Early Momentum Fades for Tiger Woods at 2024 U.S. Open

Early Momentum Fades for Tiger Woods at 2024 U.S. Open

At the beginning of the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, Tiger Woods briefly touched the lead, igniting hopes of a rejuvenated performance from the golf legend. An early surge was marked by a birdie on the par-5 10th hole, where Woods converted an 11-foot putt, quickly raising his standing.

A Strong Start

Woods showed glimpses of his old form early on. After his birdie on the 10th hole, he made crucial par saves from similar distances on Nos. 12 and 13, keeping the momentum alive. However, a missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th and his first missed fairway on the 16th hole, which led to his first dropped shot, started to create ripples in his steady performance. A miscalculated second putt on No. 17 compounded his troubles as he made the turn in an even-par 36, still within earshot of the lead.

Challenges on the Front Nine

The front nine turned out to be more challenging for Woods. His putter, initially an ally, began to betray him. Over a seven-hole stretch, Woods carded five bogeys, causing him to drift down the leaderboard and tie for 87th. Sitting just a stroke off the projected cutline, Woods knew he needed to find form quickly.

For Woods, the par-5 5th provided a brief respite. A crucial birdie there, thanks to a towering 4 iron from the middle of the fairway, gave him a sliver of hope. He followed it up with ticklish par saves from eight feet on the intimidating par-3 6th and an impressive 17-footer on No. 7. Unfortunately, the pressure on his putter cost Woods another shot on the par-4 8th, highlighting the inconsistencies that plagued his round.

Struggling with Consistency

The day was marked by stark contrasts in Woods's play. While he impressively hit 12 of 14 fairways, he managed to hit only 10 greens in regulation. This inconsistency hindered his ability to score effectively, giving himself just one birdie chance across the par-4s. Woods bogeyed six of his last 12 holes, painting a clear picture of where his game faltered.

Woods demonstrated a tactical approach around Pinehurst No. 2, often playing conservatively and aiming for the fat sides of greens. However, these tactics require better precision and execution, which eluded Woods for much of the day. His irons must start cooperating if he hopes to claw his way back into the tournament.

Looking Ahead

Despite the rocky start, 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 history and resilience give fans hope that he can turn things around in the upcoming rounds.

The task ahead is clear. Woods will need to see significant improvement in his approach shots to give himself more birdie opportunities and avoid the costly bogeys that marred his round. But if anyone can make a comeback, it's Tiger Woods. His tactical approach, if refined with better precision, could still see him make a significant impact at the 2024 U.S. Open.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Woods to see if he can recapture the early momentum and transform it into a strong finish. For now, the legend’s quest continues, with hope still alive and the promise of more thrilling golf to come.

Quotes

"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."