LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With sweat pouring down his face and most of his shirt a darker shade of orange, Tiger Woods spent much of his back nine at the PGA Championship Thursday reaching for a towel on a humid day, but more comfortable than oppressively hot.
And the 15-time major champion was on pace for his best opening round in a major championship in four years before his putter suddenly abandoned him.
Still, despite a pair of three putts to end his day, Tiger was able to smile following his 1-over 72 on the long, but not terribly difficult, Valhalla Golf Course. He finished with three birdies and four bogeys.
The question now is: Will he be smiling Saturday?
“I am getting stronger for sure,” Tiger said. “It’s just that I just don’t play a whole lot of competitive rounds. I haven’t played since the Masters. So it’s a little bit different than being at home and playing a flat Florida course.”
The Jupiter Island resident’s career basically has been limited to majors and the Genesis Invitational since a car accident more than three years ago nearly cost him his right leg, one that now is held together by plates, rods and screws.
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And watching him successfully navigate a major championship course for a couple of rounds is not unusual. It’s Tiger bouncing around and having success on the weekend that’s been the issue, and will be scrutinized once again this week … if he makes the cut.
In five majors since the accident, Tiger missed the cut once and has been forced to withdraw after the second or third round twice. He was 60th and 47th in the others.
Tiger’s average score in those five rounds in which he’s played Saturday or Sunday (he withdrew after three rounds at the 2022 PGA) is 78.8. That includes his 82 in the third round at this year’s Masters.
That’s what happens when a battered body prevents you from putting in the necessary work to remain sharp and starts to break down.
“Each day is a little bit different,” Tiger said. “Some days it’s better than others. It’s just the way it is. My body is just that way. Some days, it feels great, and other days, a bit of a struggle.”
Tiger Woods tees off on the 12th hole during the first round of the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. (Photo: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports)
Valhalla is not Augusta National, but it still will present its challenges when playing around 7,500 yards, as it is this…
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