BETHESDA, Md. (AP) – This much could be said about Tiger Woods and his return to competition – at least he has his health.
And that might be as important as his score.
Woods competed for the first time in more than three months Thursday in the Quicken Loans National at Congressional, and it showed. He opened with back-to-back bogeys. He made five bogeys in a seven-hole stretch around the turn. And then he rallied with three birdies over the last six holes for a 3-over 74.
That left him eight shots behind Greg Chalmers, who made only one bogey in his round of 66 to build a one-shot lead after the opening round. Next up for Woods is trying to stick around for the weekend. He has not missed a cut in two years.
“I think the hard part was just getting into the rhythm of playing competitively,” Woods said. “You play with your buddies all day for cash and stuff, but it’s just not the same. It’s not the same as tournament golf – different level. Adrenaline is rushing, and I hit the ball further out here than I do at home. Try to get the numbers, try to get the feels. Didn’t start happening until midway through my front nine.”