FARMINGDALE, N.Y. -- Tiger Woods never looked comfortable at Bethpage Black. His practice round Monday, in the cold and the rain, lasted just nine holes. He skipped hitting the course Tuesday. Then he woke up sick Wednesday and decided to stay away.
He hadn't played a competitive round since his emotional win at the Masters a month ago. That was a concern, whether the layoff would lead to a rough week on Long Island. We have our answer. Woods never really found his groove, the rust evident from the moment he put the tee in the ground for Thursday's opening round.