St Andrews, July 5 (BUS): After sitting out last month’s US Open, Tiger Woods returned to playing competitive golf on Monday, preparing for the Open Championship at a pro event in Ireland.
Woods shot 77 above par in the first round of a two-day JP McManus Pro-Am at Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort in Limerick County.
The highlight of Woods’ tour was the chipped eagle on hole 5 of 12 that impressed the crowd. But Reuters reports he also had a double phantom, six phantoms and only one bird.
Woods last played in the PGA Championship in May, his second start after recovering from a brutal right leg injury that kept him out of the sport for more than 14 months. He made the cut but withdrew after the third round.
The 15-time main winner committed to the pro match in April after announcing that he would play at the 150th Open in St Andrews, the site of Woods’ Open wins in 2000 and 2005 and the most famous course on the Open. This event benefits charities in Ireland and gives players a chance to play to acclimatize to Europe ahead of this year’s final race.
Xander Schauffele, eight days after winning the Travelers Championship on the PGA Tour, fired 8-under 64 to take a three-shot lead over Ricky Fowler in the singles competition. England’s Terrell Hatton finished third in the Under-68 category.
Supporters have also allowed LIV Golf Invitational Series members to play. LIV debutant Brooks Koepka tied for fourth in the 3-under 69 with Ireland’s Shane Lowry and Seamus Power and South Africa’s Brandon Stone. Dustin Johnson (70), Bryson DeChambeau (72), and Englishman Lee Westwood (72) were among the other LIV-aligned participants.
Ireland’s LPGA Tour up and-Comer Leona Maguire was the only woman on the field and opened with an equal 72.
Jordan Spieth was disqualified, because he picked up his ball early at the end of the hole, forgetting that there was a single element in the pro. He was allowed to continue participating in the team event.
The Open Championship will take place from 14-17 July.