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 appeared to be a formidable contender, briefly taking the lead with a birdie on the par-5 10th hole. His early success included converting an 11-foot birdie putt on the 10th and making crucial par saves from similar distances on the 12th and 13th holes. However, as the day progressed, Woods's momentum began to wane.
Early Surge and Missed Opportunities
Woods's solid start included a missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th and his first missed fairway on the 16th hole, which led to his first dropped shot. A miscalculated second putt on the 17th compounded his troubles, yet he managed to remain within earshot of the lead after making the turn in an even-par 36. However, struggles on the front nine proved to be less forgiving.
Struggles Define the Front Nine
As Woods transitioned to his front nine, his putter began to betray him. He carded five bogeys over a seven-hole stretch, causing him to drift down the leaderboard and sit in a tie for 87th, just a stroke off the projected cutline. Despite the struggles, Woods showed flashes of brilliance. He made a crucial birdie on the par-5 5th and ticklish par saves from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th. Additionally, Woods sunk an impressive 17-footer on the 7th hole. However, the pressure on the putter cost him another shot on the par-4 8th.
Woods's Inconsistencies
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. He gave himself just one birdie chance across the par-4s, ultimately bogeying 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 often involved playing conservatively and aiming for the fat sides of greens. However, these tactics require better precision and execution.
Room for Improvement
Although Woods has had a rocky start at the 2024 U.S. Open, his performance is far from over. Time and again, Woods has demonstrated his ability to bounce back from adversity. With a focused approach and slight tweaks to his game, Woods remains within striking distance. His birdie bid from 11 feet may have failed to threaten the hole, and his second putt on the par-3 17th may have fallen by the wayside, but there is still hope.
Tiger's Tactical Approach
A birdie on the par-5 5th came courtesy of a towering 4-iron from the middle of the fairway, showing glimpses of Woods's potential. The pressure on the putter cost Woods one last shot on the par-4 8th. Moving forward, Woods's irons must start cooperating if he hopes to claw his way back into the tournament.
In conclusion, Tiger Woods’s early momentum at the 2024 U.S. Open quickly faded due to inconsistencies and missed opportunities. However, with his track record of overcoming adversity, there's always a chance that Woods can make a comeback with a focused approach and slight improvements to his game.