DUBLIN, Ohio – A frustrating day on the greens added up to a 1-under 71 for Tiger Woods at the Memorial on Thursday.
Woods bogeyed his final hole (No. 18), played the par 5s in even par and was tied for 27th – six strokes off the lead – on a breezy afternoon at a course where he’s won five times.
“It was probably the highest I could have shot,” said Woods, who needed 30 putts on Day 1. “I didn’t really make anything today.”
Highlights: Woods six back after 1-under 71 in first round
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Woods turned at 1 under and scratched his way to 2 under with birdies at Nos. 11, 14 and 17 only to give back strokes at Nos. 12, 15 and 18. It didn’t help Woods’ demeanor that he was outplayed (by a stroke) by his 53-year-old playing partner Freddie Couples.
“Great,” he smiled.
Woods could take some solace from the fact he opened with a 70 last year on his way to victory and had a solid ballstriking day, hitting 13 of 18 greens in regulation and 11 of 14 fairways.