Despite the fortunate combination of hot weather, favorable tee times and a proven track record on Pinehurst’s No. 2 course, Tiger Woods missed the cut for the 2024 U.S. Open.
He shot a 3-over 73 on Friday after shooting a 4-over 74 the previous day. The 15-time major champion made his only birdie of the day on the par-4 fourth hole, but then had four bogeys over the next 14 holes to miss the cut by two strokes.
“Well, it was probably the best score I could have shot today,” Woods said after the match.
“I hit a lot of good shots and just didn’t quite get it going. Or I made some good putts and then had some bad lag putts and just got into some bad situations. But again, I think this was the best score I could have made today.”
Woods acknowledged he was upset because of the result, not because of his illness.
“It’s frustrating because I’m not coming here for a chance to win this weekend,” Woods said.
“I definitely felt like I was hitting the ball well enough and putting well enough to be in the running to win, but I just wasn’t.”
Contrary to Woods’ statements, he was 131st in strokes gained on approaches and 106th in strokes gained on putting. He hit his tee shots well but didn’t hit his irons well enough to get through the weekend, and he missed a lot of chances, but none of them hurt as much as his last missed birdie attempt on the par-3 15th hole.
“No. 15 hurt me. Good 7-iron shot, good putt, high side lip. Once that putt went in, it changed the tide and I felt pretty good,” Woods said.
“But then I was on the wrong side of the cut line and I had to make some good plays on the last three holes. I ended up hitting a great shot on the 16th hole to get out of trouble and then I thought I made a bunker shot on the 17th hole.”
Unfortunately for Woods, that didn’t happen, but he also announced his plans for the remainder of the 2024 season.
“There’s only one tournament left this season,” Woods added.
“Even if I win the British Open, I don’t think I’ll be in the playoffs. I’ll just play one more tournament and then I’ll come back whenever I can.”
Woods played in the U.S. Open this week by special invitation. The United States Golf Association (USGA) created a special exemption for Woods. Woods has won nine U.S. Golf Association championships, including three U.S. Junior Amateurs, three U.S. Amateurs and three U.S. Opens. He won the Junior Amateur and U.S. Amateur six years in a row in the 1990s, but this may be Woods’ most underrated achievement.
It remains to be seen whether he will play in any USGA championships in the future.
“As far as the last British Open or U.S. Open, I don’t know what it was,” Woods added.
“Maybe so, maybe not.”
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation Playing Through. Follow For more golf articles, follow us on Twitter Jack Mirko In the same way.
