Tiger Woods struggles on comeback trail

New TaylorMade clubs, a new back and a fresh new start to is illustrious career. After being sidelined for the best part of a year-and-a-half, 522 days to be precise, Tiger Woods yesterday finally made his eagerly-awaited return in the Farmers Insurance Open in California.

But there was no miraculous comeback – even at the Torrey Pines venue the 41-years-old 14-time major champion loves with a passion and knows like the back of his hand…he virtually won the 2008 US Open there on one good leg!

It was looking good around the turn though as the former World no.1 birdied 10 and 11 to go -1. But the joy was shortlived and Woods bogeyed the next three holes and in the end carded a four-over-par 76 – his highest opening round to start a PGA Tour season since turning pro 20 years ago.

But at least Woods rounded-off with a birdie which should give him some hope as he faces a stiff task to make the cut. That is going to be a big ask but rest assured huge galleries will be following him to see whether he’ll be around for the weekend…or not.

Said Woods: “We’re going to go to some better greens tomorrow (Fri), better conditions and hopefully, not only myself but the rest of the guys, can put some good numbers up tomorrow.”

Tiger’s fellow TaylorMade player and Mark Steinberg client, England’s Olympic Champion Justin Rose (-7), is setting a hot pace at the top of the leaderboard.

However, later today most eyes – once again – will be on the Tiger…