Early Momentum Fades for Tiger Woods at 2024 U.S. Open
The 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 witnessed an early surge from Tiger Woods, who briefly touched the lead.
Early Surge
Woods started strong, making a birdie on the par-5 10th hole. His 11-foot birdie putt on the 10th was just the beginning. Crucial par saves from similar distances highlighted his play on Nos. 12 and 13. However, a missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th quashed the momentum, starting a chain reaction of setbacks.
His first missed fairway came on the 16th hole, which led to his first dropped shot. Further trouble came on No. 17 with a miscalculated second putt. Despite these hiccups, Woods made the turn with an even-par 36, keeping himself within striking distance of the lead.
Struggles on the Front Nine
The front nine turned out to be far less forgiving. Woods's putter, which initially served him well, soon began to betray him. Over a seven-hole stretch, he carded five bogeys, drifting down the leaderboard to a tie for 87th. He found himself just a stroke off the projected cutline.
Despite the setbacks, Woods showed flashes of his vintage brilliance. A crucial birdie on the par-5 5th came after a towering 4 iron from the fairway. He made a ticklish par save from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th and followed it with an impressive 17-footer on No. 7. Nevertheless, the pressure on his putter led to another dropped shot on the par-4 8th.
Consistency Issues
Woods’s round was plagued by inconsistencies. Despite hitting 12 out of 14 fairways, he managed to hit only 10 greens in regulation. He gave himself just one birdie chance across the par-4s and bogeyed six of his last 12 holes.
His tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2 involved playing conservatively and aiming for the fat sides of greens. While these tactics are sound, they require better precision and execution to be effective. His iron play, in particular, must improve if he is to claw his way back into the tournament.
A Rocky Start, But Far From Over
While Woods may have had a rocky start at the 2024 U.S. Open, his performance is far from over. He has shown time and again his resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. With a focused approach and slight tweaks to his game, Woods remains within striking distance.
"Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole," one commentator noted. The pressure on the putter, which cost him another shot on the par-4 8th, was evident.
Yet, he showed moments of brilliance, particularly with the birdie on the par-5 5th, which came courtesy of a towering 4 iron from the middle of the fairway. Despite the setbacks, Woods's tactical approach demonstrated his experience and knowledge of the game.
Looking Ahead
To turn things around, Woods will need significant improvement, particularly in his approach shots. His irons must start cooperating if he is to mount a serious challenge. The conservative tactics he employed need better precision and execution to bear fruit.
In summary, Tiger Woods's first round at the 2024 U.S. Open featured a mix of highs and lows. Despite a promising start, inconsistency plagued his efforts. However, given his history of bouncing back, it would be unwise to count him out just yet. With a few adjustments and a sharpened approach, Woods could very well make a comeback in the coming rounds.