Tiger Woods chips onto a practice green ahead of the 2024 U.S. Open. | Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Tiger Woods last made a U.S. Open cut in 2019 at Pebble Beach, but the stars are aligning for him to do it again this week.
Since 2011, Tiger Woods has played in only six U.S. Opens, making the cut just three times. He last teed it up in America’s national championship four years ago, when he failed to make the weekend at Winged Foot during the pandemic.
Five months later, he was in a motor vehicle accident in South California, which almost led to the amputation of his leg. He also sustained traumatic injuries, including a shattered ankle and compound fractures in his leg. That made many wonder if he could walk again, let alone play golf.
But in true Tiger fashion, he battled back after this accident. He inexplicably made the cut at Augusta National 14 months later and did so again in 2024.
Yet, he has struggled to complete 72 holes in multiple majors, as he had to withdraw from the 2022 PGA and 2023 Masters. He also missed the cut at the 2022 Open Championship and, most recently, at the 2024 PGA Championship.
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Tiger Woods during the 2020 U.S. Open.
So why in the world do we feel that Woods will make the cut this time around at Pinehurst No. 2? Here are three reasons why.
3. The weather
This week’s forecast calls for temperatures in the low 90s, as heat and humidity will blanket the players all week at Pinehurst No. 2.
Woods thrives in these types of conditions. Not only does he enjoy practicing in the heat, as he does at home in South Florida, but it also allows his body to warm up faster.
Before playing competitively, Woods spends hours preparing his body to perform, which often includes taking ice baths, stretching, and spending ample time on the range. Hot conditions help expedite that process.
On the other hand, cold temperatures often lead to stiffness and soreness, which partially explains why Woods withdrew from the 2023 Masters. But he will not have to deal with anything like that this week, which will bode well for him.
2. Tee time luck
Woods got an excellent draw this week as he will headline the Early-Late wave for the first two rounds. He will play alongside 2022 U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick and 2022 U.S. Open runner-up Will Zalatoris during rounds one and two.
This trio will begin their championship at 7:29 a.m. ET on Thursday on the 10th tee, a par-5. The 10th hole at Pinehurst No. 2 is no slouch, but it does present an opportunity right out of the gate. It played as the third easiest hole in 2014 and is a fairly easy fairway to hit. Perhaps Woods can get off on the right foot early.
Then, on Friday, Woods, Zalatoris, and Fitzpatrick will begin their second rounds at 1:14 p.m. ET, giving the 15-time major champion plenty of time to rest, recover, and recuperate. He will also have all morning to loosen up for his second round.
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Tiger Woods practices from a bunker ahead of the 2024 U.S. Open.
1. The course itself
Unlike Augusta National, and to a lesser extent, Valhalla, Pinehurst No. 2 does not feature steep hills and severe undulations. Its a much easier course to traverse, which plays into Woods’ hands.
He has admitted numerous times that he can hit any golf shot that he wants, but simply walking the golf course has proven difficult because of his ailments. Yet, he feels ready.
“I feel like I have the strength to be able to [win],” Woods said Tuesday.
“It’s just a matter of doing it. This golf course is going to test every single aspect of your game, especially mentally, and just the mental discipline that it takes to play this particular golf course, it’s going to take a lot.”
But at least it will not strain on him physically, or to the extent that Augusta has.
Nevertheless, Woods did not compete at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2014. He missed that tournament due to a back injury. But he finished runner-up at this course in 2005. Then, in 1999, he had a great chance to win it, but a late bogey on the par-3 17th sunk his hopes. He ultimately tied for 3rd.
Woods has had success here, even though it came before the 2010 restoration performed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.
“The look off the tees are about the same,” Woods said.
“I know it’s more native and more open looking. But from what I remember from ‘05 and what I saw in ‘14, yes, there is a bit of a change. But that’s really no big deal. The surrounds are very different. Going from bent to Bermuda [grass], it is a significant change.”
Despite the changes, Woods feels confident at this course, and for these reasons, we believe he will earn a third round tee time on Saturday.
Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.
