At the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, Tiger Woods displayed an initial burst of momentum that quickly faded as the day progressed. While Woods has often been lauded for his ability to return from adversity, his performance in the opening round has put him in a challenging position.
Early Surge on the Back Nine
Starting his round on the back nine, Woods briefly touched the lead. He made an impressive 11-foot birdie putt on the par-5 10th hole, setting a positive tone for what fans hoped would be a strong opening performance. Momentum seemed to be on his side as he made crucial par saves from similar distances on the 12th and 13th holes.
However, a missed opportunity on the short par-4 14th hole marked the beginning of a shift. His first missed fairway on the 16th hole led to his first dropped shot, and a miscalculated second putt on the 17th compounded his struggles. Still, Woods managed to complete the back nine with an even-par 36, remaining within earshot of the leaders.
Struggles on the Front Nine
The front nine proved less forgiving for Woods, as his putter began to betray him. Over a seven-hole stretch, Woods carded five bogeys, causing him to drift down the leaderboard and into a tie for 87th place. He found himself just a stroke off the projected cutline, a precarious position for the veteran golfer.
Despite the struggles, there were moments of resilience. Woods made a crucial birdie on the par-5 5th and followed it with a difficult par save from 8 feet on the intimidating par-3 6th. He further impressed with a 17-footer on the 7th hole. However, the pressure on his putter cost him another shot on the par-4 8th, adding to the inconsistencies that marred his round.
Performance Analysis
While there were several bright moments for Woods, his overall play was hindered by inconsistencies throughout the day. He hit 12 of 14 fairways but managed to hit only 10 greens in regulation. This discrepancy highlighted the areas requiring improvement if he hopes to climb back into contention.
Woods also gave himself just one birdie chance across all the par-4s and bogeyed six of his last 12 holes. Such statistics underscore the need for significant improvement in his approach shots if he aims to remain competitive in the tournament.
Tactical Approach
Woods demonstrated a tactical approach around the challenging Pinehurst No. 2, often playing conservatively and aiming for the safer sides of the greens. While this strategy showed his experience and wisdom on the course, it also requires better precision and execution. His irons must start cooperating if he is to claw his way back from his current position.
A Rocky Start, But Not Over
Woods may have had a rocky start at the 2024 U.S. Open, but his 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.
As he navigates the challenges of Pinehurst No. 2, Woods’s approach will need to be steadfast. His years of experience and tactical acumen are testaments to his resilience, and those qualities will be crucial as he looks to improve his standing in the days to come. The journey ahead is arduous, but if anyone can make a comeback, it’s Tiger Woods.