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 briefly surged to the top of the leaderboard, showcasing a flash of his enduring talent. This early momentum, however, proved difficult to maintain as the round progressed.
Early Surge
Woods began his round on the back nine and immediately made a statement. His birdie on the par-5 10th hole set the tone for a promising start. A crucial 11-foot putt found the bottom of the cup, boosting his position and confidence.
Continuing this early momentum, Woods executed vital par saves from similar distances on the 12th and 13th holes, demonstrating his still-formidable skill with the putter. Yet, a missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th hole hinted at struggles to come.
Challenges Emerge
Woods's first missed fairway on the 16th led to his first dropped shot of the round, a harbinger of the difficulties he would soon face. A miscalculated second putt on the 17th further compounded his troubles, but he remained within earshot of the lead, making the turn in an even-par 36.
The front nine, starting with the 1st hole, turned out to be significantly less forgiving for Woods. His putter, crucial in earlier saves, began to betray him. Over a seven-hole stretch, Woods carded five bogeys, and in all too quick a fashion, drifted down the leaderboard to sit tied for 87th place.
Struggles on the Front Nine
Despite sitting just a stroke off the projected cutline, Woods battled to regain control of his game. A birdie on the par-5 5th hole, resulting from a towering 4 iron from the middle of the fairway, was a highlight amid his struggles. Ticklish par saves from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th and an impressive 17-footer on the 7th showcased flashes of his greatness.
However, Woods's inconsistent play persisted. Another missed opportunity on the par-4 8th due to pressure on his putter cost him yet another shot. His overall play was hindered by these lapses in focus and execution.
Fading Performance by the Numbers
Woods managed to hit 12 of 14 fairways, but critically, he hit only 10 greens in regulation. This discrepancy left him with limited birdie opportunities, especially on the par-4s, and bogeying six of his last 12 holes highlighted the inconsistency in his approach shots.
To regain a competitive footing in the tournament, Woods will need significant improvement in his iron play. His conservative tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2, often aiming for the fat sides of greens, requires better precision and execution. The round underscored that while the strategy is sound, the execution must match to keep him in contention.
Looking Ahead
Though Woods faced a rocky start in the 2024 U.S. Open, history attests to his resilience. His performance, while underwhelming on paper, is far from over. Woods has repeatedly demonstrated an uncanny ability to bounce back from adversity.
With a focused approach and slight tweaks to his game, Woods remains within striking distance of the leaders. He will need to capitalize on every opportunity and minimize errors to climb back up the leaderboard.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Woods to see if he can leverage his experience and skill to make a decisive move. While the early momentum has faded, the potential for a comeback remains ever-present.
As Woods himself knows too well, in golf, fortunes can change with a single swing.