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Tiger Woods opens Hero World Challenge with up-and-down 73
Any breakdown of Tiger Woods’ first competitive round since the Wyndham Championship in 2015 is relative to expectations. Of course, opinions regarding what would constitute a success for the 14-time major winner in his opening round ranged from “leading the tournament” to “not getting carried off in a gurney.”
Fortunately, with respect to the second extreme mentioned, Woods round was a success. He suffered no apparent issues with his surgically repaired back. And with respect to the first, Woods tied the first-round lead with his birdie at the eighth hole, although that was his high-water mark on the leaderboard.
The easily digestible version of Woods’ opening round: He was 4-under par through eight holes, but he struggled to keep his head above water after that point. He bogeyed two par fives, carding a sloppy double bogey and finding the water with his tee shot at the closing hole en route to another double. Ultimately, Woods finished the day at 1-over, second to last in the field of 18.
With regards to Woods’ full swing, his action looked a little longer and smoother with a little less right side through the ball. We’ll leave the more in-depth analysis to the Tom Stickneys and Dennis Clarks of the world, though. (For his part, Brandel Chamblee found plenty to criticize in Woods’ full swing).
Off the tee, Woods looked to favor the draw but missed left several times, both narrowly (as with his opening tee shot), and more widely (as he did at the 10th, 14th and 18th holes). A few piped drives, such as his bomb at the par-five 15th, were good to see. On his iron approach shots from the fairway and on par-3s, he worked the ball both ways and varied trajectory, showing an encouraging amount of control.
Looking like an assassin in head-to-toe black, Woods’ only real hiccup on the front nine was a flubbed pitch from short of the ninth hole. He stumbled a bit during the middle portion of the round, making two bogeys in three holes from Nos. 9-11, but managed to avert round-derailing disaster until a double-bogey six at the 16th that went all kinds of wrong after a drive that found the fairway.
The WRX audience was no doubt keen to see how Woods would perform with the TaylorMade M2 in the bag, replacing his Nike Vapor Speed Prototype. Likewise, the M1 fairway woods and the 79-time Tour winner’s return to Old Reliable, his Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS, which largely served him well.
Related: See the clubs Tiger has in the bag this week
And, of course, the equipment change that played a starring role in every shot: his switch to the Bridgestone B330s. You look at something like his controlled approach from 96 yards with wedge at No. 7, as well as the roll out on a couple of long early pitches, and you can draw the conclusion that Woods is pretty comfortable with the ball. Certainly he tried to play a variety of approach shots, with largely positive results.
Here’s how TW’s scorecard looked.
But more excitingly, from a visual standpoint, here are the highlights. This tidy pitch from behind the green at the par-five 3rd led to Woods’ first birdie of the round.
That didn’t take long.
Tiger Woods’ chip leads to his first birdie of the year. #QuickHits https://t.co/m9esQ8FLZS
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 1, 2016
Woods’ second stellar mid-iron approach on a three-shotter, this at the par-three 12th.
Iron game strong for Tiger Woods. Whew.#QuickHits https://t.co/ERVJy6iMHj
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 1, 2016
A beautiful par-saving putt after making a mess of the 298-yard par-4. Woods pulled his drive left into the waste area, went over the green from a hard-packed lie, then hit a sub-standard bunker shot to the fringe.
First Tiger Woods fist pump of the year.#QuickHitshttps://t.co/uuEAvjv0tw
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 1, 2016
And Woods’ assessment of his opening-round 73
“I hit the ball in three bushes and a water ball today. It could have been something really good. I got off to a nice solid start and made a few mistakes there and consequently got it going the wrong way.”
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As first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, Scottie Scheffler has been detained by police on the way to Valhalla Golf Club this morning due to a traffic misunderstanding.
“Breaking News: World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler has been detained by police in handcuffs after a misunderstanding with traffic flow led to his attempt to drive past a police officer into Valhalla Golf Club. The police officer attempted to attach himself to Scheffler’s car, and Scheffler then stopped his vehicle at the entrance to Valhalla. The police officer then began to scream at Scheffler to get out of the car.
“When Scheffler exited the vehicle, the officer shoved Scheffler against the car and immediately placed him in handcuffs. He is now being detained in the back of a police car.”
