Tiger Woods accepts huge improvement needed to make Open cut

Tiger Woods targeted a second round of 66 to make the halfway cut in the 150th Open after struggling to an opening 78 at St Andrews.
Returning to the scene of two of his three Open victories, Woods carded three birdies, five bogeys and two double bogeys in a round which took six hours and eight minutes to complete.
The 15-time major winner never recovered from a nightmare start which saw him hit his approach to the first, from a fairway divot, into the Swilcan Burn in front of the green.
Opening round grind @TheOpen for Tiger Woods. pic.twitter.com/v25o6w38Bv
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 14, 2022
“Probably highest score as I could have shot,” the 46-year-old said. “Hit a good tee shot down one, ended up right in the middle of a fresh divot and I hit a good shot. Wind gusts hit it and ended up in the burn, and start off with a double.
“I think I had maybe four or five three-putts today. Just wasn’t very good on the greens. And every putt I left short. I struggled with hitting the putts hard enough.
“The greens were very firm but slow and it’s an interesting combo. And we weren’t exactly speed demons out there either. The whole round took a long time, and we were getting waved up. And it was a long, slow day.”
Woods praised the unwavering support of the crowds and admitted it was “very, very meaningful” to be able to play the Old Course once more following the severe injuries he suffered in a car accident in February last year.
Tiger stinger x St Andrews = 👌#The150thOpen pic.twitter.com/KrzEZ4xfd8
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 14, 2022
“All things considered, where I’ve been, I was hoping I could play this event this year,” he added.
“Looking at it at the beginning of the year, end of last year, when I was rehabbing, trying to see if I could do it, somehow I was able to play two of the major championships in between then and now, which was great.
“But this was always on the calendar to hopefully be well enough to play it. And I am. And just didn’t do a very good job of it.
“Looks like I’m going to have to shoot 66 tomorrow to have a chance (to make the cut). Obviously it has been done, guys did it today, and that’s my responsibility tomorrow is to go ahead and do it. Need to do it.”
Latest
-
News
Justin Rose wins AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am to claim first title since 2019
Monday’s resumption saw the 42-year-old make birdies on the 11th, 13th and 14th en route to a 66.
-
PGA Tour
Daniel Gavins survives final-hole drama to win Ras Al Khaimah Championship
The Englishman held his nerve to hole for a double-bogey seven on the 18th and clinch a one-shot victory.
-
PGA Tour
Gareth Bale admits to nerves on debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-am
The 33-year-old, who announced his retirement from football last month, is a two-handicapper.
-
PGA Tour
Jordan Spieth wants Pebble Beach to become one of PGA Tour’s elevated events
The PGA Tour’s top players have committed to playing against each other at least 20 times a year.
-
PGA Tour
G4D Open is ‘great news’ for golfers with disabilities – Brendan Lawlor
Up to 80 players will contest the inaugural event in May.
-
PGA Tour
It’s been a battle – Rory McIlroy delighted to pip rival Patrick Reed in Dubai
The Northern Irishman birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish a shot ahead of Reed on 19 under par.
-
PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy holds off rival Patrick Reed with birdie on 18 to seal Dubai win
McIlroy birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish 19 under par.
-
PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy leads by three in bid to win his third Dubai Desert Classic title
England’s Callum Shinkwin and Dan Bradbury are McIlroy’s closest challengers heading into the final round.
-
LPGA Tour
Golf bid to increase diversity in sport improving but still has ‘long way to go’
Nicola Bennett is an ambassador for the Golf Foundation, helping to drive grassroots campaigns.
-
PGA Tour
Richard Bland boasts share of lead at halfway stage in Dubai Desert Classic
The 49-year-old returned to complete his second round on Saturday morning, carding three more birdies and a solitary bogey in his remaining 14 holes.