Tiger Woods will make U.S. Open reduce due to these 3 issues

Since 2011, Tiger Woods has performed in solely six U.S. Opens, making the reduce simply 3 times. He final teed it up in America’s nationwide championship 4 years in the past, when he didn’t make the weekend at Winged Foot through the pandemic.

5 months later, he was in a motorcar accident in South California, which nearly led to the amputation of his leg. He additionally sustained traumatic accidents, together with a shattered ankle and compound fractures in his leg. That made many marvel if he might stroll once more, not to mention play golf.

However in true Tiger trend, he battled again after this accident. He inexplicably made the reduce at Augusta Nationwide 14 months later and did so once more in 2024.

But, he has struggled to finish 72 holes in a number of majors, as he needed to withdraw from the 2022 PGA and 2023 Masters. He additionally missed the reduce on the 2022 Open Championship and, most not too long ago, on the 2024 PGA Championship.

Picture by Gregory Shamus/Getty Photographs

So why on this planet will we really feel that Woods will make the reduce this time round at Pinehurst No. 2? Listed below are three the reason why.

3. The climate

This week’s forecast requires temperatures within the low 90s, as warmth and humidity will blanket the gamers all week at Pinehurst No. 2.

Woods thrives in all these circumstances. Not solely does he get pleasure from practising within the warmth, as he does at residence in South Florida, but it surely additionally permits his physique to heat up quicker.

Earlier than enjoying competitively, Woods spends hours getting ready his physique to carry out, which regularly consists of taking ice baths, stretching, and spending ample time on the vary. Scorching circumstances assist expedite that course of.

However, chilly temperatures typically result in stiffness and soreness, which partially explains why Woods withdrew from the 2023 Masters. However he is not going to must cope with something like that this week, which can bode effectively for him.

2. Tee time luck

Woods obtained a wonderful draw this week as he’ll headline the Early-Late wave for the primary two rounds. He’ll play alongside 2022 U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick and 2022 U.S. Open runner-up Will Zalatoris throughout rounds one and two.

This trio will start their championship at 7:29 a.m. ET on Thursday on the tenth tee, a par-5. The tenth gap at Pinehurst No. 2 isn’t any slouch, but it surely does current a chance proper out of the gate. It performed because the third best gap in 2014 and is a reasonably straightforward fairway to hit. Maybe Woods can get off on the precise foot early.

Then, on Friday, Woods, Zalatoris, and Fitzpatrick will start their second rounds at 1:14 p.m. ET, giving the 15-time main champion loads of time to relaxation, recuperate, and recuperate. He may even have all morning to loosen up for his second spherical.

Picture by Gregory Shamus/Getty Photographs

1. The course itself

Not like Augusta Nationwide, and to a lesser extent, Valhalla, Pinehurst No. 2 doesn’t function steep hills and extreme undulations. Its a a lot simpler course to traverse, which performs into Woods’ palms.

He has admitted quite a few instances that he can hit any golf shot that he needs, however merely strolling the golf course has confirmed tough due to his illnesses. But, he feels prepared.

“I really feel like I’ve the power to have the ability to [win],” Woods stated Tuesday.

“It’s only a matter of doing it. This golf course goes to check each single side of your sport, particularly mentally, and simply the psychological self-discipline that it takes to play this specific golf course, it’s going to take quite a bit.”

However a minimum of it is not going to pressure on him bodily, or to the extent that Augusta has.

However, Woods didn’t compete at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2014. He missed that event on account of a again harm. However he completed runner-up at this course in 2005. Then, in 1999, he had an amazing probability to win it, however a late bogey on the par-3 seventeenth sunk his hopes. He finally tied for third.

Woods has had success right here, though it got here earlier than the 2010 restoration carried out by Invoice Coore and Ben Crenshaw.

“The look off the tees are about the identical,” Woods stated.

“I do know it’s extra native and extra open wanting. However from what I bear in mind from ‘05 and what I noticed in ‘14, sure, there’s a little bit of a change. However that’s actually no huge deal. The surrounds are very totally different. Going from bent to Bermuda [grass], it’s a vital change.”

Regardless of the adjustments, Woods feels assured at this course, and for these causes, we imagine he’ll earn a 3rd spherical tee time on Saturday.

Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By means of. Remember to take a look at @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You’ll be able to observe him on Twitter @jack_milko as effectively.