Nothing can simulate Pinehurst says Tiger Woods as he prepares for US Open ‘war of attrition’

Tiger Woods speaks ahead of the US Open

Speaking ahead of the 124th US Open, Tiger Woods spoke on his prospects and what to expect from one of the toughest tests in golf at Pinehurst No.2.

Collin Morikawa said at the Memorial last week that the 15-time Major champions’ game is “all still there”, and Tiger’s responses in the lead-up to every Major thus far in 2024 have indicated the same level of self-belief.

There is little doubt he can be competitive over a round or two. His record-breaking 24th consecutive cut at the Masters in challenging weather conditions was a reminder of the battling qualities that he will always possess.

But whether we still genuinely believe he can carry it through four rounds is feeling ever more like a leap of faith, particularly after his Valhalla collapse at the PGA Championship.

“I feel like I have the strength to be able to do it. It’s just a matter of doing it, said the three-time US Open champion.

“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. We’ve been working on that and making sure that I understand the game plan and be ready in two more days.

Fitness has understandably been the focus of Tiger’s preparation as he continues to do everything in his power to contend again at the weekend of a Major tournament. The unique topography of Pinehurst No.2 means it’s unlike any other, and the reason why Tiger visited last week for the first time since 2005 to remind himself of the nuances that will undoubtedly catch out many top players this week.

“Nothing can simulate what we have here this particular week, the amount of little shots and the knobs and run-offs, and either using wedges or long irons or woods around the greens or even putter. There’s so many different shots that you really can’t simulate unless you get on the property,” he added.

As conceded by many in the Pinehurst field, we will see a tonne of shot-making variety around the Donald-Ross-designed green complexes with Tiger admitting he has been experimenting with options from 4-irons, to lob wedges to see how the Bermuda grass reacts.

Another challenge that will add to the excitement this week is the pace of the greens which are firming up with each day that passes.

“They’re very severe, and we’re playing under faster conditions. It’s more of a test. It’s going to be a great test and a great war of attrition this week. It’s going to be a lot of fun for all of us.

“This could be one of the Opens where whatever the leading score is, that’s probably as low as we’ll ever go after the first day.”

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Ross Tugwood

Senior Digital Writer

Ross Tugwood is a Senior Digital Writer for todays-golfer.com, specializing in data, analytics, science, and innovation.

Ross is passionate about optimizing sports performance and has a decade of experience working with professional athletes and coaches for British Athletics, the UK Sports Institute, and Team GB.

He is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with post-graduate degrees in Performance Analysis and Sports Journalism, enabling him to critically analyze and review the latest golf equipment and technology to help you make better-informed buying decisions.