Tiger Shoots A Kinda Good, Kinda Bad Even Par 71

Tiger fired an even par 71 to begin the Open Championship. I’m not really sure how I feel about it. On one hand, Carnoustie is a very difficult track and he’s just 5 off the lead. There’s only 7 guys that are 3-under or better.

On the other hand, he was 2-under through 4. He stood in the fairway with an 8-iron in his hand going for the green on the the par-5 6th hole yet here we are at even par.

It’s not a bad round, but it could’ve been much better. Also could’ve been much worse.

I think all our hearts collectively sank when he showed up with tape on his neck.

He then winced after his opening tee shot and I thought it was over. Done. Finished. A couple surgeries and a couple years of recovery, at least.

But it was just dust! A little dust in the eye and we were fine.

Birdie on 1.

Twirly par on 2 (and 3).

Birdie on 4.

A near birdie on 5.

On 6 we pounded a 380-yard drive and had an 8-iron in.

We made par and from that point on it was a grind. 3 bogeys and just 1 birdie on the 11th.

The backing up is disappointing, but the finish is promising. After sliding back to even with a bogey on the 15th, Tiger played the incredibly difficult 16th, 17th, and 18th in even par.

Not the greatest start in the world, but these facts still leave us excited: Tiger Woods is healthy, swinging freely, and still in fine position to get himself into contention over the next 3 days.

He played VERY conservatively today.

Only hit 1 driver and left himself 200+ into par 4s on several occasions. Now that he’s got a links round under his belt once again and the feel of having completed a solid Open Championship round, hopefully he’ll get more aggressive going forward.

Tiger’s off at 5:20 am est tomorrow. Can’t wait.