Early Surge by Tiger Woods at 2024 U.S. Open
At the outset of the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, Tiger Woods showcased a flash of his legendary form, briefly touching the lead. Woods made an initial statement by sinking an 11-foot birdie putt on the par-5 10th hole, a promising start that had fans buzzing.
Maintaining Momentum
Woods backed up his early birdie with critical par saves from similar distances on holes 12 and 13, indicating his short game was in top shape. However, a missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th stifled his momentum slightly. His first missed fairway on the 16th hole led to his first dropped shot of the round, and a miscalculated second putt on No. 17 compounded his troubles.
Turning in an even-par 36, Woods remained within earshot of the lead despite these setbacks. Yet, his struggles on the front nine proved less forgiving. His putter, which had shown glimpses of brilliance early on, began to betray him.
Challenges on the Front Nine
Woods carded five bogeys over a grueling seven-hole stretch, which saw him drift down the leaderboard, eventually sitting in a tie for 87th, just a stroke off the projected cutline. Even with a crucial birdie on the par-5 5th and ticklish par saves from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th, the mounting pressure on his putter led to another dropped shot on the par-4 8th. His difficulties on the greens ultimately hindered his overall play.
Statistics at a Glance
Despite hitting 12 of 14 fairways, Woods managed to hit only 10 greens in regulation, giving himself just one birdie chance across the par-4s. His overall performance was marred by inconsistencies, particularly with his iron play. Over his last 12 holes, Woods bogeyed six, illustrating the tenuous nature of his round.
Adjustments Needed
To climb back into the tournament, Woods will need to see significant improvement in his approach shots. While he demonstrated a tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2 — often playing conservatively and aiming for the fat sides of greens — these strategies demand better precision and execution. His irons must start cooperating if he hopes to claw his way back into contention.
Enduring Spirit
Despite the rocky start, Woods's performance at the 2024 U.S. Open is far from over. Throughout his illustrious career, Woods has consistently shown his ability to bounce back from adversity. With a focused approach and slight tweaks to his game, he remains within striking distance.
Quotes from the course:
"Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole," remarked one commentator, capturing the delicate balance of success and failure on the greens.
Another highlight came from his action 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," illustrating the challenges he faced.
However, there were moments of brilliance too. "A birdie on the par-5 5th came courtesy of a towering 4 iron from the middle of the fairway," a reminder that Woods can still command his irons when it matters.
In sum, "The pressure on the putter cost Woods one last shot on the par-4 8th," summing up a day of mixed fortunes.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Woods to see if he can channel his unparalleled resilience and rise through the ranks. With a history rich in comebacks, it's never wise to count out Tiger Woods too soon.