Tiger Woods Struggles in PGA Championship Opener at Valhalla Golf Club
Tiger Woods encounters setbacks in the PGA Championship’s first round at Valhalla Golf Club, putting his cut chances at risk. Despite a turbulent start, Woods faces the challenge of improving his game on the greens to turn his tournament around.
Golf Veteran Woods Faces Uphill Climb After Stumbling Late in PGA Championship Opener
Tiger Woods struggled to a 1-over 72 in the opening round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. The veteran golfer’s late-round woes have left him in a precarious position to make the cut, as he sits tied for 55th place with the afternoon wave still to complete their rounds.
Woods, who won the PGA Championship at Valhalla in 2000, had an overall steady round going, but faltered on the final two holes. Consecutive bogeys on the par-3 8th and par-4 9th holes, which he played as his final two, undid the progress he had made throughout the day.
The 48-year-old got off to a shaky start, bogeying the par-3 11th hole after finding a greenside bunker with his second shot. However, he managed to regain his footing, carding a birdie on the par-4 13th hole, with its distinctive island green.
Woods’ struggles on the greens have been a persistent issue in his infrequent appearances over the last two years, and Thursday’s round was no exception. He gained only 0.11 strokes putting, though he had been well into the positive through the first 16 holes.
With low scores eminently possible on the day, Woods will need to shoot under par on Friday to have a chance of making the cut. His ability to bounce back and find his rhythm on the greens will be crucial in determining whether he can salvage his tournament.
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