17th compounded his troubles.
Despite these setbacks, Woods remained within earshot of the lead after making the turn in an even-par 36. But the front nine proved to be less forgiving.
Struggles on the Front Nine
Woods's putter began to betray him as he started the front nine. Within a seven-hole stretch, he carded five bogeys, causing him to drift down the leaderboard. At one point, he found himself tied for 87th, just a stroke off the projected cutline.
There were moments of brilliance. He made a crucial birdie on the par-5 5th hole and followed it with ticklish par saves from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th. An impressive 17-foot putt on the 7th reinforced his potential for a comeback. However, pressure on his putter cost him another shot on the par-4 8th.
Inconsistencies in Performance
Woods's overall play was hindered by inconsistencies throughout his round. Despite hitting 12 of 14 fairways, he managed to hit only 10 greens in regulation. This inconsistency was particularly evident on the par-4s, where he gave himself just one genuine birdie chance. Additionally, he 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. His tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2, aiming for the fat sides of greens and often playing conservatively, requires better precision and execution.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Woods may have had a rocky start at the 2024 U.S. Open, but his performance is far from over. With numerous holes left to play and opportunities to capitalize on, Woods must focus on making slight tweaks to his game.
As history has shown, Woods possesses an unwavering ability to bounce back from adversity. His resilience and competitive spirit could very well see him regain momentum in the upcoming rounds. A more focused approach and better cooperation from his irons might place him back in striking distance.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Woods's initial momentum at Pinehurst No. 2 began promisingly but faded due to critical errors and inconsistent play. Notably, his issues with the putter and missed fairways contributed to his decline in the leaderboard. However, it’s important to recognize his tactical approach and potential for improvement in the subsequent rounds.
As the 2024 U.S. Open unfolds, the golfing world will watch keenly to see if Woods can orchestrate yet another remarkable comeback. His storied career is a testament to his tenacity, and while challenges lie ahead, so do opportunities for redemption.
Quotes:
"Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole."
"When his second putt on the par-3 17th fell by the wayside, Woods put his second square on the scorecard."
"A birdie on the par-5 5th came courtesy of a towering 4-iron from the middle of the fairway."
"The pressure on the putter cost Woods one last shot on the par-4 8th."