By Mark Lamport-Stokes
DUBLIN, Ohio May 31 (Reuters) – Four-times champion Tiger
Woods, without playing at his best, moved ominously into
contention at the Memorial tournament after shooting a
two-under-par 70 in Thursday’s opening round.
The former world number one birdied three of the four
par-fives in surprisingly firm and fast-running conditions at a
sun-drenched Muirfield Village Golf Club to finish one stroke
off the early pace.
Australian Aaron Baddeley, South African Rory Sabbatini,
Argentina’s Andres Romero and American Blake Adams each carded
69s to take joint control but Woods captured most of the
attention in the upper reaches of the leaderboard.
“It was just a solid round today,” Woods told reporters
after mixing four birdies with a double-bogey at the treacherous
par-four 18th, his ninth hole of the day.
“It certainly could have been a lot lower, but I’m pleased
with the way I hit the golf ball today. I didn’t do anything
great and I didn’t do anything poorly today.
“The golf course was playing quick today and the fairways
were starting to chase a little bit. The greens were somewhat
receptive. It’s a hell of a test out there, really.”
Woods, who played in the company of fellow Americans Bill
Haas and Presidents Cup captain Fred Couples, did not hesitate
in reply when asked what had been the key to his round.
“I was just very consistent,” he said. “You have to drive
the ball well, you have to position it on these greens, and
you’re going to have to make some tough putts.
Continued…
