Early Momentum Fades for Tiger Woods at 2024 U.S. Open
The 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 began with a glimmer of hope for Tiger Woods. Known for his ability to make remarkable comebacks, Woods briefly touched the lead early in the tournament, setting the stage for what many fans hoped would be a classic Tiger performance.
Early Surge
Woods started strong, making a birdie on the par-5 10th hole. The 11-foot birdie putt on the 10th got him off to a promising start, and he followed it up with crucial par saves from similar distances on Nos. 12 and 13. However, a missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th began to signal trouble.
His first missed fairway on the 16th hole led to his first dropped shot, and a miscalculated second putt on No. 17 compounded his struggles. Despite these miscues, Woods remained within earshot of the lead after making the turn in an even-par 36.
Front Nine Troubles
The front nine proved to be less forgiving for Woods. His putter, which had held up well on the back nine, began to betray him. He carded five bogeys over a seven-hole stretch, causing him to drift down the leaderboard into a tie for 87th. At that point, he was just a stroke off the projected cutline.
Woods managed to make a crucial birdie on the par-5 5th and then delivered a ticklish par save from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th. An impressive 17-footer on No. 7 offered a glimmer of hope, but the pressure on the putter cost Woods another shot on the par-4 8th.
Consistency Issues
Throughout his round, Woods's overall play was marred by inconsistencies. While he managed to hit 12 of 14 fairways, he only managed to hit 10 greens in regulation. This imbalance gave him just one birdie chance across the par-4s, resulting in six bogeys over his last 12 holes.
Woods's 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. The areas that need significant improvement are his approach shots and iron play. If Woods can get his irons to cooperate, he might still find a way back into the tournament.
Quotes and Remarks
Reflecting on his early performance, it was clear that putting was a significant challenge. "Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole," one commentator noted, encapsulating the frustration of many of Woods's missed opportunities.
"When his second putt on the par-3 17th fell by the wayside, Woods put his second square on the scorecard," another observer remarked, highlighting a crucial mistake that compounded his troubles.
On a brighter note, Woods's birdie on the par-5 5th was due to 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," summarized his struggles with consistency on what turned out to be a tough day at Pinehurst.
Outlook
Despite a rocky start, Woods's performance in the 2024 U.S. Open is far from over. Fans and analysts alike have seen Woods bounce back from adversity countless times before. With a concentrated approach and a few strategic tweaks to his game, Woods remains within striking distance of the leaders.
As he moves forward, the focus will be on maintaining consistency and sharpening his approach shots. If Woods can fine-tune his tactical approach and execute with precision, there's still a chance to make a significant impact on the leaderboard.
In conclusion, while his early momentum may have faded, Tiger Woods has the experience and resilience to turn things around. The 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 offers him another opportunity to showcase his legendary ability to overcome challenges and compete at the highest level.