Early Momentum Fades for Tiger Woods at 2024 U.S. Open
Early Surge
At the beginning of the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, Tiger Woods briefly touched the lead. Woods made a birdie on the par-5 10th hole, converting an 11-foot putt and saving par from similar distances on Nos. 12 and 13. However, a missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th and his first missed fairway on the 16th led to his first dropped shot. Compounding his troubles, a miscalculated second putt on No. 17 added to the challenges he faced. Despite these setbacks, Woods remained within earshot of the lead after making the turn in an even-par 36.
Struggles on the Front Nine
Unfortunately, the front nine proved unforgiving for Woods. His putter began to betray him, resulting in five bogeys over a seven-hole stretch. As Woods drifted down the leaderboard, he found himself in a tie for 87th, just a stroke off the projected cutline. A crucial birdie on the par-5 5th and ticklish par saves from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th gave him some momentum. He also made an impressive 17-footer on No. 7. However, the pressure on the putter cost Woods another shot on the par-4 8th. Overall, inconsistencies hindered his play throughout the round, hitting 12 of 14 fairways but only 10 greens in regulation.
Tactical Approach
Woods demonstrated a tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2, often playing conservatively and aiming for the fat sides of greens. These tactics require better precision and execution, particularly with his irons. The challenges he faced left him bogeying six of his last 12 holes and giving himself just one birdie chance across the par-4s. To claw his way back into the tournament, Woods will need to see significant improvement in his approach shots.
Looking Ahead
Despite the rocky start at the 2024 U.S. Open, Woods's performance is far from over. He has shown time and again 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 fell by the wayside, but 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 may have cost Woods one last shot on the par-4 8th, but with improvements in his iron play and better execution of his tactical approach, he has the potential to make a significant comeback.