Tiger Woods made a promising start to the U.S. Open by scoring a birdie in the opening round, which took him into the lead. This performance harked back to 25 years ago when he first played the championship at Pinehurst No. 2 as a rising phenom.
However, the rest of the round showcased the contrast between the player he was and the player he is now.
While Woods showcased exceptional driving skills and made some impressive putts, he struggled with accuracy in his iron shots and lacked finesse around the greens. This led to a 4-over 74 score in the first round, marking his 12th consecutive major round without breaking par.
Despite the challenges of the course, Woods managed to avoid high scores and positioned himself well to make the cut. Unlike his previous struggles at Valhalla, this round kept him in contention for the weekend.
Woods acknowledged the unique difficulties of the Donald Ross layout at Pinehurst, where shots often roll off greens and into challenging collection areas. The course presented a different kind of challenge compared to other golf courses, making it hard to score low.
While Woods expressed frustration with his inconsistent play, he remained optimistic about his physical condition. He attributed his lack of regular play to a history of injuries and surgeries, emphasizing the balance between staying sharp and avoiding further harm.
Looking ahead, Woods hopes his body will allow him to play more frequently and improve his game. His performance in the U.S. Open will be a good indicator of his progress and readiness for future competitions.
