One of the main topics of discussion heading into the 2024 British Open surrounding Tiger Woods was whether the time had come for him to retire.
The talk stemmed from an interview with Colin Montgomerie last week, in which he said it was time for Woods to stop playing professionally. Woods responded Tuesday during his pre-tournament news conference, but while he spoke in the media center, he didn’t perform on the golf course, instead only adding fuel to the fire about how this version of the 15-time major champion can compete in golf’s biggest competitions.
Woods shot an 8-over 79 on Thursday at Royal Troon in Scotland, and it was a similar scenario to what has become the 2024 version of Tiger. He got off to a decent start, was 1 under after 3 holes, but couldn’t build on his strong play off the tee as poor iron shots piled up and then things got shakier once he got to and around the greens.
Another hiccup Thursday was a nearly 15-minute wait on the tee box of the par-4 11th. Woods’ group, which included PGA champion Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, had to wait while Wyndham Clark received a decision on the fairway and then had to wait for a television tower to be lowered before they could hit a shot.
Tiger Woods hits from the rough on the 12th hole during the first round of The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Sports
Cold temperatures and standing are the worst things that can happen to Woods, who has said on numerous occasions that he prefers warmer temperatures and movement to keep his body relaxed. When he finally hit it, his tee shot nearly went out of bounds, but it went into a bush, and he had to hit an unplayable shot. After the wait, he was constantly straining his back for the next two holes and never seemed to get back in shape until he reached the clubhouse.
He birdied the third and added another at the 14th, but Woods also had six bogeys and two doubles. The inconsistency of playing only five times this year and nine full rounds reared its head again.
There were glimpses of the best Tiger, from the stellar tee shots to the thunderous moves of star galleries parading around Royal Troon to catch a glimpse of a legend. But far more often were the mistakes and gaffes he only just started making thanks to Father Time as his body only allowed him to do so much.
If there was one positive in the first round, it’s how Woods finished. He was 1 over par for his final six holes when that number could have been a little higher and should have been a little lower. But he looked pretty steady on an otherwise inconsistent day, and that’s perhaps what he needs to bounce back on Friday and push to make the cut.
However, a three-putt bogey on the last will leave a bitter taste in his mouth before his tee time on Friday morning.