Darlington also posted a video of the dramatic moment which you can view below:
Here is video that I took of Scheffler being arrested: https://t.co/8UPZKvPCCf pic.twitter.com/9Tbp2tyrJh
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) May 17, 2024
There was an unrelated accident at around 5am, which is what may have caused some of the misunderstanding of which traffic was moving.
Speaking on ESPN, Darlington broke down exactly what he witnessed in full detail:
“Entering Valhalla Golf Club this morning, we witness a car pull around us that was Scottie Scheffler. Scottie Scheffler has been detained by police officers, placed in the back of a police vehicle in handcuffs after he tried to pull around what he believed to be security, ended up being police officers.
“They told him to stop, when he didn’t stop, the police officer attached himself to the vehicle, and Scheffler then travelled another 10 yards before stopping the car.”
“The police officer then grabbed at his arm, attempting to pull him out of the car, before Scheffler eventually opened the door, at which point the police officer pulled Scheffler out of the car, pushed him up against the car and immediately placed him in handcuffs. Scheffler was then walked over to the police car, placed in the back in handcuffs.
“Very stunned about what was happening, he looked towards me as he was in those handcuffs and said ‘please help me’. He very clearly didn’t know what was happening in the situation.”
“It moved very quickly, very rapidly, very aggressively. He was detained in that police vehicle for approximately 20 minutes. The police officers at that point did not understand that Scottie Scheffler was a golfer in the tournament, nor of course that he is the number one player in the world.”
Full details on Scottie Scheffler’s arrest, excellent reporting by @JeffDarlington.
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) May 17, 2024
Due to the accident, play has been delayed this morning. Scheffler’s current tee time for the second round of the PGA Championship is 10:08 a.m.
Scheffler’s mugshot following the incident:
Scottie Scheffler’s mugshot from Louisville Metropolitan Department of Corrections. pic.twitter.com/bcJn54Nu5x
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) May 17, 2024
*Update*
Scheffler has been charged with 2nd Degree assault of a police officer, criminal mischief 3rd degree, reckless driving and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic.
Scottie Scheffler charges
– 2nd Degree assault of Police officer
– Criminal Mischief 3rd degree
– Reckless driving
– Disregard signals from officer directing traffic pic.twitter.com/bX8mFF2Xay— sam stone (@sam_rock_stone) May 17, 2024
*Update*
According to ESPN+, Scottie Scheffler has been released and is now on his way to the golf course.
*Update*
Scottie Scheffler arrives at Valhalla ahead of his 10:08 a.m second round tee time.
After being detained by police earlier this morning, Scottie Scheffler was released and is back at Valhalla Golf Club for his second round of the PGA Championship. pic.twitter.com/KvS5Hwo6PS
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 17, 2024
*Update*
The PGA of America released this statement regarding the fatal accident, which diverted traffic at Valhalla this morning.
“This morning we were devastated to learn that a worker with one of our vendors was tragically struck and killed by a shuttle bus outside Valhalla Golf Club. This is heartbreaking to all of us involved with the PGA Championship. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.”
Per the PGA Tour, Scheffler released the following statement.
Scottie Scheffler’s statement prior to Round 2 @PGAChampionship. pic.twitter.com/x26RFOqCIa
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 17, 2024
We will update this developing story as more information on the situation is revealed.
More from the 19th Hole
- Phil Mickelson drops big retirement hint; Says LIV will grow the game “on a much more global basis”
- 2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
- Tiger explains why golf has “negative connotations” for daughter Sam
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It was a year ago that we the north, found ourselves with toes and fingers crossed. The Oak Hill PGA Championship of 2023 finished on schedule, despite the iffiness of weather in upstate New York. It’s 75 degrees today across the Niagara Frontier, which makes it two out of three (2022 was the same way) for sultry, unseasonal weather.
Louisville is, let’s be honest, a much better bet for a May PGA Championship, and Valhalla is an exciting venue for the year’s second major championship on the men’s circuit. Brooks Koepka came in as the defending champion, and Rory McIlroy arrived as the last golfer to win a major at the Nicklaus-designed course. That was a decade ago, and lord, have things changed in the world and golf.
Day one at Valhalla offered walk-in eagles, buckets of birdies, and potential for a record-low, winner’s score. We’ll get right to the meat of the matter, with five things that we learned. After all, if you can make par from the muck, anything’s possible in the land of the horses.
