Tiger Woods Misses the Cut at the 2024 U.S. Open

In what many anticipated would be a promising outing, Tiger Woods failed to make the cut at the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. Despite hot weather, favorable tee times, and a strong history at the course, Woods finished the second round with a 3-over 73, following a 4-over 74 on Thursday. This left him two strokes short of the cut line.

Reflecting on his performance, Woods remarked, “Well, it was probably the highest score I could have possibly shot today. I hit a lot of good shots that just didn’t quite go my way, or I hit good putts, and then I put myself in a couple of bad spots with some bad lag putts. But again, as I said, it was probably the highest score I could have shot today.”

Woods expressed his frustration, not due to physical ailments, but because of his lackluster results. “It is frustrating because I’m not here to have a chance to win on the weekend. Granted, my ball-striking and felt like my putting was good enough to be in contention, and I’m not.”

Despite his optimism, the statistics painted a different picture. Woods ranked 131st in strokes gained approach and 106th in strokes gained putting. While he drove the ball well, his iron play and putting were insufficient to advance. Notably, a crucial birdie putt on the par-3 15th hole narrowly missed, a moment Woods highlighted. “15 hurt. That was a sweet little 7-iron in there and a good putt, high-side lip. If I make that putt, it flips the momentum, and I’m looking pretty good.”

Woods acknowledged the missed opportunities and his subsequent efforts to recover, including a difficult shot out of trouble on the 16th and an almost spectacular bunker shot on the 17th. Despite these efforts, his hopes were dashed, and he found himself on the wrong side of the cut line.

Looking ahead, Woods outlined his plans for the remainder of the season, indicating he has only one more tournament left.