2024 U.S. Open missed cut: Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas, Viktor Hovland among stars out at Pinehurst No. 2

The 2024 U.S. Open has seen a thrilling rise of top-tier golfers at Pinehurst No. 2, with standout names such as Ludvig Åberg, Bryson DeChambeau, Rory McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay, and Hideki Matsuyama leading the charge. As these elite players prepare to compete for the national championship over the weekend, others have faced significant challenges and will not continue in the tournament.

Among the most notable to miss the cut is Tiger Woods. In his first U.S. Open appearance since 2020, the 15-time major champion found himself battling tough conditions on Friday as he approached the critical 5-over cutline. Despite an opening round of 4-over 74, Woods was unable to convert crucial birdie opportunities on his back nine, ending his week at 7 over par. This missed cut marks the 25th of Woods’ professional career, his 14th in a major, and his fifth at the U.S. Open.

Viktor Hovland, ranked fifth in the world, also failed to make the cut. After a strong performance at the PGA Championship, the Norwegian golfer seemed poised to maintain his momentum. However, a difficult opening round of 8-over 78 on Thursday proved insurmountable, despite a commendable comeback with a second-round 68. Hovland finished at 6 over, just shy of making it to the weekend.

Similarly, Max Homa struggled to secure a place in the latter half of the tournament. Despite a promising start with a 1-over 71 in the first round, Homa’s second round deteriorated, with a score of 75 marred by six bogeys and only one birdie, culminating in a 6-over finish.

Justin Thomas, a two-time PGA Championship winner, faced comparable difficulties. An initial round of 77 left him in a precarious position, and despite his efforts on Friday alongside notable players Collin Morikawa and Brooks Koepka, Thomas’ round of 74 saw him comfortably miss the cut. This outcome continues a troubling trend for Thomas, who has now missed the cut in five of his last seven majors.

Dustin Johnson, another two-time major champion, mirrored Thomas’ fate, missing the cut for the third time in his last four major appearances. His performance, alongside that of other prominent players who failed to advance, reflects the formidable challenge presented by Pinehurst No. 2.

Below is a list of other notable players who missed the cut at the 2024 U.S. Open:

– Viktor Hovland: +6
– Max Homa: +6
– Robert MacIntyre: +6
– Tiger Woods: +7
– Will Zalatoris: +8
– Jason Day: +8
– Dustin Johnson: +9
– Rickie Fowler: +9
– Justin Thomas: +11
– Phil Mickelson: +15

Despite the high-profile exits, the remaining field promises an exciting and competitive weekend as they vie for the championship title at one of golf’s most iconic venues.