Early Momentum Fades for Tiger Woods at 2024 U.S. Open
Early Surge
At the onset of the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, Tiger Woods showcased a glimpse of his vintage form by briefly touching the lead. His round began with promise, marked by a birdie on the par-5 10th hole. Woods converted an 11-foot birdie putt on the 10th and made crucial par saves from similar distances on Nos. 12 and 13.
However, Woods missed an opportunity on the short par-4 14th, an early sign that the round might not go entirely to plan. His first missed fairway of the day on the 16th hole led to his first dropped shot, a miscalculated second putt on the par-3 17th compounded his troubles. Despite these setbacks, Woods remained within earshot of the lead after making the turn in an even-par 36.
Struggles on the Front Nine
The front nine turned out to be less forgiving for Woods. His putter began to betray him, and he carded five bogeys over a seven-hole stretch. This sequence saw Woods drift down the leaderboard, ultimately sitting in a tie for 87th, just a stroke off the projected cutline.
There were still highlights amid the struggles. Woods made a crucial birdie on the par-5 5th and executed ticklish par saves from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th. An impressive 17-footer on No. 7 momentarily rekindled hope. However, the pressure on his putter cost him another shot on the par-4 8th.
Inconsistencies and Tactical Play
Woods's overall play was hindered by inconsistencies throughout his round. While he hit 12 of 14 fairways, he only managed to hit 10 greens in regulation. This discrepancy gave him just one birdie chance across the challenging par-4s. Ultimately, Woods bogeyed six of his last 12 holes, a significant factor contributing to his drift down the leaderboard.
Despite the setbacks, Woods demonstrated a tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2. Often playing conservatively, he aimed for the fat sides of greens to give himself easier putts. However, these tactics require near-perfect precision and execution, areas where Woods struggled today. For Woods to claw his way back into the tournament, his irons will need to start cooperating.
Hope for Recovery
Though Woods had a rocky start at the 2024 U.S. Open, his performance is far from finished. Throughout his illustrious career, Woods has consistently shown the ability to bounce back from adversity. With a focused approach and slight tweaks to his game, Woods remains within striking distance.
Quotes from the Round
"Woods's birdie bid from 11 feet failed to threaten the hole."
"When his second putt on the par-3 17th fell by the wayside, Woods put his second square on the scorecard."
"A birdie on the par-5 5th came courtesy of 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."
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Tiger Woods to see if he can overcome the early obstacles. His fans and the golfing community know well that writing off Tiger Woods is always a risky proposition. If history has taught us anything, it’s that Woods thrives on proving his doubters wrong.
Overall, the first day at Pinehurst No. 2 was a mixed bag for Tiger Woods. Promise and potential were evident, but so were the inconsistencies that led to his slide down the leaderboard. As the tournament enters its crucial phases, Woods's ability to adjust and respond will be key to his chances of contending in this prestigious event.
With each round presenting new challenges, the 2024 U.S. Open is far from over for Tiger Woods. The golfing legend has shown time and again his capability to return stronger. Fans will be eager to see whether his tactical adjustments and natural resilience can propel him back into contention.