Cam Smith made par from here …#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/BY5ZFCiH45
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
1. X marks this spot
Xander Schauffele went head-to-head last Sunday with Rory McIlroy, at least on the practice green. By the end of the round, Rors had won for a fourth time at Charlotte, while the X Man sat scratching his head, wondering what went wrong. Fortunately for us, Xander didn’t sulk.
The San Diego State alumnus absolutely torched Jack’s track with 62. Four birdies on the front nine, were followed by five more on the inward side. Schauffele never looked as if bogey was a consideration, and he might have gone even lower. Despite winning the Covid-delayed Gold medal at the Japan Olympics (I consider it a major, btdubs) Schauffele continues to chase an initial men’s major, and the validation that it brings. If 62 doesn’t get you over the hump, who knows what will.
Cam Smith made par from here …#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/BY5ZFCiH45
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
2. Scottie starts strong? Aye.
Last month, Mr. Scheffler won a second green jacket at Augusta National. Last year in Rochester, Mr. Scheffler tied for second in this event. Mr. Scheffler began play today with a walk-in eagle, a one-hop affair that never looked as if it might go anywhere but to its home. Scheffler had a few rough holes, but that’s to be expected from a new dad. Each time he made bogey, he bounced back with birdie, so he has that short memory that winners crave. Surprisingly, Scheffler failed to manage one last birdie at the reachable 18th. Perhaps that miss will motivate him in round two.
Scottie’s shot was so nice we had to see it twice ?#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/eR1UUsyi3a
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
3. LIV Check-In
It’s good to check in on the departed from time to time, to ensure that the fellows formerly known as PGA Tour members are doing well. It’s safe to say that some of them can still play. Defending champion Brooks Koepka posted 67 on the day, He had an eagle and three birdies on the day, with only a stumble at the 17th. He’s tied for 7th. Bryson DeChambeau made an eagle of his own, but also had a bogey, at the 12th hole. He cohabits eleventh position with Cameron Smith, who ALSO had a bogey on his card. They are one shot behind Koepka, and a fistful more behind the leader.
ON THE MONEY ?
Bryson DeChambeau for eagle! #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/Gz24VikAGQ
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
4. Sahith and Tony at Schauffele’s heels
Both Finau and Theegala represent a special sort of athletic golfer. Their power and their charisma blend to draw golf fans to their groups. Let’s be honest, too, and say that they don’t look like the traditional professional golfer. As much as Tiger Woods did in the 1990s, they have the power to bring greater diversity to the sport.
In terms of their play today, well, only Xander was better. Finau had a clean card, with six birdies and twelve pars. Theegala had seven birdies, ten pars, and one bogey. Each combined power and finesse to insert themselves squarely in contention, ahead of round two. How will they, and Xander as well, manage the afternoon putting surface on Friday? That’s the great unknown!
SAHITH. THEEGALA. ?
This hole out puts him in a tie for the lead early at the #PGAChamp.
? @PGAChampionship pic.twitter.com/s3vLZNBQI7
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) May 16, 2024
5. All those other guys are here!
Rory, Tom Kim, Collin, and Viktor are all at minus-three or lower. Valhalla may not be a traditional golf course, but it is the type of course that the world’s best play well. McIlroy currently sits at minus-five, tied with Robert MacIntyre, Kim, and three others in fourth position. Maverick McNealy finished fast to reach the same figure, as did Tom Hoge. Morikawa closed with birdie to join the sextet at five below. Both Scheffler and Morikawa finished their rounds late on Thursday, meaning they should see smoother greens on Friday morning. If someone is a betting soul, wiser wagers could not be placed on better names than those two, two-time, major champions. Rory will tee off in Friday’s afternoon wave but, hey, he’s Rory, and he won going away last week at Quail Hollow, a course not unlike Valhalla.
The 2020 PGA Champion is making moves.
A solid approach shot from Collin Morikawa ?#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/DpD7QNfbSM
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
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News
Morning 9: Tiger 2025 Ryder Cup talks continue | Rory: Tour in a worse place with Dunne’s resignation
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KEN jOHNSTOM
Dec 2, 2016 at 8:28 pm
There is no doubting that Tiger is amongst the greatest golfers ever and can still entertain and play some excellent shots. However, J.B., Henrik, Hideki, Dustin, Bubba, Rickie, Jordan, Patrick et al do not deserve to be relegated to having us watch only a couple of their putts, whilst we watch replay after replay of the guy who after all finishes second last in the field on the first day . He did well today, but is still in the middle of the pack. Get over him and show us the leaders TODAY please!!!!! I don’t want to watch Tiger mopping his brow or why he chunked a chip to the green for the second or third time, when I can be watching live golf. It was wonderful watching lots of different golfers when he was indisposed. PLEASE get us back to that scenario.
