GolfTalkCentral

Donald's opening round marred by late mistakes

By Bailey Mosier
Mar 14, 2013 3:53 PM ET

PALM HARBOR, Fla. – We’ve all had instances where one or two holes ruin an otherwise stellar round.

As was the case Thursday for Luke Donald, where his 1-under 70 at the Tampa Bay Championship was marred by a few late mistakes.

“I’m extremely disappointed right now,” the defending champion said after his round. “I played just lovely golf for 16 of the 18 holes today.”

Tampa Bay Championship: Articles, videos and photos

Donald began the day off the 10^th tee and played 14 holes in 4 under. He then bogeyed the par-4 sixth hole – his 15^th of the day – after his tee ball went left, off the tee into the trees. He chipped out into the fairway and then proceeded to knock it on and two-putt for bogey.

He closed his round with two more bogeys at Nos. 8 and 9 – his 17^th and 18^th of the day – when he found greenside bunkers at both and failed to get up-and-down.

Donald hit 11 of 13 fairways, 13 of 18 greens and needed 29 putts.

“I just had it really under control and could have been 6 or 7 under with a couple putts and obviously to finish like that, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.”

Midway through the first round Donald sits T-14 and is looking for his first PGA Tour win since his playoff victory over Jim Furyk, Robert Garrigus and Sang-Moon Bae in Tampa last year.