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(New York, NY) — As the most-anticipated golf tournament of the year begins, five-time champion Tiger Woods is seeking another historical moment making his 25th appearance at the Masters.
Playing in just his fifth competitive round of the year, the 47-year-old looked understandably rusty but still has a chance to make the cut.
Woods survived an up-and-down round, finishing the day 2-over par 74. At the time his round finished, he sat in 54th place, nine strokes behind Viktor Hovland, the leader at the time.
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“Today was the opportune time to get the round under par, and I didn’t do that,’’ Woods said. “Most of the guys are going low. This was the day to do it. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll be a little bit better, a little bit sharper, and kind of inch my way through it.
“This is going to be an interesting finish to the tournament with the weather coming in. If I can just kind of hang in there, maybe kind of inch my way back, hopefully it will be positive towards the end.’’
Woods was visibly tired while struggling through Round 1, but back-to-back birdies on the 15th and 16th salvaged his day.
Dan Rapaport of Barstool Sports praised the 15-time major champion for his valiant effort.
“Tiger is fighting his ass off, as always, but today’s just a reminder of just how good everyone else is, and just how monumental a task it will be for him to even get into the mix.”
Asked how his right leg felt after his round, Woods said, “Sore.’’
Woods entered today riding 22 straight made cuts at Augusta. He aims to tie longest streak ever (23) held by Bernhard Langer. The top 50 players (including ties) after the second round make the cut.
Tiger shocked the world in 2019 when he won the Masters, giving him his first major title since 2008, but through one day, that is seeming unlikely this year.
Heavy and steady rain are in the forecast for Friday and Saturday, which could suspend play and force the second round to be completed Saturday.