Andy C
Dec 2, 2016 at 3:46 pm
Looking at Tiger on TV now, to my eyes, he looks smaller. Maybe he lost some weight/muscle, or maybe wearing a bigger shirt. Less of a body builder like builds will suit him better. Only time will tell, but too much muscle can’t/couldn’t help with flexibility and his back before.
Hope that he will make some noise this year. Always fun to watch him on Sunday late afternoons.
Double Mocha Man
Dec 2, 2016 at 2:12 pm
A 65 today! Good for Tiger. I think he’s a more mature, more humble, more cheerful, more human guy these days. Hard not to like the guy again. But when he took off his cap on the 18th the dude’s got quite the bald spot. Happens to the best of us… though not to me.
Mongoose
Dec 2, 2016 at 2:05 pm
How many of us have a foundation that gives millions to kids, golf is a game, period…
Mongoose
Dec 2, 2016 at 1:41 pm
Who moves the needle more than Tiger, maybe Rory, or Day? Zero Americans… I would love to see Tiger make his competitors melt under his pressure. All the US players have bromances, zero fire… I miss that…
You like Dak
Dec 2, 2016 at 1:15 pm
Tiger Woods 79, You ?
4right
Dec 2, 2016 at 1:18 pm
Tiger haters-Zero
Keith
Dec 2, 2016 at 1:00 pm
To everyone bashing tiger please list your top 5 greatest achievements in your life or career and let us compare… Do any of you have majors? Pga tour wins? A billion dollars? Hmmm???? Don’t think so. Since most of us play golf because of this man and his greatness you should all quiet down and be thankful and happy he’s back playing
Rors
Dec 2, 2016 at 1:13 pm
Yes sir!!!
TexasSnowman
Dec 2, 2016 at 12:17 pm
As mentioned in the article, I would like to hear from Someone(Tom S?., Dennis C?, Cross field?) other than Brandel on Tigers ‘new swing’…..Brandel seems to think his right elbow is ‘behind him’ too much and he will need to rely too much on timing to be consistent, also that he is too steep, especially in the short game if I heard correctly. His First round was a 73 that should have been a 68; granted he stumbled at the end, but thats gotta be more encouraging that a scrambling 73 that should have been a 77.
Rors
Dec 2, 2016 at 11:40 am
Tiger has earned the right, let it happen, and for you all experts out there that can’t break 80, shut up…
Smokin' Gun
Dec 2, 2016 at 11:30 am
Let history decide, not some “never was” on the golf channel. The morning drive is bearable only because Gary W, Charlie R, and Chris DM, others are hacks…
Looper
Dec 2, 2016 at 11:16 am
Way to many Brandel Chamblees’ in this forum…
Par4
Dec 2, 2016 at 11:24 am
I will admit I’m a huge Tiger “golf” fan. I was glued to my TV yesterday from start to finish. At one point I muted the comments of Mr Chamblee, I get it, that’s what he is paid to do, but really!!! He was over the top critical of Mr Woods play yesterday. Tiger himself can’t live up to tiger of yesteryear, we all are aware of that. But IMO I feel to critique in that fashion you have to be at the level of the person you are talking about. I would understand Jack, or Arnie, maybe Lee, but who in the world is Brandel…
Leon
Dec 2, 2016 at 10:51 am
The M1 may serve him better. The M2 has too much draw basis. It is a great club, high launch, low spin, better sound and feel, plus very forgiving. But it is just overly early to turn to the left.
Mike Ryan
Dec 2, 2016 at 10:27 am
He’s done!
Dat
Dec 2, 2016 at 9:10 am
Fair assessment for once.
ooffa
Dec 2, 2016 at 9:00 am
Maybe next week he can play in an event with only 10 players. That way he can have a top ten showing in at least one tournament this year.
Bert
Dec 2, 2016 at 8:53 am
Interesting until he went south. Hope he plays well and not chunk another chip as he did yesterday He’s not in last place and only 1-shot behind many others. My bet is he’ll finish in the middle of the pack.
