Tiger Woods Shoots 74 at 2024 US Open as Fans Lament Struggles After Hot Start to R1

For a few brief moments during the first round of the 2024 U.S. Open, Tiger Woods gave fans reasons to celebrate. He eventually fell back to earth and finished with a four-over-par 74.

Starting on the back nine, Woods opened his round with a birdie that moved him into a tie for first place.

Even though there was still a lot of golf left to play, that moment sent fans into a frenzy with the hope that Woods might be able to conjure up some of his old magic.

Woods was able to stay under par through six holes with five consecutive pars. Things turned quickly after that, as he bogeyed five of his next seven holes—dropping him nine shots off the pace.

The biggest issues for Woods on Thursday were his approach play and putting. He finished the round minus-2.22 in strokes gained on approach and needed 32 total putts to get through 18 holes.

The par-five fifth hole on the front nine provided one more great moment during the round for Woods. His 316-yard drive landed in the fairway, followed by a 250-yard approach that hit the right side of the green. He finished it off with a two-putt for birdie.

Woods gave that shot back with his sixth bogey of the day on his 17th hole. He wrapped up the round with a par on No. 9.

Woods hasn't played at the U.S. Open since 2020 when he missed the cut. He will have to battle to avoid that same fate after tomorrow's round.

Woods will tee off in the second round with Will Zalatoris and Matt Fitzpatrick at 1:14 p.m. ET on Friday.