After hot start, Tiger Woods hits bogey after bogey and struggles to finish first round at US Open on day when ‘special exemption’ is mentioned for golf legend
It was a frustrating day for the some of the world’s best golfers at the US Open.
It was an unpredictable day for golfing legend Tiger Woods, who started hot and initially was near the top of the leader board, but continued to show signs of major decline at Pinehurst.
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Tiger Woods started hot but struggled to finish on the first day of the US OpenCredit: Getty”I didn’t hit my irons particularly well and I didn’t putt that great,” Woods said.
He added: “I didn’t hit the ball very well.”
When Woods sank an early putt for par and moved one shot off the lead on Thursday, social media started buzzing.
As other golfers watched their putts roll backward on Pinehurst’s fast greens — the second hole was especially difficult — Woods showed the poise and calmness that comes with 82 career PGA Tour wins and more than $120 million in career earnings.
READ MORE ON GOLFBut as the course settled in and names including Patrick Cantlay, Matthieu Pavon and Tony Finau proved that it was possible to remain under par, Woods kept sliding backward.
The 48-year-old golfer began his latest run at Pinehurst by receiving tips from his son, Charlie.
“I trust him with my swing and my game,” Woods said. “He’s seen it more than anybody else in the world. He’s seen me hit more golf balls than anyone.
“I tell him what to look for, especially with putting. … He reminds me every now and again, which is great. We have a great relationship and rapport like that, and it’s a wonderful experience for both of us.”
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Woods was trying to find his way while other golfers pushed for a course recordCredit: GettyCharlie’s advice appeared to pay off early in the first round, as Woods birdied his first hole, then recorded five consecutive pars.
But at the same time as lesser names began moving upward and creating space from the rest of the field, Woods fell downward.
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He bogeyed seven, eight, nine and 10, then went over on 11 and 17.
All together, Woods recorded six bogeys compared to just two birdies.
“It’s absolutely otherworldly to see Tiger Woods bogey 5 holes (so far) in a major,” one fan tweeted. “Is it his putting or that he just can’t get to holes?”
“Really struggled approaching the green today,” a second fan posted.
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“I wonder at what point, if any, Tiger Woods stops getting the Tiger TV treatment,” a third fan wrote. “It’s not fun watching a guy make bogey after bogey, with the leader 10 shots ahead.”
By the end of his first round, the golfer with 15 majors wins and five Masters titles was tied-for-72nd with a 4-over par 74.
While No. 1 ranked Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy teed off, Woods’ day was done.
After one round, some golfers had clearly adjusted to Pinehurst’s tough environment.
“This golf course is all about the greens,” Woods said. “It’s hard to get the ball close.”
Woods was forced to wonder again if he would even make the cut, after missing the final two rounds at the recent PGA Championship at Valhalla.
At the 2024 Masters, Woods completed all 72 holes but finished in 60th at a brutal 16-over.
It’s been a rough start for Woods during his new majors-heavy run.
He has to figure out Pinehurst — and at least find a way to the third round on Saturday.
“I’m physically getting better as the year has gone on, I just haven’t been able to play as much because I don’t want to hurt myself,” said Woods, referring to his emphasis on playing the majors.
Read More on talkSPORTDespite his rough first round, Woods could be due for some good news.
He’s being considered for a “special exemption” to signature events, according to Golf.com.
