Tiger Woods kicked off the 106th PGA Championship with a 1-over 72 at Valhalla Golf Club on Thursday. Despite a mix of errant tee shots and impressive recoveries, Woods remains optimistic about his performance and is determined to make the cut for the weekend.
Early Struggles and Mid-Round Resurgence
Woods’ round began with some challenges, including two three-putt bogeys that dampened his score. However, he demonstrated resilience and skill, particularly in his approach play and putting during the middle of his round. After struggling off the tee, Woods managed to claw his way back, reaching red figures midway through his back nine. Unfortunately, consecutive three-putt bogeys to close his round left him ten strokes behind the leader, Xander Schauffele, who set a PGA Championship single-round record with a 9-under 62.
A Battle with Rust and Resilience
Acknowledging his lack of recent competitive play, Woods noted the difficulty of adjusting to the conditions. “It took me probably three holes to get back into competitive flow again and get a feel for hitting the ball out there in competition,” Woods said. “These are all things that normally I adjust to very quickly, and it just took me a few holes to get into it.”
Despite these early adjustments, Woods’ determination was evident. His historical success at Valhalla, where he won the 2000 PGA Championship in a memorable playoff against Bob May, provides a source of confidence and motivation.
Key Moments of the Round
First Nine:
- Hole 10 (Par-5): Woods began his day with a solid par, playing a fairway metal to the rough short of the green and executing a skillful flop shot to set up a two-putt par.
- Hole 11 (Par-3): A scrappy bogey after missing the green, but Woods managed to minimize damage with a good recovery from a bunker.
- Hole 13 (Par-4): Woods recorded his first birdie with a deft wedge shot and an 18-foot putt, bringing him back to even-par.
- Hole 14 (Par-3): Played conservatively to the center of the green and two-putted for par.
Second Nine:
- Hole 3 (Par-3): A precise tee shot to 5 feet set up a birdie, showcasing his sharp iron play.
- Hole 7 (Par-5): Woods capitalized on the par-5, getting up and down from a greenside bunker for birdie, moving under par for the first time.
- Hole 8 (Par-3) and Hole 9 (Par-4): Closed with back-to-back bogeys due to three-putting, finishing at 1-over 72.
Moving Forward
Woods’ performance mirrors his opening round at the Masters last month, where he also shot 1-over. He managed to make the cut then and aims to do the same here at Valhalla. His 24th consecutive made cut at the Masters set a tournament record, and he hopes to build on that momentum this week.
Reflecting on his condition and mindset, Woods said, “I am getting stronger for sure … Each day is a little bit different. 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.”
The Legacy Continues
Woods’ history at Valhalla and his competitive spirit remain sources of inspiration. His victory at the 2000 PGA Championship and the subsequent completion of the “Tiger Slam” at the 2001 Masters are testaments to his enduring legacy. While winning another major may be a tall order, Woods’ focus is on making the cut and giving himself a chance to compete over the weekend.
As the PGA Championship continues, Woods will need to draw on his experience and grit to navigate the challenges ahead. His opening round may have been a mixed bag, but the story of Tiger Woods is always one of resilience and determination.
Follow the Action
Stay tuned for more updates as Tiger Woods continues his journey at the 106th PGA Championship. With every swing and putt, the legend of Tiger Woods adds another chapter, reminding us all of the enduring allure of greatness in golf.
