Pacific Palisades, CA- Tiger Woods shot 76 in the second round of the Genesis open at Riviera Country Club and will miss the weekend, as he missed the project +2 cut.
“Its nice to be back competing again,” said Woods. “
Woods played a forgettable back-9 three putting on three occasions. Following Wednesdays practice round, Woods went straight to the range to practice his drive, an area of the game he has struggled with as of late. That practice failed to be much help. On Friday, Woods met 5 of 14 fairways.
Even in a tournament Woods won’t be participating in until Sunday, he isn’t completely unsatisfied.
“I haven’t played golf in years,” said Woods. “I’m starting to comeback and it going to take a little time. I am progressing, I’m starting to get a feel for tournament golf again.”
Woods will have another opportunity to feel the grind of the FedEx Cup next week when he tees off for the Honda Classic.
Rory Mcllory and Justin Thomas were paired with Woods for the first two days of the tournament. Mcllory continued his solid play on Friday and improved his 71 Thursday score to a 69. Thomas, who shot a 69 on Thursday, shot even 71 on Friday and is tied with Mcllory and 10 others for 15th place at -2.
After a rocky start to the tournament, reigning champion Dustin Johnson earned the chance to defend his title with a Friday score of 69. Playing partner, Bubba Watson jumped up on the leader board and held first place after hitting Birdie’s on the first 3 holes. Watson doubled on hole 5 and saw his lead evaporate.
Other notable names : Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood and Phil Mickelson are tied at -1 .
UCLA product Patrick Cantlay currently shares the lead at -7 with Graeme McDowell and Sam Saunders.