for for obvious reasons that there was a lot of attention for Tiger Woods coming to this historic Open (for those who say ‘when isn’t there a focus on the Big Beast?’ fair point…). How would he fare if he hadn’t played since he retired from the US PGA Championship? Could his injured leg take the strain of a slow lap on the hills of the Old Course? Could his experience of two wins on the sacred fairways of Fife’s ‘Old Lady’ trump his complete lack of competitive play?
Just 10 minutes into his 2.59 start time, the answers to all those questions were virtually answered. Woods made a double bogey on the first, after finding the Swilcan Burn, and while it was more than possible that he could claw back those early dropped shots, there was always more hope than expectation that would happen.
He was four-over to four and while he was able to register birdies on the ninth, 10th and 14th, he mapped a six-over round of 78, for a spot far back in T-146th.
It was a dejected Woods who spoke to the press after the horror round.
“It feels like I didn’t hit it that bad. I did have bad speed on the greens, yes,” Woods said. “But I ended up in bad places. Or strange things just happened. And that’s just the way it goes.”
He once again revealed how important it was for him to hit the tee in golf’s hometown this week.
“(It was) very, very meaningful,” he said, “all things considered, where I’ve been, I hoped I could play this event this year. And I am. I just didn’t do very well of it.
“The audience was absolutely fantastic,” he said. “So supportive. They were very respectful and very grateful to all of us out there today, which was great.”
It goes without saying that Woods will have to catch up to avoid missing out halfway through two of his greatest triumphs, in 2000 and 2005.
“Looks like I have to shoot 66 tomorrow to have a chance,” he said. “Guys did it today. And that’s my responsibility tomorrow to go ahead and do it.”
On the evidence of the first round, only his most ardent supporters will back him up for doing just that. But he’s Tiger Woods and if anyone can make his way around this famous track when he bumps into it, it’s him. But if he makes it to the weekend, for all his notable wins and records, it will be one of his most sensational achievements.
The Big Beast will begin its second round at 9:58 a.m. Stay here to find out how he does and all the action from golf’s house.