TROON, Scotland — Tiger Woods struggled during his opening round at the British Open, finishing with a disappointing 8-over 79. This score puts the 15-time major champion at risk of missing the cut for the third consecutive time at the Open. Woods acknowledged his subpar performance, stating he needs to shoot in the mid-60s during the next round to secure a spot for the weekend.
This round marked Woods’ 14th consecutive major without breaking par, with an average score of 75.4 in majors this year. Despite flashes of brilliance, such as a 36-foot birdie putt at the third hole, Woods faced multiple setbacks, including three 3-putts and missed opportunities with his irons.
Struggling to find consistency, Woods faced challenges throughout the course, culminating in a double bogey on the 11th hole after driving into the bushes near the rail line. Despite some support from fans and a brief birdie recovery, Woods closed out the round with back-to-back bogeys.
The 48-year-old golfer, who has undergone several back surgeries, reflected on his physical condition and limited tournament play this year. Woods expressed hope for improvement in the future, mentioning his focus on major tournaments due to his physical limitations.
Xander Schauffele, who carded a 69 in the opening round, observed Woods closely during their group play and empathized with the challenges Woods faces due to his physical condition. Schauffele highlighted the difficulties Woods encounters by solely focusing on major tournaments and stressed the importance of understanding one’s physical boundaries.
Despite the tough start, Woods, Schauffele, and Patrick Cantlay are set for a quick turnaround for round two, teeing off on Friday morning. This marks Woods’ first participation in all four majors since 2019, as he strives to improve his performance in upcoming tournaments.