Double Mocha Man
Dec 1, 2016 at 11:01 pm
Hey… Tiger beat the Olympic Gold Medalist.
Guia
Dec 1, 2016 at 10:05 pm
Not a great day and he has always been renowned for erratic driver play. A 73 after a 16 month layoff from competition isn’t that bad for the first day. The field has only 18 players and he is in 17th place. However, he is only 1 stroke worse than: Bubba Watson E F E 72 — — — 72
T12 —
Brandt Snedeker E F E 72 — — — 72
T12 —
Zach Johnson E F E 72 — — — 72
T12 —
Patrick Reed E F E 72 — — — 72
T12 —
Brooks Koepka E F E 72 — — — 72
17 —
Tiger Woods 1 F 1 73 — — — 73
18 —
Justin Rose 2 F 2 74 — — — 74
Guys that have been playing regularly. Not a bad showing, he had I think 2 balls in the water and 1 unplayable lie and still managed a 1 over par.
I assume that there is no cut, it should be very interesting how he finishes out the week. If he could get to the middle of the pack I would consider it a very successful start.
I think we are all waiting to see how long physically he can endure. Anyone notice how lean he looked?
Uhit
Dec 2, 2016 at 5:18 am
I´m surprised how well he started the front nine…
…and I guess, he was just to nervous to keep this level up.
He probably has to learn (mentally) to accept, that he can compete successfully again.
Great to see him smile again!
erlybrd
Dec 1, 2016 at 10:01 pm
The game of golf will go on with or without Tiger. It had its moments in the sun with the rise of Tiger Woods, but it is now time to be in the shadows with other “sports” such as bowling and billiard.
It is a great game whether it’s cool or not, or with or without Tiger Woods.
The Truth
Dec 1, 2016 at 9:35 pm
I agree Steve. Tiger is going to keep on stinking up the joint until the back goes. I can’t wait to hear the excuses. Tiger is going down, like the syndrome.
Tal
Dec 2, 2016 at 4:29 am
The lack of respect for Tiger as a golfer from some people is incredible. He’s a hall of game golfer who has had multiple surgeries and yet people choose to belittle his achievements by attacking his swing and his recent form. There’s never any consideration for how mentally tough it must be to see this level of decline in your game and how frustrating it must be to come under constant fire, especially when idiots like you talk about him as if he has no right to be out there!
satch_boogie
Dec 2, 2016 at 1:26 pm
Totally agree with this. Arguably the best player ever to play. I want to see him out there playing.
Double Mocha Man
Dec 2, 2016 at 2:15 pm
I think for most people the lack of respect comes from his cheating on his wife 100’s of times. Few people, self included, disrespect his golf game.
skip
Dec 2, 2016 at 10:25 am
wow. classy.
Den
Dec 1, 2016 at 7:00 pm
I would think Tiger has herd all he wants to hear about the golf swing…after 79 tour wins I would think it is time for all “Instructors” to just drop it…if Tigers swing does not do it for him so what, he has already gained status as one of the best to ever play the game.
Tony L
Dec 1, 2016 at 7:34 pm
Totally agree. All the stinking experts no one has even heard come out of the blue when Tiger tees it up.
Golfbuddy
Dec 1, 2016 at 6:01 pm
He’s not, and nobody expected him to be, the same player he was, pre-injuries. Given the media microscope on him, and the changes he had to make, he did pretty well. I hope he’s around for the final day.
Patricknorm
Dec 1, 2016 at 4:45 pm
Regardless of what you think of Tiger it’s kind of inspiring to see an athlete that was clearly the most dominant in golf, fallen because of multiple back surgeries, play some decent golf today. He seemed to be sweating profusely not because of the heat, but because he was churning inside. Still a really up,and down round but given his injury history, I’d take a plus one result any day.
Like the announcers said many times , Tiger is the needle.
alexdub
Dec 1, 2016 at 4:42 pm
Considering he was sweating like he was on day two of a detox, +1 isn’t that bad.
Boobsy McKiss
Dec 2, 2016 at 12:21 am
LOL. I did notice the sweat pouring off his grill. Were the other competitors sweating as much?
Par4
Dec 2, 2016 at 11:34 am
I noticed that also, wow looked like he went thru a car wash at times…