AUGUSTA (Ga.) — Tiger Woods admitted this week that he was unsure how many times he would be able to play the Masters again.
It seemed that he might only have 18 holes remaining in the event’s first round.
Woods was at Augusta National Golf Club on Thursday when he shot a 2-over par 74 to start his quest for a sixth green jacket.
Woods had three bogeys in his first seven holes, before he made his first birdie on No. 8. He would quickly give it back, with a par-4 11th-par bogey. Then he briefly caught fire towards the end his second nine.
Masters history
Consecutive birdies at Nos. Woods was back at 1 after 15 and 16, with the chance of getting back to even on 18th. Woods made a bogey on the final hole because of a difficult stance with the second shot. He walked away from the course T54.
“I did not have great speed in the beginning. I was a little over par after I hit two three-putts. Woods stated that he didn’t hit his irons as close today. I didn’t look very nice. To get back into this tournament, I need to do better.
His driver was the best club in his bag at the start of the round. However, a few late miscues resulted in 9-of-13 fairways being hit. However, his greens in regulation (13/17), was higher than the field average.
“I felt like I drove it good. Woods said that he didn’t do the job necessary to win the ball. Woods explained that today was the right time to get the ball. He needed to make the round below par.
“Most guys are falling apart today. This was the day to do this. Tomorrow I hope to be a bit more sharp and able to kind of inch my path through it.
Woods is still recovering from a single car accident that almost cost him his right leg. He was held together now by rods, plates, bolts and other hardware. Woods tried to conceal his discomfort during the round but some grimaces were more noticeable than expected. Woods has always maintained that he can hit all shots, but that he cannot walk. He also noted earlier this week that his mobility is not up to standard.
Woods used one word to describe his leg: Sore.
Friday’s second round will test Woods’ ability and fitness. He’ll start at 1:24 p.m. ET will be back with Viktor Hovland, Xander Schauffele.
Woods said, “This will be an interesting end to the tournament with weather coming in”, referring to Friday and Saturday’s forecasts for heavy rain and thunderstorms. “It will be a positive ending if I can just keep going, maybe even try to inch my way back.
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By: Adam Woodard
Title: Tiger Woods falters early, finds some form late in ho-hum first round of 2023 Masters
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/04/06/tiger-woods-thursday-2023-masters/
Published Date: Thu, 06 Apr 2023 19:26:24 +0000
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