Woods starts 2020 with 69
Seeks record 83rd win; 3 back of lead
Tiger Woods had his lowest opening round of the year since 2011. It wasn’t enough to be among the leaders Thursday at the Farmers Insurance Open in La Jolla, Calif., but it was fine with him.
Coming off his record-tying 82nd victory in his last PGA Tour start three months ago in Japan, Woods handled the par 5s on the easier North Course at Torrey Pines and limited his mistakes for a 3-under 69.
Sebastian Cappelen, a rookie from Denmark, and Keegan Bradley shared for the lead. Cappelen had eight birdies for a 66 on the South Course, which played about three shots tougher than the North, where Bradley shot his 66.
Rory McIlroy was among those at 67. Jon Rahm, playing alongside Woods, was in a large group at 68.
Woods hasn’t broken 70 in his first round of the year since a 69 on the North at Torrey in 2011. His health and his game are in much better shape now.
“It was nice to kind of keep the round going a little bit,” said Woods, describing the course as “gettable.”
“Overall, pleased to shoot something in the 60s today.”
It took a little time to get going. He left himself in a bad shot right of the green on the par-5 10th to start his round and failed to make birdie. His flop shot from 50 yards short of the green on the next hole came up short and into a bunker, leading to a bogey. He was even par at the turn on a course where lower scores are expected.
Even so, there was little drama. The best views were of the still waters of the Pacific Ocean below on a magnificent day. The biggest roars, as usual, belonged to the Navy jets above.
Woods kept it simple, with a nifty wedge to short range on his 10th hole, a twoputt birdie from 18 feet on the par-5 fifth and an easy up-and-down for birdie on the final hole.
“I could probably, maybe could have gotten one or two more out of my round today,” Woods said. “But overall, I felt like it was a good start, especially going into the South Course.”
Bubba Watson had a 67 on the South, while three other players broke 70 on the South. It will play host to the U.S. Open next year.
Korda at home in Florida
Jessica Korda shot a 6-under 66 in high wind to take the first-round lead in the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio Golf Club. From Bradenton, the five-time LPGA Tour winner is staying at home this week. “It’s beautiful to be able to drive to a tournament,” Korda said.
Fast start for Pieters
Thomas Pieters birdied four of his first six holes for a 5-under 67 and a one-stroke lead over David Lipsky on Day 1 of the European Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic in the United Arab Emirates. The 84th-ranked Pieters is chasing his first win since August, and only second victory in 3½ years. Bryson DeChambeau was three shots back.